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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  Aged very well - 1993 BMW 5-Series
  By Alex - June 5 - 12:30 pm

  I enjoyed driving this car especially on the open road where it excelled. I had a few unexpected problems with the injector system. Also the rear hatch and window gave me some trouble. I only wish the drivers seat would move back 2 more inches!! I am only 60" tall, but I would get uncomfortable on longer trips and my wife, same height, actually disliked the seats even more. The switch for the heated seats is badly located. When you fold down the rear seats you can carry a ton of stuff! Even at over 100k miles it was a purring cat. The extra long double sun roof was awesome. Gas mileage was a problem with high prices, but the power and stable ride are the trade off. No cup holders, though!

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  Top notch - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By D.B. - June 5 - 3:46 am

  I have owned this car for a little over a month and I do not have any regrets. The ride is excellent and so is the handling. I had considered a Mercedes E350 4-matic and an Audi A6 Quattro. I am glad I went with the BMW, I think I received much more for the money. I have also found the "very difficult" iDrive system very easy to use. Overall I rate this the best European luxury car that I have ever owned.

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  Save your money! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Carol - June 5 - 12:33 am

  I bought this car new 3 weeks ago. I am not satisfied at all. First, let me say that I also own a 2003 BMW 330i so I do have some BMW ownership experience. The 2006 330i is unsatisfactory, in my opinion. Ive already had it back to the dealer because it is hesitating noticeable when starting from a stopped position. Of course, they said they couldnt find anything wrong. If you floor it, and then let up on the gas, the RPMs stay up for a coule of seconds even after you take your foot off the gas like the car cant figure out what to do next. It also needs a front end alignment which I noticed immediately when test driving it, but they dont have the specs to repair that yet.

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  This car has far exceeded my expectation! - 2007 BMW 6-Series
  By W Broussard - June 4 - 8:51 pm

  The second day I drove this car down a two lane road with the top down listining to the purr of the engine I was filled with satisfaction that Id made the right choice. WOW! What a beast.

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  Im Hooked - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Dave - June 4 - 3:58 pm

  I recently traded in my perfectly fine 2006 Honda Civic EX coupe for this car, and I absolutely love it. I was looking for a little more fun than the Honda provided, and also something the family would enjoy. This car is all that you read about and more. It offers the perfect blend of fun, performance, and practicality. This is my first venture into BMW-land, and Im hooked so far. I was looking for a used model with low miles, and I came across my 2002 330 CiC with just 38,400 miles and a clean Carfax. The beauty of BMWs is that they often look much younger than they actually are. I walked away with my "almost new" car for just $25k, down from $46k new. Very happy so far.

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  I Love My 318is - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By Bimmerhead - June 4 - 3:30 pm

  I purchased my car from the original owner with ~68,000 miles on it in 1998. It now has 165,000 aggressive miles on it and it has proven itself to be a VERY well built, reliable, fun to drive car. It has no torque and doesnt accelerate off the line well, but once up to speed on the highway, this car is very quick. You have to learn to keep the revs up. It eats gas for a four-banger, but it loves to rev. Ive done H&R springs, Bilstein sport shocks, Hawk HP Plus pads and the car is very nimble and tossable. Its very reliable, entertaining transportation.

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  I love my 325i - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By rjg96 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2001 325 (which I think is better looking than the later facelifted models), and really enjoy it. I picked it up in Germany, and drove it on the autobahns for 2 weeks-- I HIGHLY recommend you take advantage of BMWs european delivery program. The car has been absolutely reliable-- but there have been a few rattles that bugged me (I fixed them myself w/ some felt). options 5 speed manual Cold-weather packaged moonroof leather sports package Get these while you can-- as you can see from the new 7 and 5 series, BMWs are becoming quite ugly!

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  Another happy 5 series consumer - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By snake327 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Very quiet and great MPG on the interstate (30MPG). But those cupholders!!! When will the Germans get it right for the American consumer.

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  Super Machine - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By JCM - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This is a very nice car, everything was perfect especially the interior leather and the xenon lights. The performance was great such as the brak system and how fast it accelerates, prevented me from a few accidents! However, it is very expensive, overall it is a great car!

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  Fun for 6 mos so far - 2003 BMW Z4
  By amk - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my first BMW and convertible. I was not sure if I will like a convertible, but this car is so comfortable with top up or down (my usual mode of driving), that I wish I bought a convertible earlier. The car has all the comforts/techno gadgets I was looking for, and all work well together. Handling is superb, and the balance of performance, handling, and comfort is extraordinary. I highly recommend the car to anyone looking to get into this type of vehicle.