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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  Theres NONE better! :) - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Bimmer4Life - May 12 - 7:25 pm

  I love, love, love this car! I have the 330i with the high performance package. I have M3 18 inch staggered wheels, M3 steering wheel, navigation system, bi-xenon-auto leveling headlights, rain sensing wipers... the list goes on. I was hesitant to buy this car 2 years ago with 64k on it, but with all of the service records available, I took the risk. I now have 101K on the odometer and its still purring (or growling with the dual chrome exhaust!) right along! I also have the Harmon Kardon sound system which is awesome. I owned a 98 328i previous to this car and I cant see EVER owning anything but a Bimmer!!

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  Excellent buy - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By James - May 12 - 3:18 pm

  Bought a 4 year lease return from a used car dealer with slightly over 40,000 miles. Have driven it to 80,000 miles after 3 years and had no problems except some minor cosmetic details (e.g. cup holders, door sill trim, door rubber moldings). From a mechanical point of view, had to just do my yearly synthetic oil change at the BMW dealer and put in gas. Ive driven slightly over a couple parking stops and pulled away the front valences slightly. If you want a reliable, fun to drive car (not truck) with capacity for five and rear cargo for Home Depot, Costco or Ikea runs, this is a great car to consider. From my recollection, it is top of class (E39) for many years running.

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  German reliability is an oxymoron - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By JohnnyBoy - May 12 - 7:16 am

  My car with the 6 speed performance package is probably the most fun to drive machine on the road. The handling is superb and the engine growl is great. Ride is a bit stiff, but that should be expected from a true sport sedan. Ive had a number of warranty repairs and I sometimes question if I made the right choice. I definitely will dump this car for something more reliable when the warranty is up, even though Id really like to keep it. The thought of needing to pay the frequent repair bills is frightening.

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  Huge Mistake!! NEVER again!!! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Brian - May 12 - 4:03 am

  This is my 3rd BMW . (I had two 325ci in the past) This car ride horrible!! Bounces all over the road! It seems to me that BMW made some short cuts on this model! They charged me 75.00 for" Satellite Prep" and the car does NOT even have the Radio! For 38,000 this car should already have a satellite radio built in. This car should also alrady have an IN DASH 6 CD changer standard! This is my LAST BMW! The style is also questionable. People think the rear end looks like a HYUNDAI!

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  2004 BMW M3 Convertible - 2004 BMW M3
  By HawaiianDropTop - May 12 - 1:31 am

  Incredible car! The SMG is so much fun without the worries. Theres crazy traffic here in Hawaii and I would never get a manual transmission car. The SMG offers so many options of how you want the car to perform with the feel of a manual. Great gas mileage for a 333hp car. It definitely lives up to its name as "ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE".

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  Awesome and fun - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Dawn - May 11 - 8:26 pm

  This is my second of many BMWs to come, I love the way the 2006 handles, this car is very tight. Many more extras than my 2002 and roomier. Definitely would recommend this car!

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  Can get you in trouble really quickly... - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Power Oversteer - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I used to own a Z3 2.5 - The differences between the two are night & day. Where the Z3 had a tendency to oversteer easily, this car just sticks. To explore the handling limits, you would have to drive it at a race track. Some people may not like the ride, however. (It can get a bit punishing at times, especially with the 18" wheels). Acceleration is very fast, you dont realize how much faster the 3.0 is until you drive one. The styling is a little strange at first, but it really does grow on you. Not only that, but I think the styling makes it stand out more. As for reliability, I havent had a single problem.

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  Fun to Drive - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Randy N - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 7 series (also currently have a 528 and a X-5)for the new new 525. It does have considerable more room than old 5s and I really like the new design. I chose the smaller engine because of the $5,000 upcharge and do not really miss the extra horses. I have been getting over 37 mpg on the 2 long road trips to date (much higher than expected)and around 23 around town. The bottom line is it is very comfortable, has great lines and is fun to drive.

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  Awesome Car!!! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Lisa - May 9 - 9:40 pm

  I recently sold my 2000 BMW 323i and ordered a 2006 330i. I was without a car for 4 weeks but it was truly worth it!! When it arrived I was so happy I had tears of joy driving it off the lot. I just LOVE it and it is so much fun to drive!!! I got the silver with the sports package and the premium package along with the Sirius Radio. This car is definitely worth the money. BEST 3 EVER!

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  A true drivers automobile! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Dave - May 9 - 6:15 pm

  This vehicle has a ride and suspension like no other. I have driven A4s and C-Classes, but neither can hang with this car. It may not be the hot rod like the G35, but would smoke it on the track when it came to overall performance. Not to mention the I-6 is the most refined engine you can buy. If youve never driven a BMW, you havent driven.