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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  335 cabrio - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By roman krol - July 5 - 9:29 pm

  Love it, first BMW, traded in 300 srt8 and so far only positive things to say about BMW. Not as fast as srt but it has enough punch to snap your head back. It handles simple amazing. Expensive but still less then MB cabrio and performance of MB is not even close unless you get AMG. The small trunk has plenty of space. Highly recommend!

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  A Quality Car You Will Enjoy - 1998 BMW M3
  By Bryan Delong - July 5 - 4:38 pm

  This is a well engineered car that is a blast to drive. The car is balanced and poised on either back roads or the highway. Maintenance costs can be high, but this is the trade off for owning a great sports car. My M is ten years old and still handles and drives better than many new cars. The convertible may not be for everyone, but I love the top down cruising. Find one that has been taken care of and you will not regret it.

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  An All Around Winner, Esp. for Cold Clim - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By lpm3 - July 4 - 1:38 pm

  Living in a cold climate with snow / ice on the ground for much of the winter, I was looking for an AWD performance sedan. In the end I settled on the Acura RL, Infiniti M35x and BMW 535xi (though I loved the M series, I did not consider them practical for year - round driving in my climate, even with snow tires). From a "thrill of driving" and performance perspective, the 535xi quite simply left the Acura and Infiniti in the dust. Acceleration and handling were no contest 8 months later and a rough winter under my belt, and I couldnt be happier with my choice. Comfort seats and access are a must.

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  4 door Porsche - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By donelonpc - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I got the 540i with the Sports package. Massive 18" rims are incredible. The car has an amazing ride over rough serfaces, yet feels like a stiff sports suspension when needed. It handles on a dime. This machine plain out halls a**. 0-60 in 6 seconds. You have to use the cruise control or get in trouble. I drove a new Boxster, and really believe this car out accelerates and handles the 2 seater.

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  Major Repairs @ 79,000 Miles - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By Madra Dubh - July 3 - 11:10 am

  I bought this well-cared-for car from a private owner in 2005. Car had 63,000 miles. After 3 years and 16,000 additional miles, both my alternator and water pump failed. Total bill, including hoses and thermostat was $2800 (labor, parts and 7% state sales tax!). Other minor problems over the past three years include peeled finish on the BMW hood emblem due to drive thru car wash brushes (about $15 to replace - a bargain!!) and I had broken clips on front plastic “kidney” grilles. Breakage may have been due to engine heat. Each grille costs about $60 to replace. Oh, yeah, just like so many other reviewers, my cup holder is broken too! Maybe its time to sell.

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  Second time around as good as the first! - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By rattlerjw - July 3 - 7:35 am

  This is my second BMW and let me tell you, BMW has made some huge upgrades. Three years ago I owned a 330i sedan w/ M inspired performance package. This car is way better on so many levels. For starters the 300 hp engine is very powerful. In third gear Im already at 100 mph. This car is FAST! Also, the color options are great. I choose sparkling graphite w/ coral red leather. The interior and exterior designs are very pleasing to the eye. Great options are available like the iPod connection, comfort access, and rear park distance alert. Another cool feature is the ability to retract the side mirrors automatically with a push of button. Overall, this is a great car that I highly recommend!

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  Love it! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By tebong - July 2 - 6:03 pm

  This is my first BMW and I love it. Waited 10 years for it and it was worth it. Handling is great! Love the quite interior.

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  Buy it if you are thinking about it - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By dbmw - July 2 - 2:03 pm

  Best car Ive ever owned and it performs wonderfully both in town and on the open road.

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  Great looks & Great drive - 2001 BMW Z3
  By gatoralias - July 1 - 11:51 am

  Purchased 2001 Z3 3.0 June 2008. Car is in immaculate condition. Test drove in the rain well. Tight handling, stiff ride (fine with me!), and exciting response. Doesnt blow around on the interstate. Answers the need for speed quickly. The 5 speed manual transmission is great fun. I am enjoying driving it very much even though I have to keep wiping the drool from my friends off the car.

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  Fun and practicality in one package - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Matt S. - July 1 - 11:41 am

  I bought this car as a CPO with 13,000 miles on it. I have not been disappointed at all. Living in Southern California, this car does it all for me, from running to the grocery store to taking it for a run in the mountains. This is not a weekend toy for me I use it regularly. I drove this car cross-country and was pleasantly surprised by comfort level it gave me on a 6000 mile trip. Its performance is excellent it sticks to a mountain road like glue even on wet/icy pavement. I have every option but the nav system the power drivers seat definitely ups the comfort level. I definitely recommend the 6 speed manual its a pain sometimes in LA traffic, but worth it overall.