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 Beamer 3 Series - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Cars4me89 - August 15 - 10:00 am

  What is there to tell, HELLO!!! Its a BMW for under $30,000. What more could you ask for. Well it is a very smooth ride and has good performance for the 2.5 litre 6 cylinder. Although pretty small, still great luxury. Great car for you new teen driver. Also had a wonderful warranty.

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  1 Series...dynamite - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Bob - August 15 - 9:31 am

  Exceptional performance, fun and reliability. Purchased my 135i convertible in Dec 2008 (good time to buy, great deal, low 0.9 financing). Must say we are a BMW family, and also own a 535i, and previously owned a 330i and Z3 (3.0) so we are biased to the exceptional service, warranty, and purchase experience at BMW. Have put 24K miles on it in 9 months with no problems. Very comfortable for one or two people, excellent seats and ergonomics. Purchased this as a replacement to a 2001 Z3 3.0 with 200K miles, so I view the small back seat as extended cargo space. Smooth, for its class, on the highway and exceptional on back roads and acceleration. A true wolf in sheeps clothing.

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  330ci - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By darylw - August 15 - 7:40 am

  This is my 4th BMW. I believe the 3.0 engine best fits the size of the 3-series, with great acceleration and great fuel economy. The E46 product line is a great drivers platform that blends spirited driving traits with nice luxury touches

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  Stay away from this model year - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Mark - August 15 - 1:57 am

  First, I will say that this car is one that is fun to drive. And I have not driven a car that performs better (steering, engine performance). People have written about the high cost of fixing all of the little things that DO go wrong with this car. However, once the car has been returned to me I fall in love with the car again and again. My major problem with the car is that this car has serious reliability problems. I have experienced two problems that show up many times with other drivers of same vehicle. One problem is that this car has a weak subframe that has a tendency to CRACK (BMW fixed for free - see class action lawsuit). Also, see issues with transmission.

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  Awesome - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Bob - August 14 - 11:16 pm

  I picked up my 2009 335i xDrive a week ago and this car is amazing. I look forward to going to work in the morning to drive it. It seems to eat up the road and the 18" run flats with the sport package are unmatched. The growl the car make when you turn it on and step on the gas is worth the price alone. The stereo is incredible, iDrive is easy to use as well as the navigation. I am so glad I stopped in the dealership on the way to check on my Audi A5 that was on order. I drove this car and made the deal that night and drove down the street to cancel the Audi. I have had Acuras, Infinitis and driven my dads Cayman S; this car blows them away. I will never buy anything but a BMW again.

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  Keeps on giving - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By clockgame - August 14 - 10:09 pm

  Ive put over 100k miles on my car and I still love it. I want to be cool and buy the new body style but I just cant justify it. The quality is great. It is a driving machine, this is no car.

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  New Car Impressions - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Joshua7 - August 14 - 1:58 pm

  This is my first BMW. Thought I wanted to own one to see how I liked being a Bimmer owner. Its a nice ride but is TOO expensive for what you get. Not much value for the money. I also hear the whining noise coming from the engine or transmission. Sounds like the whining sound from a turbine, but the car does not have a turbocharger. The sound varies at different speeds and engine torque. Sometimes not very noticeable at all. The seats are also hard comparable to competition. Nice build quality though. Not much luxury options for the buck though.

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  Better than expected - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Navig8 - August 14 - 9:18 am

  Not a BMW fan in general, but bought this after a test drive. Its no sports car, but is fun to drive. Much more importantly the refinement is peerless. Interior reviews for this car are so-so, but I personally love the mixture of simplicity and great build quality - it fits my definition of luxury more than lots of buttons or extra decoration. For me, it was the refinement and composure that won me over, but the gas mileage (25mpg so far) is a bonus. Worst aspect is the attention. People think buying a BMW says something about you (either good or bad) - and either way its totally out of proportion with reality... Its just a sedan for crying out loud!! My $40K Nissan got no attention.

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  Say Hello to Deferred Maintenance! - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By Bobby M - August 12 - 7:26 pm

  Bought the car almost three years ago. My first Bimmer will likely be my last. As much as I love driving the car, it is waaaaay too costly to fix. The plastic (!!) tank on the radiator split 5 days after I purchased the car. Ive had to replace the water pump, thermostat, and power steering pump. Right now I could drop $8k on the car just to fix the many problems that I live with, including: - ABS computer dead (no traction control), - Thrust bearings in front suspension, - Tranny needs to be replaced (but car still drives, - engine failsafe program kicks in about once a month). Now my car wont pass a smog check because the check engine light STAYS ON.

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  Back to Mercedes - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By cowboy693x - August 12 - 3:03 pm

  We have had the car for a year. It has been in the shop for six weeks in total. The engine light comes on when the car gets hot. The main problem is we live in MT. BMW does not take care of there customers, I am trying to get a buy back. I have had three Mercedes in the past, they are not as fun to drive, but they are miles ahead in quality and customer service.