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:

• 

  BMW 330i - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By ALF - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Great car, but lacks all the extra "gadget" goodies of the Infiniti brand.

• 

  Great car!!! - 2003 BMW M5
  By John Higgen - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I love the car, but actually prefer my CLK 500 more. The CLK 500 feels better in tight cornering. The BMW is faster!!!

• 

  Driving Fun Except The Repair Bills - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By Ron E. - February 25 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 328i used with 44K miles after having it checked out by BMW shop. The driving experience is beautiful with all the power I think is necessary. The automatic is flawless in it smoothness. The engine begs to be driven. The greatest drawback to this car is the repair bills which seem to happen far too often. Parts are not cheap!!!!! Do not buy this model or brand of car unless you can get a warranty from BMW. $1500 worth of service each year is obscene, particularly in the days of Acuras, Passats and Lexus. I will miss the driving experiance, but my retirement will not, Im afraid, allow another BMW in my life!

• 

  Not the Ultimate BMW - 2003 BMW M3
  By Fastlane - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned BMWs (540IA, 528IA) Porsches (930, 944T), Shelby Cobras (427SC, GT500s) and many other American muscle cars dating back to 1964. Although my 2002 M3 convertible with a 6-speed is fast and handles well I dont feel it is the "ultimate" BMW. As soon as I can dump my M3 that now sells for wholesale because of its reputation for blown engines Ill buy an M5 or Mercedes CLK 55 AMG.

• 

  for autobahn drivers not commuters - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By rajdc - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought a used 328i convertible in 1999. it got too problematic after 100K. who ever said german engineering is superior is crazy! ok maybe the perforance and design...but everything else--total crap. At first it gave me problems with the top. It would get stuck, and just act flaky. The car ran pretty well but had a lot of electrical problems--I mean A LOT! Pretty much everything on the dash was replaced at one point--even the HEATING unit!! spent about $5000 in repair.

• 

  Best car on the road - 2003 BMW M5
  By josevelez - February 21 - 2:00 am

  If you want a car that drives like a Ferrari, is as safe as a Volvo, allows you to carry your family and enjoy driving, the M5 is it. This is my second one and for sure Ill have many more.

• 

  fun and exciting - 2001 BMW Z3
  By Richard Ornstein - February 21 - 2:00 am

  A real drivers roadster.Push it hard,enjoy the fel of a great engine,and just what a roadster should be.This car makes me smile big time.

• 

  Superb Euro Sedan - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Blondebeard - February 19 - 2:00 am

  The Â’97 E39 540i Sport is a study in contradictions, completely in-line with expectations. IÂ’ve had mine about a year, and just crossed 72K miles. On the whole, the car has been a splendid purchase. They stop on a dime, handle well, and start to really shine where other cars sign off. With the right tires and fresh clutch, theyÂ’re a blast at track days, too. Imagine that: a family sedan that performs well at the track. Short of an M5, I cannot recall another sedan that can make this claim.

• 

  Solid SUV - 2003 BMW X5
  By totally - February 17 - 10:00 am

  When you shut the door, you will know your in a save vehicle. The SUV sticks to the road and has incredible breaking.

• 

  This is a great sports car! - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By hollybuttitta - February 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is incredibly reliable and a complete workhorse. Its hauls up hills, passes at the slightest touch of the gas, it wants to run! The engine purrs and its ride is really smooth. I cant say anything bad about this car. BMW makes cars that are strong, reliable, and fun to drive. If you have to enjoy driving you need a car like this- its worth the extra money.