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 True Sports Car - 2007 BMW Z4
  By Sassy - December 1 - 10:42 pm

  I love the car. Bought it w/sport & premium package - no nav. I feel like I am driving a rocketship stereo with its the THX sound and direct aux for my listening to my iPod. It still has a few minor quirks (like remote door locks - sometimes the passenger side wont unlock w/the remote and have to unlock from the center button), which a car this price should not have. This is the first BMW I have purchased and now understand the obsession. There is no better feeling than putting it into "SD" (automatic trans) and seeing all the other cars left in the dust :)

• 

  Too early to tell - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By jgogan - December 1 - 2:31 pm

  I just purchased this 540i (my first Bmer) in Sept, 07. The car had been well cared for with 130K. I like this car a lot. Acceleration, ride, styling and amenities are all first rate. The transmission is a 5-speed auto that keeps are RPMs down when cruising. Just developed a transmission leak and the heating comes on when it wants to. Presently waiting to be inspected by my mechanic for cause and cure analysis. Im hopeful to create a review after 1 year that comes off a little more positive. I still remain positive though realizing how much I enjoy this car when all is working well. Get back to you in a year.

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  They don’t make ‘em like they used to - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Ray in Northern VA - December 1 - 2:14 pm

  Technologies perfected since the Model-T break on this car, which casts a terrible pall on an otherwise great car. Some components are well-built. Most notable of these is the engine. Unfortunately everything around the engine tends to fizzle. The suspension is great, but I burned through “wear items” like ball joints and control arms in under 50k miles. You need a great repair shop to keep the car running well. Warranty is out, so we’re shopping.

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  Fun To Drive - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By 325 - November 26 - 5:26 pm

  This is a very fun car to drive, excellent performance speed and handling. Very good sound system. When you drive this car you feel like you dont want to drive anything else. The ride was very rough when I first got it but when I got new tires and rims on the car it got so much smoother. It is worth every dollar.

• 

  The Nightmare Continues... - 2007 BMW 7-Series
  By Hollywood - November 26 - 1:49 pm

  I just traded my 06 750Li lemon for an 07...and got another lemon. The 06 was continually in the shop for transmission problems, which after 4 attempts and a new transmission was never fixable. The new 07 has the same problems (I know, "fool me once..."). BMW as a company has been horrific to deal with. The mechanics say that BMW is well aware of the faulty transmissions, but no fix is available. Apparently BMWs policy is "let the buyer beware". Yikes. I now have an attorney instead of a drivable vehicle. Oh well, live and learn! I guess there is good reason why the A8 and the S-class have passed up the 7 series in reviews over the past several years.

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  What A Ride!!! - 2007 BMW Z4
  By Mr. Incredible - November 26 - 10:05 am

  When the worst thing you can say is that the cupholders need to be redesigned, youre on to something. This car is a head-turning, sleek machine with incredible control and power. Great fun to drive.

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  The best of the best - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By crusader - November 26 - 10:00 am

  Sports car handling, luxury car comfort; only BMW could make it happen. Okay, the cars NOT perfect. The cupholders are a joke. The climate control, while effective, is not very sophisticated. The radio is decidedly ordinary for a car costing around $50K. But the car coddles its occupants in the best seats in the business. The handling is the best there is with four doors. The engine delivers ample power (want more, 290 or 394HP are available) while knocking down 30 miles per gallon. The best all-around performer Ive ever driven.

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  really well built - 2003 BMW Z4
  By caarboy - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I traded a 2002 C5 on the 3.0l z4- everything but nav system. Big time driving fun with the 18" wheels, etc. A mini-van rear ended me at 20 mph-I did not get hurt. I had no frame damage or bags deploy and I had the car back in 10 days. Have that happen in your Miata, etc. and call me from the hospital. The critics may hate the style, but John Q. Public does not-extremely fun to drive so if it looked like a Checker cab why would I care? Only bitch-if you fail to turn gas cap two clicks, check engine will come on.

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  ITS GREAT FOR SUNNY CALI CALI - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By lan - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I ACTUALLY OWN A 325I AND ITS BEEN SUCH A PLEASURE TO DRIVE THAT CAR! IT IS THE U. D. M.

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  Best in its class - 2008 BMW 7-Series
  By sam123 - November 25 - 9:17 pm

  The 7 series goes way back, owning many more of them this one is the best. especially from the other competitors like the A8, S class, and the LS. the 7 is a very comfortable machine, very great performance. It will make you fall in love with it in know way you have on a car. If you are thinking about what to get in this range, trust me and get a 7 series. The best car on the planet.