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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  The red baron flies again - 2001 BMW Z3
  By Roy Kulland - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this Z3 coupe for nearly 4 months and it just keeps getting better and better. It is like riding a guided missle - scary fast amazing! I honestly dont have the skill yet to get all the handling and speed of which this car is capable. It really draws the looks and questions too - total fun. Its even a bit more fun after I added the Dinan stage 2 cold air and chip.

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  too many problems - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By johnfra - January 28 - 2:00 am

  This is an absolutely incredible driving car, nothing can touch the BMW driving experience. However, as exceptional as this car is in driving and performance its equally disappointing in its reliability. My car has been in the shop for so many issues I cant recall them all. The majority of the problems were fixed under warranty but I had to have the radiator replaced,new suspension components, a complete new ignition system ( this one was especially fun since the car would not shut off with the key completely removed from the ignition,)along with just nagging problems.

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  Big Money Wasted - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By timber - January 27 - 2:00 am

  Great performance car, but the electrical and mechanical expenses will nickel and dime you to death. Looks great and interior is fantastic, would not own another bmw, ever. Better have a large amount of money for the repair bills. Has been running about a grand every 3 months on my low mileage vehicle.. a 1998 with 30,000 miles.

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  This Car Wont Let Me Leave - 2002 BMW M5
  By Scotty7 - January 27 - 2:00 am

  I keep telling myself this car is impractical, its bad in the snow, I pay huge taxes to own it in Connecticut, its not so great on gas, its even had a couple of problems with the VANOS system (promptly and apologetically repaired while I drove a loaner 5-series), but in the end, Icant part with her. This car is so nimble yet so rock-steady, so fluid yet so precise that I cant ever imagine being happy with another car. Im just spoiled for life now.

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  2007 M Coupe - 2007 BMW Z4 M
  By fasttoys - January 24 - 10:53 am

  Great, fun to drive. Very rare, wont see many on the road. The last true BMW M car with a hand built high rev inline 6. 2008 is the last year of the M coupe most likely never to be built again all z4 going forward will have conv hard top no fixed roof.

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  A Dream - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By tlffxhouston - January 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is a joy to drive and has an exterior design that is plainly beautiful. The interiors design is average and the comfort is average. However, the driving the 530 is pure fun and comfort, with a stronge feeling of safety.

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  Beautiful car with reliability issues - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Jerry - January 22 - 12:33 pm

  I had Infiniti G35 before and hesitated getting a BMW because of poor reliability track record of any new BMW models. The car looks beautiful and drives well, so I listened to recommendations and bought the 335 hardtop convertible. In the 2nd week, the hardtop started to slam down when closing and doesnt tighten. I took it back and its been 4 days and I still dont have my car back. Comfort access features, navigation, and iDrive also have some bugs. While I like the car when its working right, I dont think its worth the hassle. Its been the worst experience with any car purchase across the board.

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  HOW DO YOU SPELL "LEMON"? - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By cpablum - January 22 - 2:00 am

  DONT BUY THIS CAR! THERES A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL THAT CANT BE FIXED, MORE ELECTRONIC GREMILINS AND FAILURES THAN I HAVE SPACE TO MENTION. BMWNA IS PLAYING HARDBALL AND WONT REPLACE THE CAR, BECAUSE THEY KNOW A REPLACEMENT WILL BE NO BETTER!

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  Major Disappointment, Shop Other Brands - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Mike - January 16 - 1:40 pm

  Bought my CPO 328i in April 2008, and the first problem was to already be fixed. Hey, it was small, no big deal. From there, the electrical problems never stopped. After its fifth time in the shop, went to close the door and the whole panel popped off. The problems never stopped until I traded it in for an Audi A4 two months later which made me much happier. The dealer nor BMW corporate would stand behind their product. 2005 was the last of the good years, now they drive like an economy car. They are completely living off their reputation and building lesser quality cars. After four BMWs, I am done!

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  Fun To Drive, But..... - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Pro Akron - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my first BMW and its fun to drive and I feel very safe with the AWD and all these airbags. However, the trunk is so small that on a business trip we ended up having to put items on the backseat. The feel of the road is nice for driving but my elderly mother suffers from the bumps and potholes. Next time I will have to look for a larger, smoother riding car.