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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  Best car in the universe? - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By joynerr - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I started on a six-month long car hunt and drove the new Sentra, Maxima, used GS400s and LS400s, Jettas and many other fine cars. I stumbled upon a used BMW 325 and took it for a drive. It immediately impressed me and I later drove some 328s. I bought a 1998 328i with the Harmon Kardon sound system, sport suspension, and silver metallic paint and am extremely pleased with the car. The car transforms from family sedan to sports car by just flicking it into a few tight turns and down shifting. For around 20k it seems like a steal parked next to the new +20k Taurus in the parking lot.

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  Ronbimmer - 1993 BMW 7-Series
  By RYou - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I would not buy another BMW without manufacturer or extended warranty.. Items that fail are out of site on expense. Examples: Catalytic Converters $ 3500 Examples: Power Steering Pump $ 1500 Other items equally expensive, and this does not cover labor to install. Car has alignment problem inherent to BMW this model, The Rear has no adjustments and wears out the inside of the left rear tire with everything else ok.. I have changed 4 left rear tires, and BMW says, "its not our problem", also BMW Dealer charged for 4-wheel alignment when there is only a 2 wheel alignment according to factory specs. There are NO adjustments in the rear.

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  Wait before you buy - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By The Boss - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 745i back in May and wrote a great review about the car...then the problems. I have a terrible problem with the software in the NAV system and the dealer does not have a clue on how to fix it. My car has been in the shop three times and still is not repaired. If you like the car I suggest you wait another year for BMW to work out the bugs. I cant wait to get rid of mine.

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  BMW 5 series - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Dirtbag - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, sporty, yet smooth ride. Plenty of power for most situations. Interior design functionality lacking - i.e. flimsy pop-out drink holders obscure heat/air controls, poor location for phone unless you buy the outrageous built-in phone. Optional design features, such as fold-down rear seats improve functionality.

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  A-1, for sure! - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By Pt775 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  This is a very nice car, no doubt about it. But sometimes I find my self lacking that extra boost of power when needing to switch lanes or merge, but I will put in a chip in 2 weeks. Dont get me wrong the car is fine as is, but I want that extra 35hp. Aside from that this car is all you need! This car is a VERY fun drive. I had a 1990 525i, and I still prefer this 318iS.

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  Do not buy a 7 series - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Hamed - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Problems, problems, problems. Cooling system, door locks, front end stirring arms, overheating, I am in and out of shops at least 3 times a year. Piece of luxurious junk. unreliable.

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  1998 Z3 1.9 Purchased in 2017 - 1998 BMW Z3
  By E. Morris - August 26 - 6:33 am

  What a HOOT!!! Its got 160K miles on it. I purchased it as a "toy" and not a daily driver (although I find myself driving it more often than not). Im 63" and about 260 and I have ZERO problems fitting into the car!! Now, I will say that because Im "long waisted" in that most of my height is from my waist up...with the top up I have to crane my neck to keep from bashing my head on the convertible top...but with the top down? NO problem!! I certainly would recommend one if you find one thats clean. Used prices are MUCH cheaper than Honda S2000s. The performance on the 1.9 is lackluster but its in essence a motorcycle engine!! Buy you a Bimmer!! The Z3 is fun to drive!! Even with a 5 speed!!!

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  Good but Expensive - 1994 BMW 7-Series
  By Claudio - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This car has Power. At 340 hp, it moves, and so does its fuel. Service and parts is too expensive. Has lots of bells and whistles if you like gadgets. Needs a lot of pampering and maintenance. Still itÂ’s a very classy look and very elegant. Find one thatÂ’s been well kept and serviced. Mine looks great at 137k miles, but at a cost.

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  Take a long test drive - 2002 BMW X5
  By jonnie - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the X5 because it had the most headroom of any of the BMWs. Found the seats very uncomfortable and after a few 1000 miles, can confirm the criticism that the car lacks storage space. (The twin cup holder in the center console, which holds one cup of coffee, is a joke as demonstrated by the fact that there is now an after- market cup holder being sold for the X5.) Airbag light came on after 2,000 miles but am optimistic problem will be easily solved. Make certain you are comfortable with an SAV that is for carrying passengers, not stuff.

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  NICE TO DRIVE, BAD FOR YOUR POCKET! - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By GEORGES - August 23 - 2:00 am

  The ride is great, it is fun to drive, good performance, good looking, but bad reliability... I have changed all the fans rumbling and some rear drivetrain piece because of a strange TIK" coming from the rear of the car when you start up with the car. If you have much money to spend on your car, its a great choice