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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  BMWs Best Car Yet - 2003 BMW Z4
  By rsurwit - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I have owned five BMWs including a 2002,320i,530i and two Z3s. This car is the most fund to drive and has the best build quality of any of them. It is more solid than a Boxster, and almost as nimble as an S2000-but much more comfortable.

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  Surpasses expectations. - 2003 BMW Z4
  By das - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I was drawn to the Z4 because of its bold exterior styling. I knew the engine, etc., would be everything you could expect from BMW. I found a sterling gray, with the luxury package and some other extras for 37K even. The car is a dream-- extremely responsive steering, and youre in total control with a standard transmission. The dynamic stability control has kicked in a few times, but Ive never experienced the lightweight feeling in the rear wheels you find with some other convertibles. This car hugs the ground.

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  3rd BMW Z car - 2007 BMW Z4
  By BHT - September 2 - 9:13 am

  Started with a 2.3 Z3, moved to 3.0 Z3 and now 3.0si Z4. This is the best one so far. Took me a few years to warm to the styling but now suddenly it clicked. The chassis is exceptionally stiff - as stiff as the Z3 coupe was. Makes a huge difference. The car feels of one piece and there are no rattles or creaks. Huge storage space in the trunk (for a 2 seater), excellent gas mileage, very powerful engine. A pleasure to drive.

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  First 1000 Miles Update - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By DR - September 2 - 3:16 am

  Still very impressed by the vehicle. Drives like a dream, very quiet, smooth, a lot of fun to drive. Absolutely no problems so far. Would recommend it to everybody! Just a note about the price (for those G35 people), when you add the options to your G35 that base Bimmer already has, they almost cost the same, maybe $1k difference. I would pay extra $1k for a Bimmer any time over any Japanese (American, Korean...) car.

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  Best SUV in Class - 2007 BMW X5
  By Best SUV in Class - September 1 - 8:32 pm

  I love this car the ride is smooth, performance is outstanding. I have one word for this car, The Ultimate Driving Machine!!

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  40.000 mi X3 - 2004 BMW X3
  By Ken - September 1 - 9:14 am

  The longer weve owned this car, the better we like it. The biggest drawback is the protruding plastic bits under the doors, everytime you get out you get dirty. Floor doesnt quite fold flat, but close enough. We bought snow tires as we do a good deal of winter driving and that made a ton of difference. The clutch and brakes have remained good, transmission and engine strong. Ownership drawbacks - high priced gas and oil.

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  Perfect sportscar - 2008 BMW Z4 M
  By zippydoo - August 31 - 3:46 pm

  I tried several competitors (new M3, IS-F, RS4, C63) but the 1st time I sat and drove this car I knew it was what I wanted - a pure drivers car that has some semblance of practicality too. Not full of driver aids that detract from the driving experience. The looks are stunning and it gets endless complements from everyone. Just fun to drive, even when noodling around town. Sure to be a classic, in terms of design/performance - a little hot rod.

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  Wow! - 2003 BMW M3
  By Ammalgam - August 31 - 1:39 am

  I just bought this car a couple of days ago. Black/Black and convertible. Let me tell you this car is amazing. Civil enough to drive to work but enough horsepower to totally blow away the 911 Carrera next to you.

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  BUYER BEWARE!!! - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Disappointed - August 30 - 9:40 pm

  Purchased my 550xi 8 months ago. Thinking I bought a newer reliable car. I Love Bimmers and dont wanna drive anything else but this car is a PIECE OF CRAP!!! 2 months after buying it the turbos went and the car engine started smoking. Car had extended warranty and dealer took care of the problem and also replaced the water pump and timing chain. They had it for a month. Read up on the internet from different owners that this is a Major problem. Now 5 months later the new set of problems is happening. Sitting in the middle of traffic the car starts sputtering and shaking then finally shuts off. All kinds of Drivetrain Malfunction, fuel sensor warnings start going off on the dash. Called the dealer and they took care of the problem. Said it needed to be reprogrammed. A week and 1/2 later "Same Problem". Dealer said bring it back (reprogram issue) all takin care of for free. Picked it up and 30 minutes later the SAME PROBLEM! Now dealer has my car for 5 days. Doing more reading up on this and this is another Major problem with this car. The engines in these cars and every other car it was used in were faulty. Finding that once car is outta warranty this could cost up to $6000 a pop for these problems. Plus occasionally the oil indicator comes on saying it was low. Another problem with this car. Now i see why this car was "discontinued". Dealer service reps have been Great but I have a lemon and you will to if you buy this car. Please Beware of this cars engine 2010-2012 &13. For someone who has only owned Bimmers this is sad that they put this product on the market in their name.

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  Great So Far - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Zataquin - August 30 - 3:36 pm

  Great vehicle. Handles well, good ride and excellent take-off power.