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 best - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By skiier - August 1 - 2:00 am

  The most fun to drive - and I thought nothing would beat my 93 Taurus SHO. Even with less HP, this one really goes. Love to set the cruise at 100 for long trips - thats when the car is at its best.

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  Nice Machine - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By J Lynch - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is tight, quiet and a pleasure to drive.

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  dealers dont know how to fix problem - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By sali - July 27 - 2:00 am

  after purchasing my 2002 745i, i soon learned that the local dealer (monterey/seaside,ca) has NO clue about this car. In addition, I have had many problems with the software involving the NAV, phone,premium sound system. If I were to purchase another BMW, I would not buy it from the local dealer. They are incompetent

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  1995 540i w/ Six Speed Manual Tranny - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By esqtodd - July 25 - 2:00 am

  With a budget of $20,000, I went to a couple of dealerships and drove some nice cars, like a 2000 Maxima and a 2002 Altima. First, I really dont like front wheel drive cars, which doesnt leave one with many options these days. Plus these cars (even the Maxima) seemed a bit sluggish. Then, I found a 95 BMW 5401 w/ a six-speed manual tranny. I asked about it and the salesguy said, "Oh, its a manual shift...we cant seem to sell it." Well, for me...a six-speed is a real selling point. I took it for a spin and I couldnt believe the torque from that beast ! It had soooo much power and it handled so much better than the other cars I had driven.

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  Bulletproof - 2000 BMW Z3
  By grafals - July 24 - 2:00 am

  After nearly 3 years and only ONE oil change, Im finishing up my FIRST set of tires! This has ended up being the most reliable and cheapest to own car I have ever had. The resales assure me of only a couple of thousand per year to own. Undoubtedly one of the most FUN cars around to drive. Handles and feels great. Gets looks everywhere I go, I cant help but smile.

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  Thanking my lucky stars - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By SHK1123 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  As the title suggests, I am thanking my lucky stars I have had no mechanical problems yet; but am still in first 1k miles. I hope this continues, as one should get reliability at this price. Guess I am glad i leased. It is beautiful, comfortable, and quiet for a convertible. Handles VERY well, but pick-up is a bit short for the price. I have no complaints about BMW, as have others; they have been stellar thus far.

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  Good to buy used - 1996 BMW Z3
  By TWJ - July 22 - 2:00 am

  The prestige and handling sell it. Paid 31k in 1996. Ironically, if you can afford a new BMW then you cannot afford to waste time bickering with the BMW [no] service center. Z-3 not comfy. for >6 hr.s Id projected a loss of $2k per year based on previous BMWs but perhaps because of teh volume of production the loss has been around $3k per year for the Z- 3 and greater for the 328. Otherwise, very happy with the BMW cars. Happy driving, Tim

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  Great Rig! - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By bcav - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Looks great: sleek, fast. Definitely turns heads. Awesome stereo, loud, hi- def, great CD changer. Loads of unexpected but nice "extras": heated steering wheel, power sunshade, memory seats. Expensive to maintain and every little items costs $$ for parts and service.

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  Good Performance - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By ad - July 15 - 2:00 am

  This car drives like sports car and feels like a tank! The solidness of this car is like non other. It has been very reliable and had it in the shop once after the warranty expired for a new thermostat replacement. I would recommend this car to anybody. Its well worth the money spent.

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  FANTASTIC VEHICLE !!!!!!!! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By DANIEL - July 14 - 2:00 am

  THE 540IA BASICALLY DRIVES ITSELF. IT JUST FLOWS FROM ONE GEAR TO THE NEXT AND THE BRAKES CAN STOP YOU ON A DIME. I WAS A BIT APPREHENSIVE ABOUT PAYING SO MUCH FOR A CAR, BUT WHEN I DROVE THE CAR AND READ THE MANUAL AND SAW HOW MANY FEATURES ARE ON THE CAR, I KNEW THE MONEY WAS WELL INVESTED. THE CAR IS EXTREMELY QUIET AND SOLIDLY BUILT. I GUESS THE ONLY DOWNSIDE, IN MY OPINION, IS THE GAS MILEAGE. BE PREPARED TO MAKE FREQUENT STOPS AT THE PUMP, ESPECIALLY IF YOU USE THE SPORT OR MANUAL MODES A LOT.