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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  Will Drive 4-Ever! - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By WestKyCrimeInc - April 6 - 12:10 am

  Purchased a 1995 525i in 2003 at 193K miles! Was skeptical at first with mileage, But 5 yrs later I am sold! This 5 series is bullet proof! I have 228K miles on it and I enjoy it very much. The motor is bullet proof, the transmission is bullet proof, nothing breaks! In 5 yrs only repairs have been fan belt, brake rotors and pads, one radiator (broke at upper hose attachment?), oil changes and trans fluid change - thats it! Wow! I drive in LA and its 75-100 mph on the 405 with no problems. LA to Vegas in 3.5 hours with no oil burn! Impressive for 228K miles. Gas mileage at 65~75 is 23 mpg on the highway. City is 16 mpg no matter how its driven I will keep car until wheels fall off!!

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  Best Decision Ever - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Chicagodriver - April 5 - 11:30 pm

  I was looking at BMW xis vs the Infiniti AWDs and for the price the Infiniti packages seem like a better deal but overall, long term quality is not there. I spent the extra money and went with BMW. I traded a 300ci in for the 335xi. What an amazing car. I miss the sleekness of a coupe but this car is a rocket compared to the old 330ci. We had our first big snow fall and the car drove like a dream. I was really pushing it to see when it would slip or the rear would get loose and it was tight. This is a great car for someone who loves speed, excellent quality but lives in the midwest. It is worth every penny.

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  My horrible BMW 528i ordeal - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By millineumlaura - April 5 - 11:35 am

  I bought my 1998 BMW used in 2000 with it being certified pre-owned. My car first overheated and the passenger side window stopped working within the 1st year that I bought it,but I only had to pay $50 to get it fixed under warranty. My car overheated so many times its stupid. I was so scared that my eyes were always fixed to the temperature gage. I replaced the radiator, many hoses, reservoir tank, water pumps, plus the sunroof is stuck, trunk only opens with the key due to the inside buttons not working. This would be a great car if it worked half the time but it was so unreliable that I had to give up on it.

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  First reivew on 2008 E92 M3 - 2008 BMW M3
  By AlpineWhiteM3 - April 4 - 2:12 pm

  Best //M car by far. I love everything about this car. ZTP/2MT is a must options.

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  A Car for the Enthusiast! - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Cosmo - April 4 - 1:20 pm

  Some people purchase cars strictly to get from point A to point B, I am not one of those people. I have always been a car enthusiast, and the 1st time I drove a BMW, I got a rush similar to the moto-cross racing days of my youth. What a machine! The sweet sound of a BMW in-line six approaching the red line is unmatched by any other manufacturer. I test drove Lexus, Mercedes, Infiniti, Audi, all fine cars, but they just dont have the BMW "tight" feel as you carve through corners and rip down the highway.These cars feel solid and planted to the road. The iDrive system is a breeze to use, no complaints. I did put two 10 inch subs in the trunk to boost the bass, and all is well!!

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  Performs, but sensors and cold not good - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By John - April 4 - 11:55 am

  For the first 3 years I owned the car, I only needed to change the oil and some minor maintenance, but in Feb of 2007, it was a chilly -20 degrees Fahrenheit and the crankcase vent froze up and it hasnt been the same sense. In fact, it happened again in Jan 2008. I was able to have it brought to BMW who graciously covered $3800 of the $4000 repair bill. Since then, I have had an oil sensor replaced, dipstick brake off and now my rear suspension coil needs to be replaced (not sure how that could have broken). My next car will be a Honda or Nissan..

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  Absolutely Perfect! - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By femmedrive - April 3 - 10:38 pm

  Love this car more than any other. Purchased sports package, winter package and upgraded further to 19" special order BMW rims w/new michelins (handles even better than with stock), had dealer tint windows (hot in NC during summer). Handling is perfect. Also negotiated for iPod hook up which is now a necessity. iDrive & bluetooth easy to use if you spend a few minutes with it. Less buttons on dash is good - hate a cluttered console. Havent had a single problem with anything. This car is absolutely gorgeous. I cant count the number of compliments I get on it and mostly from men who are surprised its driven by a woman :-)

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  BMW Z4 - 2003 BMW Z4
  By docmatt - April 3 - 10:00 am

  My major complaint is with the low front spoiler. It scrapes on any bump or steep driveway. Very poor design for the road. Also, should be able to start in sport mode and not have to switch it on every time.

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  Perfection in Automotive Engineering - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By A.J. - April 3 - 10:00 am

  If you can name a car that amazes you each time you sit behind the wheel after owning one for almost a year, it would have to be the BMW. I am a picky car owner who has had the privilage in owning many types of cars, trucks, and SUVs. This is my first BMW and I must admit, its a dream and truly "The Ultimate Driving Machine". My wife drives a Mercedes Benz C240 and I cant begin to compare the two. For an automobile under $32,000. Its a great buy in my opinion.

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  Move over, you are in my way! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By prheph - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I grin every time I start the engine and pull out.