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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  BMWi - 1991 BMW 7-Series
  By lar - March 22 - 2:00 am

  Much repairs between 150k and the present 220K. Complete A/C replacement. CD player repaired. Transmission overhaul. Speed indicator, plus cruise control is jerking up/down, tested at BMW to no conclusion, same test result at an independent garage. My next puchase will be a Toyota.

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  This car loves the Autobahn! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By alpinebum1 - March 18 - 7:30 am

  I bought an American Spec 325xi 1 year ago and have been driving around Germany ever since (currently on 3 year tour in Stuttgart). This car flat out rocks! Its as smooth at 130mph than it is at 70. I typically drive between 100mph and 120mph when taking road trips and find myself loving every minute of it. Its even a pleasure to drive around town. I would recommend this car over all others in its class.

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  My red concorde - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Justind - March 18 - 1:19 am

  I must say even with the problems that I have had with my 540i, it still is a pleasure to drive. I am a little disappointed with BMW because over the past years of ownership I have had to replace Sunroof Tilt, control arms, radiator, wheel bearing, instument panel. It is an expensive car to run there no questioning that. That why I have a Honda. The quality of the car is excellent but the reliability could be better. I have never been stranded anywhere but there have ben tedious moments with my 540i. The performance on the car is AMAZING. You get pushed back into you Seat on full trotle takeoffs. The feeling is great. Its like having an f-16.

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  And we have fun fun fun til the dady.... - 2002 BMW M3
  By sbhark - March 17 - 12:13 am

  SMG II is a dream, the best of both world, brings manual fun without compromising real world drivability. The last time I had this much fun was when I first drove a go-kart, and Play Station 2 Grand Tourisimo 2.

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  Owned it for 12 days - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Big Daddy - March 16 - 1:21 pm

  I am so relieved that I am not the only one disappointed in the purchase of this car! I love the styling and performance but it is way over engineered and difficult for a non-owner (read: valet, car wash, friends) to drive. The first tip off should have been the 90 minute "instructional" video that comes with the car. I traded it after 12 days for an 02 MB S-500.

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  The Ultimate Nightmare - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By quikslvr - March 15 - 4:38 pm

  1997 BMW 540I 6speed The car is fun to drive when it works. In 44000 miles the car has been flat bedded back to the dealership three times. The car has been back to the dealership five times in the last nine months for repairs to the cooling system. The car is leaking oil from the engine. BMW tells me there is nothing wrong with the car. The bottom line is they just dont care. This is definitely my last BMW.

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  After 8 months - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Tate - March 10 - 12:10 pm

  Window buttons hard to reach, cup holders useless, iDrive is finicky, A/C and heater not as powerful as my Honda Accord, voice command option is all but useless. That being said I love my 325i. Ive got 10K miles on it now. MPG is okay, handling is fantastic, acceleration is good in auto, great in semi-manual. A young guy in a 2004 330i thought hed get the better of me at a light - he was wrong. Ride is firm but smooth. Car paid for itself when a much younger girl said "Wow, very nice car" to me the day after I bought it - very shallow of me, but it was still reaffirming.

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  fun but not the great car it could be - 1997 BMW Z3
  By fred - March 8 - 7:17 pm

  several small electric problems terrible stereo and speakers for an expensive car back window (plastic) scratches too easily no cup holders! some cheap finishes terrible car on wet pavement (on snow dont even think about it!)

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  Fun to Drive---Annoying Otherwise - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By KMc - March 8 - 3:38 pm

  I love driving this car! However, several things have been a disappointment. I purchased the car pre-owned (mistake), and ended up putting $3000 into it over the first 20 months. The most expensive repair was the clutch. I would imagine the previous owner learned to drive a 5-speed on this vehicle. My 2nd mistake was purchasing from Plaza Motor in St Louis. Worst buying experience in my life. Women, avoid shopping for any car here. You will get absolutely no respect.

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  Sweet - 2002 BMW M5
  By Skyhawks - March 7 - 10:10 pm

  Pretty good but I prefer the M3. Its not worth the price, but wicked handling