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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  Redesign the interior please.......... - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Steven Zimbelman - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Love it, fast and fun! A real head turner.................

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  Sweet - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Vishal Parikh - October 2 - 2:00 am

  The cornering is amazing. The off the line is the same. From the moment that the car is started, you know it will be a fun ride. The sound that the engine makes when reving is so pleasing to the ear and is quiet when cruising. Overall, this car is an ultimate driving machine.

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  A Great Car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Cristi1223 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  The Bmw 3 series is absolutely amazing. The vehicle does not only look great, but performs exceptionally well and is always comfortable and reliable.

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  my Opinion - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Ruthi - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I absolutley love this car. Previously driven by dealers wife, no maintenence ever done after 16000 miles. United BMW brings the car up to speed on ALL maintenece, at very low cost to me. Thank You. I will never drive anything else.

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  Best Convertible on the Market - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Astaire2 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I have been a convertible lover since day one, and when I was in the market for a new one, I test drove them all, mazda, ford, Mercedes, Jaguar, and the all the convertible BMW models and the 33o fit me like a glove. I live in Chicago so the hard top for the winter is perfect. The interior is a dream, GPS, voice command phone system (only With Sprint Service), convenient controls on the steering wheel, and leather seats to die for.

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  Ultimate Driving Experience - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Paulo - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I am a car enthusiast "hardcore," which I will participate in my sparetimes in all car events. I always heard that BMW is the best car to buy for performance and fun to drive. After purchasing my car, a 330Ci, Im in love. Its better than expected in the performance, fun to drive, and quality sectors. I drove 38,000 miles until now and Im still excited when I can drive my "baby." Its very well balanced between comfort, which doesnt give the feeling of "bounciness" that usually happens with sports car. Engine is very silk smooth like, with a great response. The only problem I can tell upfront is the risk of getting a speeding ticket faster than you think.

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  Numerous Mechanical issues - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Unsatisfied - October 1 - 4:43 pm

  I have heard that these cars were very reliable. Mine was extremely fun to drive, but had numerous mechanical issues. Maybe I just got a bad one. Had to replace the drive shaft in the first year, drive belt tensioner "exploded" causing loss of power steering and cut hose resulted in overheat. Right front suspension replacement required before 50k miles... not driven very hard, numerous other issues final stage unit caused air conditioning to fail, replaced twice during time I owned, etc.

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  BMWs are not Maytags! - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Rick - September 30 - 9:20 am

  Ive had three 5 series in a row over the past 10 years. I love the cars, but would recommend a BMW extended warranty. Repairs can run in the thousands of dollars and these cars do require repairs, particularly when they get to be 5 or 6 years old. Otherwise, I find them to be nearly the perfect car for me. I am 511" and 185 lbs and fit nicely in the car. If you are 62" and 250 lbs, This isnt your car.

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  BMW 530i - You gotta drive one! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By diggertoo - September 28 - 10:35 pm

  Purchased used in great condition. The suspension system is incredible. The car feels like its glued to the road and is the smoothest and most comfortable riding car Ive ever driven. With a bad disk in my back, the lumbar system can be adjusted to make even longer trips very comfortable. The air vents in the dash provide circulation throughout the car, without hitting anyone directly in the face. And the sound system... if you close your eyes you would swear you were live at a concert. The sound system with 10 speakers and 2 subwoofers is that good and the list of other useful features could go on and on.

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  Oldie but a Goodie - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By MKnight - September 27 - 2:36 pm

  For an older car with 100,000 miles on it this car is superb. However, I would not recommend this car unless you can get a warranty or you have cash to blow. All of the car problems have been little (sensors, fuses, etc.) issues. But if I didnt have a warranty I would be out a good chunk of money.