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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  happy to date - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By ca snow - September 17 - 10:00 am

  The look is absolutely fantastic. I was looking at the Infiniti G35 but the nose could be any car. This car is distinctive in its styling. Im obsessed with keeping it clean and nick free. Installed an invisible bra to keep front end damage to a minimum. I couldnt be happier with the interior and exterior look and feel.

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  Stuck w/ it - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By TEXanne - September 16 - 2:00 am

  This is a really fun car, but the repairs and tune ups are very expensive. Be sure to include those costs when youre evaluating what car to buy. Even with my warranty, Ive still spent $2100 on repairs and the tune up inspection in one year! The service at the dealership in Austin, TX is beyond horrible (3 times they have told me I need repairs when the part isnt broken). If your BMW breaks down in Austin, take it to Black Forest Werkshop instead. My problem now is that with 91k miles, Im afraid Im not going to afford the repair costs much longer, but after driving this car, Im so spoiled that its hard to find a car Id rather have! :)

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  balanced sport sedan - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Ed Wormuth - September 15 - 1:36 pm

  If well maintained, the E39 BMW is an excellent choice for a daily driver that is fun to drive, safe and comfortable. I have since sold the car and bought a newer MB E350 coupe.

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  mine - 2002 BMW Z3
  By lady with weels - September 12 - 2:00 am

  In one word "GREAT"

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  Released with bugs - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By fisheater80 - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Awsome handling and an absolute road machine for highway or country roads. But way too many bugs for the BMW flagship. Should have waited to release. Intermittent window, radio, trunk release, phone keypad problems. I- drive reprogramming better, but still has bugs. Hesitation at stoplights is the most maddening thing.

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  iDrive Failure - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By I.M. Frustrated - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 97 days. Unfortunately for me, it has been in the shop 55 days and counting. The iDrive system locks up frequently and when it does you lose the radio, phone and navigation systems. I might understand it if this was a buget priced Daewoo or Kia, needless to say, it is not what I expect from a car that costs $80K. As many other people have noted in the consumer reports, the dealerships are worthless at solving the problems. The one Im working with in Buena Park, CA, is no different. BMW does not understand Customer Service.

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  happy camper - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By ted davis - September 8 - 2:00 am

  we finally put to rest our 1982 MB deisel wagon,a slowpoke,but good driver,and solidly built..Looked at Volvos,Saabs,and BMWs. All in high 30s or more.. Took a test drive in a 5 series wagon,checked out storage space and found no strut towers blocking rear space,as in others. The basic 6 is best engine I have ever driven Imagine what a 530 with 225 HP would be like.. The car feels solid and safe. My wife drives it to Houston evry month ( 400 mi. RT),and just loves it. Faults: too much plastic in the interior,and the power seat controls can get broken easily as they are housed in cheap plastic..have had to fix these twice.

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  Should have waited one year more - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By GD - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Just took delivery on 8-1-02, since then the car has spent 90% of its life being service for all sort of problems. Battery keep discharging by itself overnight, need to boost the car every morning. Dealer has no clue what the problem is or how to fix.This is my 4th 740iL. In all fairness the dealer has been very helpfull providing another 745 as a loaner car. Guest what, the new replacement 745 has as many problems as my own car. BMW needs to train dealer on how to service the car. They should have waited another year before introducing this car.

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  Im *STILL* in love... - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Kimo - September 5 - 2:00 am

  If you love to drive and can handle the price, you should own this car. There is nothing else (except the M5) like it. Its fast, tight, refined and inspring to drive. After 16,000 miles I still get excited every morning when I back out of the driveway and head out onto the road.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 1998 BMW Z3
  By tech_786 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I had this car for 6 months and I am very happy. It turns heads and is truly fun to drive with the top down. Engine is willing and car is quick, once on the freeway, more torque is needed for the 2.8.