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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  Still an Ultimate Driving Machine - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By White 2 Dr Coupe - November 8 - 3:18 pm

  After owning this car for five years I still enjoy the ride & performance of this vehicle. It makes just driving to the grocery store a pleasure. Keeping it clean brings comments to me all the time, like what year is your car and when I tell them they dont believe it. They say that car still looks new. And it feels good because I stay up on the maintenance.

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  Awesome - 2007 BMW Z4
  By Peter - November 7 - 5:31 pm

  I was initially hesitant about buying a roadster, but after owning this for two months I wished I had purchase this sooner. Make sure you get the stick shift because thats half the fun. Also get the sports pkg with the sports mode and upgraded wheels. The sports mode provides livelier accel and steering. When driving the Z, the car is truly one with the driver (me).

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  **Update** to "top of its mkt segment" - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By cjclemson - November 7 - 11:41 am

  This is an update to the review that I posted back on 19Nov02. Five years and 76K miles later, the car drives just as well as when I bought it. With that being said, it has had its share of electrical problems (replaced front drivers window motor, front passengers window motor, and both rear tailight assemblies because of a melted wiring harness). The total of those repairs was around $1,000. Not too bad for 5yrs, but still unacceptable for two window motors to go bad within 5yrs. Overall great car that I plan to keep for hopefully many trouble-free years to come.

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  330Ci - Ultimate Grinning Machine - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By BrianE - November 7 - 10:00 am

  My 330Ci puts a smile on my face every time I get in it, drive it, or wash+wax it. The car is literally a feast for the senses; the styling is pleasing down to the smallest detail, the exhaust note is throaty and powerful, the acceleration/handling is nimble and quick, and the Montana leather adds just enough to the atmosphere. Simply put, the car inspires confidence in its abilities and nurtures the drivers abilities through the responsive feedback system and a generally forgiving nature. You feel safe in this car-- the brakes, the Dynamic Stability Control, the six-pack of airbags and the visibility at night with the Xenon headlights.

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  Cant Imagine Driving Anything but a BMW - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Tex330Ci - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I have had the car for 13 months and still cant believe it took me 31 years to discover BMW. The chasis design, coupled with the outstanding braking power and old-school steering (mine was made after 5/1) make this one of the funnest cars I can imagine. The acceleration is smooth and refined. You will not experience torque-steer or fading of the power band at any speed. The balance in the car is indescribable. The make-to-order buying experience was fantastic and I cant imagine owning anything else at this time.

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  Fun Car - 2002 BMW M3
  By Fun Car - November 6 - 5:49 pm

  Great car. Gets around 25 mpg on the freeway! Only reliability issues have been the window trim, ignition modules & other minor things. 100,000 miles and still going strong!

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  still a great car - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By jeepguy - November 5 - 1:13 am

  Bought the car with 140K and drove it home (eBay...1000 miles away) getting 28 MPG all the way. I thought I wanted a 540i till I saw the MPG. Kept it mainly as a road trip vehicle for a year, then started driving it daily. Here we are 2 years and 25000 miles later. My only monetary investment has been tires, brakes, a/c compressor, spark plugs and a radiator. Not bad for a car with 166,000 miles. Still runs very strong, corners like a dream, great curb appeal. My wife tries to trade vehicles with me on an almost daily basis (Grand Cherokee Overland). The valets all ask me to let them know when I may be selling it!

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  E39 best 5 series of all time! - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By DMO - November 4 - 6:12 pm

  Bought it with 30K on it after trading in my 328i. Still have it with 100K and its been the best drive I ever had. Also own a 03 330 convertible and still like the solid, smooth ride and power curve of the 98. Its as tight as a drum, no rattles. All E39s need an aftermarket water pump at 50K due to the plastic impellar, thermostats every 30k, and a better cupholder which can be retrofitted in the change holder. Im thinking of getting a new 3xi series, but cant bear parting with the 98. Oh yeah, no iDrive!!!

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  The Z - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Cuda Jake - November 4 - 10:00 am

  The Z4 is fun to drive all the time. We have taken several long trips >1000 miles the trunk holds 2 airline roller bags + addional gear. (Golf clubs fit fust fine also). The handling, power and interior space make the car a joy to drive.

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  Doesnt get any better. - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By captainmp - November 4 - 3:22 am

  A classy, sports sedan. Puts a Porsche to shame. Beautiful, powerful, sure handling - great soft top with more quiet than most sedans. Take regular care of it and itll probably outlive you and still remain fun!