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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  High maintenance - 1994 BMW 7-Series
  By maxi - January 15 - 2:00 am

  An enjoyable driving experience. High maintenance cost. Electrical accessories are not reliable. Need cupholders.

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  High maintenance - 1994 BMW 7-Series
  By Maxi - January 15 - 2:00 am

  An enjoyable driving experience. High maintenance cost. Electrical accessories are not reliable. Need cupholders.

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  Life of an M3 by M FACE - 1997 BMW M3
  By black beauty - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This car overall has one of the best looks i have ever seen or owned. The car is a blast to drive but has too many problems to deal with. It has a stupid radiator problem that all e36 have. I loveeeeeeeeeeeee my car but sadly i cant handle the maintance because its wayyy to costyyy

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  My 5-Speed Wagon - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Sharkey - January 13 - 2:00 am

  Apparently a stick-shift BMW 5-series is a tough sell in Los Angeles. So, I landed a good deal on the car. It is equipped with both the Sport and Premium package, Xenon headlights, and Park Distance Control. After owning Japanese luxury cars, you notice the lack of amenities like a center console, extra sunvisors with extensions (the 5-series sunvisors cant really be utilized to shade the drivers side window), an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and an in-dash CD changer. The sport seats can be tough on your left thigh when clutching. All that aside, its the best-handling, highest quality wagon Ive ever owned.

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  Love this car - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By John McAllister - January 12 - 2:00 am

  The is one of the best vehicles I have owned - very cool for a four door sedan. The fun factor is high and the reliability is been very good. Its expensive to repair but thats fine as mine had very few problems.

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  This puppy flies - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By Thomas E - January 10 - 2:00 am

  Im the third owner to this vehicle. I recently purchased it from a friend for a few grands. Besides the fact that its a BMW, I was blessed with its color- electric red. This puppy has over 170k miles on it and still drives super smooth. Friends who drive 2002 non-bmw cars immediately feel the difference when they get into my 90 BMW. If treated right, these engines can gracefully acquire 250k- 300k miles. Ive yet to spend a dime on it. It honestly feels like a $25k dollar car, which isnt even a fraction for its current retail value.

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  How not to design a navigation system - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By ashwini - January 9 - 2:00 am

  If another car (Lexus) in the class offered manual transmission with almost 300 horses then this would be the wrong choice. Lots of little things keep going wrong with the car. Sometimes the service engine soon light with turn-on and gone after 15-20 miles. The electronic key will stop working. But once it starts to move, this is awsome. I live with the minor annoyances since I really want a manual transmission in my car.

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  UGLY Car but Fast as Hell! - 2002 BMW Z3
  By BimmerChck - January 9 - 2:00 am

  This car was extremely fast however, it was one of the ugliest cars I have ever seen!!

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  2000 Z3 2.3 - 2000 BMW Z3
  By Scott in the Rock - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 2000 Z3 2.3 Roadster in November 02. Mine is a 5 speed (dont even think about buying this car with an auto transmission, takes the soul right out of a roadster). This car is awsome. It is a blast to drive and gets 2nd looks everywhere. I had some trepidaton at buying a 2.3 model rather than a larger engine model but the 2.3 is plenty for me. If you are considering this car, pull the trigger and join the Z3 family. You can spot us by the gleam in our eye and smile on our face!

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  740 iL - A Great Touring Sedan - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Chuck123 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  We have put 120,000 miles on our 740 IL. It as an awesome car fun to drive for such a roomy sedan, great performance. An....its not boring! We have had some small but expensive repairs. However, overall it has run like a ..well like a BMW. All repairs are expensive on a BMW. So if you cant afford $1,000 to fix a cruise control(etc.). Dont buy one. But they have a good warranty and I would recommend getting the extended one. I am on this site because we are trading up to a newer 740IL.