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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  Be aware of engine trouble - 1994 BMW 7-Series
  By Unpleasant Surprise - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I like the car a lot, but this one (year and model)is susceptible to an engine problem created by certain additives in US gasoline. The additives pit the cylinders. The engine needs to be replaced and is not fully covered by BMW.

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  Great Car BUT.... - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By ADG - June 17 - 4:10 pm

  Just purchased a 2006 525i this week. This is my second BMW (just upgraded from a 3-series to a 5-series). Overall driving performance of car is outstanding. Like the design, however, I think the technology could be improved. The idrive takes a bit getting used to but is easy to learn. Disappointed to find out that Bluetooth on cellphone not compatible w/ BMW system (I have a new Motorola MPx220 Smartphone w/ Cingular)-apparently PDA- phones like Blackberries, Smartphones, iPaqs, etc. are not compatible w/ BMW system

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  the 325ix is a great car for the price - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By bmgillen - June 15 - 2:00 am

  the old 325ix is a great car, with a couple of thousand of dollars in improvements, at the top of the list being such as the dinan chip and a K&N filter, this car will run with the newer 325xi and give you all the control and stability of the new 4x4 325 at a fraction of the cost. Although a 13 or 14 year old car can be a bit fussy and demand attention from time to time, if you want to look cool on the road, and show up the new 325xi, get yourself an old ix, fix her up nice and the newer BMWs will have nothing on you, especially when the weather gets crappy !

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  Good...not great..Handling BMW - 1999 BMW Z3
  By Z-Man - June 14 - 2:00 am

  First, let me say, I love this car. It is fun to drive and handles very VERY well. However, bumps in the road will defintely throw this light (2900lb) vehicle. Outside of that and the cupholder being in a very odd place, the car is perfect. The engine sounds wonderful, the interior and exterior detailing is beautiful. The engine runs smooth as silk and corners very nicely. Oh, and if you must indulge in this car, do not forget to find one with heated seats!

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  Nice Economical Luxury Car - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By harlequin1971 - June 13 - 2:00 am

  Suffers the same knocks as the Infiniti G20: low power and not enough soul. The 4-cylinder engine will not have you racing your engine at stoplights and looking for trouble. Gas mileage is less than average compared to small, similar engined cars currently out on the market today, 24-28mpg (with 89 octane). Why do I love my car? Intangibles. That kidney grill counts for something, that taletell styling of the 3-series sedan. The fact that I got more attention from the upper management types around the office...intangibles. The price makes for a good value for a used car and everyone will think you spent more.

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  Japanese Cars Are Far Better. - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By Hieu Quachtat - June 12 - 2:00 am

  During the first three months I discovered the following problems: 1. The front right fender was not properly painted. 2. STRUCTURE DESIGN IS VERY POOR. It is a common problem among 1997 BMW 3 series. 3. The left door lock was loosen at 3000 miles. 4. AirCond malfunctioned. 5. Premium sound system malfunctioned. 6. Nuisance warning light illuminated intermittently. 7. Wind noise is terrible. Dealer fixed it by putting transparent tape around door frame. 8. The Service people at Irvine BMW stole money from my car.Should I say BMW dealers has no class? 9. Engine Controller malfunctioned. Had to be reprogrammed. LEXUS IS THE WAY TO GO

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  Fantastic car - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By ekuo - June 11 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car new to replace my aging Integra Hatchback. Essentially, I wanted the 325i sedan but we needed the larger trunk space and utility of a wagon. This vehicle sacrifices none of the sedans handling and performance. We included the sports package, which I believe is a must have for the 325. The handling is sharp, telescopic, and easy to manage. The car simply loves being tossed into a corner. The exterior also benefits from a true wagon design, not the hatch on the sedan design that you might see on some others. The only mechanical issue this car encountered was the faulty auxillary fan.

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  My X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By blince - June 11 - 2:00 am

  I sold a 2000 Mercedes SUV to buy this because I was disappointed with the Benz. The BMW is a much better car in all respects. The only negative is the single cupholder in the front.

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  3.0 X5 - 2002 BMW X5
  By bechic - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Amazing handling and a joy to drive. Drives like a car and hugs the road. Have driven Japanese and American models and this car by far is the best. A bit pricey but worth every penny (for now) until the competition makes a SUV that looks and handles like this X5. Occasional electrical gremlin will show up but so far nothing I can duplicate to get fixed.

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  just the best - 1994 BMW 7-Series
  By pace - June 6 - 2:00 am

  this is the most awsome vehicle i have ever owned. Its a bit slow off the line but onece its moving (hold on) drives and handles like its glued to the road If you can afford to maintain and repair this beast it is truly the ultimate driving machine this one has 145000 miles and still looks new