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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  My BMW X3 2.5i - 2004 BMW X3
  By Spikeyhairboy12 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  If you like the X5, but cant afford it, look at this. The X3 has the looks of the X5, and the pricetag of the 325i. Right now, Im 13 years old. My dad bought one and he loves it! He has to drive about 60 miles a day and its gas mileage is good for a car that size (Im a car fanatic). If you havent driven one yet, do PLEASE!

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  hopefully i get a car like that - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By angelsoft88 - December 31 - 10:00 am

  i want a car just like that so when you need it the most you can crank your sterio and put down the top and let all your stress fly throught the air and hope it dosent catch back up with you. the wind in you face is so refreshing and it just helps you relax, so when ever i get in a car like that i know i will feel secure and i hope i will have no worries in the car of my dreams!!! the end!! that is my dream car!!!

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  Nice Car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By wuhsi - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Well the car is a bit pricy compares with its competitors. However, with BMWs name, it is worth the money. So far, I havent had any problem and I follow the manufacturers recommended maintenance schedule and some extra services to keep my car in good shape. My final word - "who doesnt like the ultimate driving machine?"

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  The best of both worlds - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By ronners - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is really so well thought out and put together that it invariably flatters you as a driver. Handling is excellent, and safety features have been a life saver for me (I recently had to avoid a car in front of me on a freeway who locked up his wheels at 75mph+). You can just hope you never need to find out how good DSC actually is! Aside from that, the car is a joy to drive. Unlike the majority of cars (and dreadful SUVs/trucks) this car goes where you point it.

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  Constant compliments! - 2012 BMW Z4
  By Scott LaRocca - November 12 - 3:42 pm

  We traded in a baseline model 2003 Porsche Boxster for this 2012 BMW Z4. Everything about the Z4 blows away the older model Boxster except handling. While the Z4 is still stellar on hard turns due to its Sport and Sport+ suspension modes, it weighs 500 lbs more than the Boxster and feels like itll fishtail if you dont have excellent control of the accelerator. The Boxster felt like it was pulling you around corners. The Z4 makes you have to pull it around corners. Subtle distinction, but noticeable. Definitely dont regret the trade in though. Its faster than most muscle cars off the line (not a new Stingray though). 0-40 mph before you can blink, and the auto- and paddle-shifting are FAR faster and smoother than you could ever possibly do with a manual transmission. Ive owned Mustang 5.0s that werent this fast off the line, including a Shelby GT. The looks, sound, power, and technology of the Z4 are phenomenal. Just dont get in a wreck with it, you wont win.

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  What can I say... its a Beemer - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Annie - November 6 - 4:00 pm

  My third BMW. My first BMW was the first brand new car I ever owned and Ill probably keep getting a new BMW every time. My first impression of this car is that it feels safe and handles well. Heck, I cant change the model of car I drive, my license plate reads: eBay BMW!!!

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  Not worth the aggravation! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Displeased - October 28 - 6:10 am

  My 8th new BMW is a 330xi. It looks good & it drives good, however, all the aggravation related to the run flat tires has not been worth it. At 30,000 miles, I am on my 3rd set of tires. The bottom line is I dont enjoy this car and I resent BMW for my unhappiness with the car & the company. All the tire noise, the rough ride and all the inconveniences have really soured me on the car. In addition, I find the turn signals and the start button to be needlessly annoying.

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  BMW 530i - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By middle age - October 19 - 6:43 pm

  Excellent sports sedan. Handles well and seats the whole family. One the few sports sedans in this class with manual transmission.

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  Thumbs up - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Sdiver1111 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Great Car....Great Service, they treat you like a valued customer.

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  BMW 323i- Things to watch for........ - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW - October 10 - 10:00 am

  Was not pleased when the window regulators on BOTH the driver and front passenger windows needed to be replaced within 24 months. Also, had to get the moonroof liners replaced twice between 12 and 24 months. Make sure to ask for windshield wipers @ your 12 mo. maint. repairs. (Need to claim they are streaking.) Dont bother writing to BMW about quality problems (windwow regulators) - they will just send you a form letter saying they are sorry to hear from you. Also - the firm they outsource to will be good at calling to follow up on how you felt about your recent repair experiance - but when you complain nothing happens.