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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  First model year blues - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Mike W - May 4 - 10:10 am

  I bought the car in January to just drive in good weather. While the car is fun to drive, it only gets 20mpg on premium. In 4 months I replaced the valve cover, oil pan and oil filter gaskets. My mechanic said this is nothing out of the ordinary. The drivers air bag light will not turn off, 5 other sensors do not function, the side mirror control does not work, the drink holders do not come out, the radio and single disk CD player have problems, etc. I wrote to BMW given these are non-mileage issues and no response. I was used to Nissan "Z" cars that go and go with no problems. What a disappointment.

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  Perfection at its Best ... - 2003 BMW Z4
  By jchen - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I looked really hard at the Boxster and the CLK430, but I finally decided on the Z4. The overall feel and drive of the car is absolutely thrilling, yes even more so than the Corvette and the Boxster Type S! Ive had this car for about a month and I love every moment. Its such a great experience that I try to find any excuse to go out take my Z4 for a spin. So if youre looking for a (great looking) car that has everything and is priced reasonably, then the Z4 is for you.

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  Great Car - 2003 BMW X5
  By Aydin - May 4 - 10:00 am

  BMW engineers should be proud of the X5. They designed/built this vehicle at a platform where other car manufacturers would only dream of and of course try to copy after years of scracthing their heads. As an aerospace engineer, I think they have done a marvelous job in using sensor technology to enhance safety, handling and comfort. The multi link rear suspension is incredible for stability. Even the car key uses advanced technology for comfort and safety. Bravo to all Bimmer engineers!!!

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  Best Cabrio on the Road - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Adeel - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This is the best 4 seater convertible ever.

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  Buyer Beware - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Cathy Berenberg - May 4 - 4:33 am

  My experience with this car has been both thrilling and disappointing. My complaint is that the front end is too low and scrapes against the speed bumps in my parking garage. I had a Chrysler Sebring some years ago that was lower and although there were scratches on the underbelly it didnt do any further damage. Unfortunately, the plastic in this car is inferior and has ripped loose three times within the last four monthes. First, the front bumper had to be replaced when the plastic brackets snapped off at a cost of over $800 to me. The second time, the temperature sensor came loose and scraped the street until the wires were stripped bare. Its now happened again!

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  Still Like it After 6 Years - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Uncle Dan - May 3 - 8:36 pm

  This is my second review. First one was in 2005 when it was 2 years old. Now has 38,000 miles. Reliability has been good - no problems. Maintenance costs high, but its a BMW. Great road car. Handles superbly and engine and manual transmission match perfectly.

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  Incredible Performance and Handling - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By New BMW Owner in SA - May 3 - 3:51 pm

  Im a first time BMW owner. I was looking to upgrade to a vehicle with better handling and performance and I have not been disappointed. I also purchased a Dinan engine upgrade to make a great vehicle even better. Once the vehicle break in period is over, I look forward to really seeing what the vehicle can do. Additionally, the new character lines on the hood, and the new head and tail lights really make the vehicle look sharp. Overall, I couldnt be happier!

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  Love this car - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By howard - May 2 - 6:35 am

  I have had many cars in my life but this is my favorite. I just love this car. The timeless classic style and she handles great. This is my first BMW. I bought it on a whim for $1800 and instantly fell in love with her. She runs great but needs some minor fixes. My new passion and hobby will be to provide all the TLC she needs and restore her to the ultimate driving machine she was meant to be.

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  3rd X5 - X5 35d Best SUV & Great MPG - 2009 BMW X5
  By Jim - April 30 - 11:09 am

  This is my 3rd X5, my X5 35d has less features than my last one... I wanted the 35d and didnt want to order. I get 20 mpg in town, going long distance 35mpg. Great torque, better going uphill than gas engine. Better blue-tooth than previous years, have to let computer system boot...gives chance for car to warm up. Get Rear- Climate package...didnt get like past X5s...should have been patient and waited. My wife will be getting one when her 335 lease is up. 2 SUV family...best value and drive in its class. Must get running boards to finish off the look.

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  Fun car - 2008 BMW Z4
  By fun car - April 30 - 6:15 am

  The standard suspension may be the better choice for most people. I have only 300 miles on the manual transmission coupe, and really enjoy it, but I will install all season ties when I have to replace the OE tires. This may soften the ride and extend the time you can drive the car in the Northeast before installing snow tries.