Overview & Reviews

BMW is an acronym for Bayerische Motoren Werke AG -- or, in English, Bavarian Motor Works. Whatever you call it, the German-based company is one of the world's most respected automakers, renowned for crafting luxury cars and SUVs that offer superior levels of driving enjoyment.

Founded in Munich, the company began in the early 1910s as an aircraft manufacturer. BMW's current logo, designed to represent white propeller blades against a blue sky, reflects these origins; its blue-and-white color scheme also references Bavaria's blue-and-white checkered flag.

It wasn't until 1928 that production began on the first BMW automobile, the Dixi. The car proved tremendously popular, and its success helped the manufacturer weather the Depression. BMW's best-known pre-World War II vehicle was the Type 328 roadster, a supple two-seater that racked up more than 120 victories on the motorsport circuit between 1936 and 1940. Postwar BMW cars maintained this tradition, with several racing, rallying and hill climb victories.

The early 1950s saw the launch of the BMW 501, a roomy, voluptuous sedan that was resplendent with all of the hopefulness of that era. It was soon followed by the 502, which was powered by the world's first light-alloy V8, foreshadowing BMW's ongoing commitment to developing new technology. The best-selling BMW of that decade was the Isetta, a petite two-seat "microcar" typically powered by a 12- or 13-horsepower engine. The mid-'50s also saw the debut of the limited production and breathtakingly beautiful 507 sports car, which had an alloy body and used the 502's V8 for propulsion. In the 1960s, BMW sales strengthened significantly, thanks in part to the immense popularity of the 1500, a sporty family sedan.

By the 1970s, BMW was establishing itself as a full-fledged car company. It was a pioneer for many emerging technologies, including turbocharging and advanced vehicle electronics. BMW of North America was established at that time, and consumers who coveted both sports and luxury cars became loyal "Bimmer" owners. The '70s also saw the birth of BMW's three-tier sport sedan range consisting of the compact 3 Series, midsize 5 Series and large 7 Series cars and the creation of its performance M division. Though the 3 Series could be had with four-cylinder power, it was the company's inline-6 engines that developed BMW's reputation for spirited, yet highly refined performance. At decade's end, the limited production, short-lived M1 supercar debuted.

Throughout the 1980s, BMW became the unofficial poster car of yuppies, as the brand ostensibly signified one's financial success as well as a passion for driving. The elegant 6 Series coupe debuted, and the latter part of the decade saw the high-performance M division working its magic on various production models.

In the early 1990s, BMW replaced the 6 Series with the powerful (V12-powered at first) but heavy 8 Series grand touring coupe. A bit later, BMW introduced its popular Z3 roadster. The company also opened its first U.S. manufacturing plant in the latter half of the 1990s.

The 2000s brought a midsize SUV (the X5) as well as a compact SUV (the X3) as BMW joined the hot-selling segment. Since then, BMW has replaced the Z3 with the Z4, introduced the compact 1 Series, produced hybrid versions of a few models and debuted the X6 fastback crossover. The company has also expanded its empire to include Mini and Rolls-Royce and continues to build motorcycles, something it has done since the 1920s.

BMW's famous advertising slogan describes each of its vehicles as "the ultimate driving machine," and it's not mere hyperbole. Over the past couple of decades, BMWs have become the standard for performance and luxury in most of the "over $30,000" segments. With family-friendly wagons, crisp sedans, distinctive coupes, nimble sports cars and spacious SUVs offered, BMW's model roster is diverse. But its vehicles all share a common characteristic: the ability to make drivers feel gloriously connected to the road.

User Reviews:

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  Big time repair bills - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By bentrodri1 - March 31 - 2:00 am

  This car is idyllic for the performance driver that likes to go fast.

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  E36 pride - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By dblblkskier - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Best car my family or I have ever owned. It out handles, out accelerates, and has a higher top speed than any of our previous cars. The car has had only minor problems which I have been able to fix at home with VERY limited tools. We did a minor paint job on the side-skirts, and front and rear bumper covers to make them body color. With this small modification, it looks like a 98.

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  Fun Drive Insane Maintenance - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By cestrada - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought our 328i coupe certified 3 years ago with 49,500 miles on it. Within 1 year, "certified" didnt cover the frnt brakes ($495)or back brakes ($520). Rock marks on hood were covered with touch-up paint that washed away after 6 mos. It looked so bad that we replaced the hood for $350. On-board computer and Check Engine lights come on = $50 co-pay just to have it looked at. We have put about $2600 in maintenance into this car, not including oil changes. With $5000 down pmt and $300 per month payments, that is just too much money to spend for three years. Lease is up next week and we are not buying because I cant handle more maintenance costs.

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  97 Z3 Value - 1997 BMW Z3
  By NJMarkR - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Overall, even with the 1.9L engine, its not a bad cruising car. Certainly great gas mileage. Being a BMW, I expected a better quality vehicle. This car has less than 15k miles, garage kept, never in rain or snow. The seats rock, the power window buttons fall in the console, gas gauge is eractic and BMW dealers want to charge excessive amounts to repair what shouldnt break within 10k to 15k miles.

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  528i can go a long time - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By budokan - March 14 - 2:00 am

  needed new cat conv at 135K, various bulbs, trunk release, interior lighting, headlight bulb, minor oil leak seal housing. fun to drive. safe. fast. got 147k now going for 200.

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  Freude am Fahren - 2001 BMW M5
  By Bob Westlake - March 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car Ive ever, and I mean EVER, owned. Everything is perfect and its easily the most fun you can have with a 4-door on the road today.

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  Just dont break anytning - 1992 BMW 8-Series
  By K Elliott - March 9 - 2:00 am

  Dinan Engineering took the car and "supercouped it". Significant engine and suspension modifications done resulting in a very different automobile than what came out of the factory. Original auto is very nice, however, somewhat underpowered. A true GT car, for the right driver there are few more pleasing automobiles on the road. But, should something go wrong...get out your checkbook and it wont be pretty.

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  They almost made it - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By bto - March 5 - 2:00 am

  With out a doubt BMW took a chance and put all the technology available into one car. The result is a formidable driving machine. The problem with taking these kinds of technological leaps is who is going to fix it if there is a problem. We have owned the car one month and have had the second system failure in the car. The first problem was with the dynamic drive system. The dealer was very accomodating but it took a week to diagnose the problem and get the right parts. Now we have our second repair in one month. If we have anymore difficulties with this car I will return it under the Lemon Law.

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  Pure Bliss - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By genie2k1 - March 1 - 2:00 am

  This car provides the most satisfying driving experience u can get from family car with four doors. Sufficiently fast, excellent build quality (except for a few minor glitches), superb handling and performance. This car is just great. Get a feeling of euphoria when driving it, so much that I find myself looking for excuses to drive it. Pure confidence. Engine has nice muted growl, gets ur adrenaline pumping. Acceleratoin is great, even with auto. Cant believe there is only 2.5 liters under there, feels more like 3.5. Styling is timeless. THIS IS THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE.

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  Fun to drive...but SECURE? - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By barmem - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive, amazing acceleration, tightest turn radius Ive ever seen, and corners on a dime. Had some intermittent mechanical/electrical problems - but heres the concern on this car, people: Its been stolen twice in the last month. Both times, the thieves bipassed the FACTORY alarm without tripping it and started the car without touching the ignition or damaging the column whatsoever. BMW said it was impossible until they saw the car once we recovered it. Then they said there must be another key out there...until they accounted for them all. BEWARE...theyll say its theft proof...but its not any more.