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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  Sweet ride that costs to drive - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Greg - September 3 - 7:40 am

  Bought this car used with 32000 miles on it in 2004. I now have 69000 miles on it. Fast for a large car and stylish. Lots of interior space!! Had to replace the radiator 3 times. Replaced the ABS module - $$$$$.

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  Uber Wagon 18 Months Later - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Ian T - September 3 - 7:26 am

  2nd Review. Everything I wrote in 6/08 same except for one recurring power delivery problem. The car has small power interruptions at intermittent intervals. Very annoying but not disabling. Only set a "code" once. 3 trips to dealer to fix plus 1 with a factory engineer in attendance. Never fixed. Destroyed driving experience. Finger pointing between BMW and Dinan. Removed Dinan software but problem remained. 6SM no longer notchy. No other problems but this one caused me to Lemon Law. BMW made a deal for new 2010 w/me instead. My 535i sedan 6sm to be delivered soon. Fingers crossed. The wagon is still beautiful inside and out. It is a piece of art but this aggravation isnt worth it.

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  A beautiful friendship - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Mike Wehner - September 2 - 12:13 pm

  Purchased CPO with 31,000 miles in 2003. Dealer maintained with 112K on the clock. Runs and drives as new. Still returns 24.7 avg city/hwy mileage. Recent tires and shocks have restored the ride quality. Engine is simply superb. Still gets compliments and turns heads. I think the secret is to keep up with the BMW recommended maintenance, dont beat the car, and to use a cover if parked outside during the work day. We liked the car so much that we went out and bought an X3 so we no longer argue about who gets the Bimmer today...

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  Our Florida Dream Car - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Frankie. & Sue - September 2 - 10:38 am

  Having recently moved down to St. Petersburg, Florida from Collingswood, New Jersey, my wife and I decided to trade in our boring 2005 Camry XLE for a Certified Previously Owned 2005 BMW 330Ci Convertible. It is our first Beemer/Bimmer and we love it! There is definitely a reason they call it the Ultimate Driving Machine. It is that incredible connection to the road. Hugging the road as if on a rail and its smooth strong power make a good driver into an excellent driver. This is why it is always #1 in all the car mags...try one and you will be spoiled. It is our Florida Dream Car!

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  Get it now!!! I aint going back... - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Bimming happy - September 2 - 12:50 am

  Came from 2006 GS 300 and now into the 535i with M Sport package. What a difference! Got mine this past Wed on a lease. 1. Handling, off the line, and comfort very good. I am picky when it comes to road and general noise and so far the Dunlop run-flats are fine. 2. Fit and finish indeed are unmatched. 3. New iDrive actually is very intuitive voice commands are natural. 4. Head up display is the coolest and should be standard on cars in this class. 5. The 20-way seats that I got "hug" me when I start the engine picky about lumbar and it sure does not disappoint. I am so glad I went with the Bimmer aint going back! If youve been thinking about one like me (for a long time), go for it.

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  Sensor Headache - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Tfjng - September 2 - 12:27 am

  I had owned this car for about 3 years now and it has been giving headaches with sensor lights coming on like Christmas all year round. The most common lights/failure is the odometer where ASC, ABS, Engine check lights all comes on at once. When this happens, the dealer charges an arm and a leg to have them fixed. Most time it is the stupid ASC Module that failed which is an expensive equipment to replace. BMW dealerships repair are a repair. Bunch of rip offs. They charge you by just talking to you. $140 for a scan check, then a few thousands for repairs. Dont buy these cars if you cant handle stress.

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  335i great car - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Mike - September 1 - 3:56 pm

  Excellent car and value. Turned in my 530i and the 335i is a better car, super fast and more fun to drive.

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  Ultimate driving machine! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Matt - September 1 - 3:12 pm

  This is truly a spectacular car. I bought it as a second car to use as a commuter vehicle between New Orleans and Houston. The car gets great gas mileage while delivering spectacular performance at the same time. It handles well and just has a rock solid feel to everything. I used to have a Jaguar X-type and this car just runs circles around it... so far, very happy. I hope to have this car for many years to come.

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  Bring My Wallet ie. BMW - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Thomas & Susan - September 1 - 1:03 pm

  The styling of this car sets it apart from all others in its class. This is our second BMW and Im a hard sell for import cars. BMW gets greedy with there options they are priced to high and there is no such thing as a base model on the lot.

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  Lured by 0.9% CPO... - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Mike T - September 1 - 9:00 am

  I traded my original 5 speed 525i for this 330xi after prowling the lot for months. Same color combination, 4 years newer. Wow. I guess there comes a time when you have to admit that time marches forward and the new features are awesome...bluetooth, Logic 7 and AWD are light years ahead of the 02 525i, plus this is faster and tighter on curves.