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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  Get ready for hefty repair bills - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Swooze - March 18 - 3:31 pm

  I purchased this vehicle as a Certified Pre-Owned. Under warranty I had a broken brake caliper and right front window motor replaced. Largest out of pocket expenses are the brake jobs costing $450 or more for either front or rear. Now Im having a problem with the interior fan blower motor so back to the dealer before my extended warranty runs out in July. The car has truly spectacular handling, but the repair and maintenance costs are the highest of any vehicle Ive owned. I will think twice before buying another BMW.

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  The car is pretty good....but pricy - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By BennyChang - March 17 - 4:06 am

  The car is good overall but some lil porblems.

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  325Ci, fun but not cheap - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By killorhome - March 16 - 7:40 am

  Right from start of ownership, several trips to shop (moonroof, front passenger seat, trunk lock, body molding, O2 sensor) thank good covered by new car warranty. Car not aging well. While still looks & drives great, several sensors (MAF,PCV & steering angle) all have gone bad within 1 year. Total expected cost $1600! Not to mention several interior trim pieces (C-pillar liner, both driver/passenger window moldings & the gear shift knob are either broken or falling off!!) I got a feeling Im getting ready for a major break down & it might be time to sell.

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  One month review - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By beebopjazz - March 16 - 6:43 am

  I love the car. Was reluctant to get rid of 98 A4 (6 Cyl) but after a few weeks, no second thoughts. 325 is so easy to drive, handles great, shifts great, and I find myself driving on highway at much higher speeds than ever before. I regret no European delivery or going for upgraded stereo. Would love car just as much without seat power options.

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  Kid again! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By gmedley - March 16 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun to drive car I have ever owned. I always feel like a kid again when I am driving the Z4, which is saying a lot for a 59 year old man. The car is very forgiving of any driving errors and its ability to stop is amazing. The style of the car is apparently of some controversy. I can only tell you that I like the style and it grows on you with time. I find that its gets quite a lot attention as I drive.

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  Improved E39 - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Dantheman - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Just changed my E39 528 for E60 E60...completely happy with design. I loved my E39 but was outdated...the E60 is getting more and more attention from people. I love the new style...it will be another classic. Same fun driving this car...I passed on the the adaptative driving...can t improve something that s perfect. looking rward to ne next 3 years of fun driving

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  First Car - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By David - March 15 - 10:25 pm

  I had wanted a BMW since I was little and I got a 323i for my 16th birthday. I love this car! It has everything you could want. Handle like a dream. Has all the speed you need, with very good gas mileage. After owning it for about 3 months though things started to go wrong, and the repair can be VERY costly! The car is very safe too. I was in a rear end collision and the other car was total but hardly any damage was done it my car. I would recommend this car to everyone, but have it inspected FIRST!

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  Best deal to be had! - 1999 BMW M3
  By V - March 15 - 9:39 pm

  The car is excellent all around. With this bmw, you get it all - style, performance, luxury, and BMW prestige. You can drive in all types of weather, including snow with snow tires, without any problems (except that youll find yourself wanting to garage it in the winter!). I drive my m3 hard, and it has always performed flawlessly. I am impressed with all of its performance characterics. Dont let small HP and torque number fool you - the germans really know how to put the power onto the pavement with this car. The trunk is plenty big, the back seats could be bigger. Reliability has been excellent with proper maintenance.

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  Fun but... - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By D - March 15 - 9:23 am

  The perfomance is as expected, very good. The reviews in the mags are correct, it is a fast car. High marks for style and perfomance - fuel consumption is what you should expect from a car like this - its a true sports sedan. Get the sports package, well worth it.

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  Rockin - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Robert - March 14 - 10:44 pm

  This is the perfect car. Handles awesome, the combination of power versus fuel economy is phenomenal and the quietness and comfortable ride are totally there. Not to mention badass looks! The car is gorgeous. I have the black with tan interior. Nothing on the road is as beautiful except maybe the Benz 500. This thing runs like mad when you want and smooth as can be when you want to lay back. Stable as can be under rough pavement and braking is first rate. My former car was a 3 series and I miss the razor sharp handling, but the 3 was a little "touchy". Not so with the 530i. I have the premium package, the regular sound system is ok with me and the seats are very comfortable.