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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  A fun car that never goes out of style - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By seabow2 - December 21 - 11:53 am

  Purchased my Bimmer a year ago from the 2nd owner with 130k miles on it. On a scale of 1-10 it was an 8.5 due to the previous owner not driving it very often. I mention this becuase I want to give this vehicle a fair rating. The 535i is supposed to a well built vehicle and I believe it be. I had to replace quite a few small items to make this car fully functional. Once that was completed, this 17 year old car was like new! The handling is exceptional and the responsiveness is great. It is a pleasure to drive on a daily basis. I would buy an older 535 any day of the week over a lot of newer cars. Im glad to see BMW started making them again because they are truly wonderful.

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  The E60 is a triumph - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By ATOMICPunk - December 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is a sexy beast. Few sedans promise thrills, but this one delivers. Sure, steady power of the engine, coupled with the well-balanced set-up, simply kicks butt. But its not all thrills and speed, the luxury of the interior is simple, elegant and understated. A perfect complement to this sporty ride.

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  Awesome vehicle! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By jonr - December 21 - 2:00 am

  I test drove Lexus, Infiniti, VW, Nissan, and Mazda before making my decision, and the BMW 325 was by FAR the absolute best performer of all! It is the tightest, most stable car I have ever driven! It corners like its on rails, and the big Inline 6 has a ton of torque! Test drive one and you will see! I HIGHLY recommend you get the sport package as well, as it makes a big difference.

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  Awesome - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By litg8r - December 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my third 3 series BMW. Still have a 95 325iC for summer, had a 00 328i, but the 04 325xi is by far the best. Handling, comfort, performance - nothing can beat a BMW. Awesome car.

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  Very Bad BMW - 2005 BMW X5
  By Adam - December 20 - 3:55 pm

  From day one this vehicle was a major disapointment. Spent almost 60K on vehicle that went through brakes every 3000 miles after the first service. Was in dealership almost every 2-3 weeks. Very noisy and very poor in snow. Most dissapointing was dealer response. Said I must be driving with two feet. Have two other 5 series with a total of 100,000 miles on them and no brake problems. Dealer has refused to honor warranty after only 24,000 miles.

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  Fun but costly - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By shmeezil - December 19 - 3:53 pm

  Most fun car to drive Ive ever owned when its running. In 9 months of ownership have spent over 2K on repairs. Best advice is to find a competent independent mechanic who specializes in Bimmers. Going to the dealership for repairs or routine maintenance is a very costly and time-consuming adventure. From a drivers perspective the car is awesome. Enough power off the line and especially when passing on the freeway over 60. The steering makes you feel like youre connected to the pavement. If you can afford the repairs and downtime, this is a fun car to drive.

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  Excellent car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By mwaci - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I really love this car. Engine could be a bit more powerful.

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  Pure sports car for mechanics - 2002 BMW M3
  By JASON YU - December 19 - 12:30 am

  You have to be either mechanics or available for extra money for repair. Its been 18 months since I bought my M3 vert. I only could drive my car for 12 months. Other 6 months? It had been at the shop for repair. So far spent 8000 dollars on only repair. Here are some highlights. Motor mount, tranny mount = $1000 Smg2 transmission issue(broken gear selector detent springs) = parts $50, labors $1050 total: $1100. smg2 clutch assembly replacement with new slave cylinder= $2500 drive shaft center suppport bearing=$500 Used smg2 hydraulic pump unit=$1000 smg2 hydraulic replacements with coding=$1300 other minor repair=$800 Willing to spend more money in repair than the car value? Then this is the car for you.

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  The Baby Beemer - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Cristal - December 17 - 7:10 pm

  This car is incredible. I mean when you buy it you think its great. But when you get to use to it and drive it for a while the BMW experience just keeps getting better - from engine performance all the way down to comfort and looks. Its got all you need.

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  Fun car - 2004 BMW X3
  By Gerrit - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Great Car, fun drive but a little stiff. 3.0 is the engine to go with if you want to have some reserves, the 2.5 we have is great with a stick. Great design and wonderful for a family with lots of storage and trunk space.