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 Mother In Law Was Right. Darn it. - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Jaybear - November 9 - 11:38 am

  My mother in law had a bad experience with a BMW in the 1980s, and told me that "BMW" stood for "Break My Wallet" when I drove home my beautiful brand new 2002 330i. Well, she was right. In addition to expensive regular maintenance costs, I paid a staggering $10,000 in post-warranty repairs, including a replacement transmission, broken drivers side window motor, radiator leak, tire rims that mysteriously cracked, headlight control switch, and seat motor. When the car worked, it was gorgeous and fun to drive, but not nearly worth the obscene repair costs. Adding insult to injury, my mother in laws judgment was correct, and I just traded in my BMW and then bought a Lexus like she did.

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  WOW!! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By tyndaris2000 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  With the 325Xi is imposible to get in trouble. Neither New England rigid winters nor humid Summers can make gthis car underperform. All the electronic gadgets actually work. (I personally tested every single one of them).

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  Car is AWESOME!! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Robby - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I really enjoy this car. It has the power when I need it. The styling is beautiful. I get comments all the time on how pretty it is and how its engineered. The best thing BMW did was change the style of the new 3.

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  Best bang for the buck sports coupe - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By bimmerreaper5 - November 8 - 12:02 pm

  Ive owned Trans Ams, Corvettes, and other American sports cars and decided to step it up in quality. Having test driven Mercs and other import sports coupes, there isnt another car I would have over this one. The power in 6th gear when on the highway is still responsive enough to pass with and doesnt need a lower gear. The sport package makes this car handle just as good stock for stock against a corvette and will surprise you with its acceleration despite its small horsepower number. I continue to get 30mpg at high speeds on the highway which is simply indescribable. It is a BLAST to drive and puts my previous V8s to shame in fun to drive yet its docile enough to commute in.

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  Total Exhilaration! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Kathryn - November 8 - 3:06 am

  My husband wanted a BMW for a long time. I wasnt as convinced what all the fuss was about... but now he cant get behind the wheel. I love my Monaco Blue Coupe! When I put it in sport drive, I just feel exhilaration! Looks very sporty and edgy! Just love it!

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  Still impressed - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Bill Botz - November 7 - 10:21 am

  Purchase went smooth, did my homework, knew what i wanted. The most impressive thing about the car is the immediate torque gratification, and the amount of thought they put into the engineering aspects of the car - every aspect. I have still yet to find anything I dislike about the design and it has been 6 months! I absolutely love everything about it. One of those purchases that works out be more satisfying than anticipated long after. Not a cheap car, but a bargain for what you get.

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  Wow!!! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By jelani - November 6 - 5:21 pm

  I have owned a 2000 328ci for about a year & have put about 12,000 miles on it (120k on vehicle total). This car is a dream. Have not had any problems & get people inquiring about it almost daily. The styling is so wonderful that people always ask if its new and its 8 years old! I think Im hooked. BMW all the way from here on out. Also found that parts on the vehicle are no more expensive than your average Chevy or Ford. NOW THE LABOR AT A BMW DEALER, thats a different story but there are several repair shops in my area that specialize in foreign repairs. Only thing I had replaced is the cam positioning sensor which was 75 bucks & 1 hr labor ($65) to install at a local service shop.

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  Still the Sexiest Car on the Road - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By daveuc97 - November 6 - 10:31 am

  It has been 4.5 years since I bought it and I still get excited every time I get behind the wheel. You can punch it through the sharpest of curves and fly up and down the steepest of hills will full confidence that this machine will exceed your expectations. Solid ride! Better thrill than a roller coaster! In fact, the other day, while resting at a stop sign after a fun filled heart pounding 10 minute joy ride thru the Connecticut countryside, I actually thought I heard the car mutter, “how’d I do?” Add on the fact that this is still the best looking car on the road and that it has the sweetest engine purr you will hear from a car in this class, I have myself a solid purchase!

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  4000 Mile BMW test - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Tony - November 5 - 10:05 am

  Very smooth and powerful engine. Passing on 2 lane roads acceleration 50 to 90mph is quick. Engine torque allows 6th gear acceleraton at highway speeds w/o downshift. Amazing torque for 3Ltr engine. Much better than wifes Acura TL. At high altitude in Colorado I was amazed at ability to use cruise control on I70 over loveland pass at 11000ft elevation. 6spd auto trans ensures engine always in correct torque band. Brakes easily modulated and strong. Handling outstanding. Car goes where you point it. In corners sets up quickly and tracks easily. Able to corner at higher speeds with confidence. During 4000 mi trip in sept 08 averaged 30.2 mpg During trip from AR to SD, UT, CO back to Ark.

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  Best sports sedan, period. - 2009 BMW M3
  By DAVID WHITNEY - November 4 - 9:15 pm

  My instructor rolled my Porsche GT3 last spring (totaled, we werent injured!) but I dont miss it a bit after driving this car in anger. I passed on the nav, having put up with a lousy one in previous Bimmer, and not wanting the iDrive, and dont miss either one at all. Also got the blended cloth and leather interior and highly recommend.