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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  Problematic 545 - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By mark levi - March 18 - 8:10 pm

  The 545 is a beautiful car with speed and handling performance that is exceptional. However, the iDrive is very difficult to navigate and we had problems with error messages on our screen from the beginning. There was always at least one and sometimes as many as 3 warning displays. The dealer was never able to fix them and didnt respond to our continued complaints. We finally turned it in about 24 months into a 36 month lease.

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  Whats in the name? - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By jtsmith - March 18 - 7:56 pm

  This car is NOT all name. It combines looks, feel, mileage, acceleration, as well as comfort into an affordable option in the car market. Far superior to comparible priced sedans. It makes the 45 minute work drive bearable!!

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  Best Ragtop For The Money - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By ElectricCatfish - March 17 - 9:27 pm

  After being a loyal Jag owner I went back to Bavaria and Im not disappointed. After spending time in numerous droptops ranging from the cramped Boxster to the ample powered XK8 I stumbled upon an 01 330CiC with 40k on the clock and ohhhh was I ever sold after the initial test drive. The build quality is incredible (far above the XK) and the performance is all there (I cant imagine this car with the M engine). The top drops with the push of a button and is silky smooth. The premium/sport options give you all the luxuries you want: xenons, hotseats and H/K audio for starters and interior noise is deathly quiet even at 100. There simply isnt a more perfect ragtop under $30k.

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  M3 after Nissan Maxima - 2002 BMW M3
  By Yelis63103 - March 17 - 6:17 pm

  Japanese reliability and German reliability are 2 different things. My 95 Nissan Maxima had 165k miles and almost no problems. 02 M3 with 40k miles (bought with 28k) does have some issues. 1. Before 28k miles engine: overheating + minor repairs. After 28k miles: water pump failed, windows/locks control module failed, navigation failed + minor issues. If you buy German car, make sure you have warranty. I have 100k miles and 2 years left on mine. Other then that the car is nice. SMG is #1 transmission in the world. DSC does wonders to save your life. Convertible looks sexy! And S54 engine considered to be #1 winner engine in the world from 3 to 4 litters from 2001 to 2006.

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  LUVIT! - 2007 BMW X3
  By DB - March 17 - 8:07 am

  I always said I would NEVER drive an SUV! Im not. Im driving an X3 and its probably the most fun and convenient car Ive ever owned. Normally those two words cant be used in the same sentence when describing a car. Im disappointed in the gas mileage but other BMW owners seem to be fine with it. The interior is divine! Cup holder doesnt hold odd size containers but everything else is perfect!

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  535i - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Rob - March 17 - 3:23 am

  Traded in my 2004 Mercedes E500 for a 2008 535i. I couldnt be happier. Handling is superb for a sedan of this size. Performance is great. There is literally no turbo lag.

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  Used purchase - 2004 BMW X3
  By D Carty - March 15 - 10:33 am

  Was ready to buy either new Rav4 or CRV for wife who requires all wheel drive, but really wanted X3. Found used vehicle at reasonable price with 30K mi. All around better quality (currently own 21 yr old 528e and 33 yr old 2002). Consider to be much better vehicle used than new Rav4 or CRV! X drive is unbelievable!

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  A Great Transition - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By euroman540i - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a Porsche Carrera for my 2003 540iA three weeks ago and it has been a joy! I had owned a BMW 3 and less muscular 5 series in the 80s and was amazed at the brands tremendous qualitative evolution over the past 13 years. The 540iA is simply the best car Ive ever owned - bar none. With its world-class performance, safety features and elegant design, I would ethusiastically recommend this outstanding car to anyone who appreciates combining true value with a great motoring experience.

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  A True Sport Wagon - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Eric D. Koster - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Having traded in my Porsche, I found the 540i wagon with the sport package to be the perfect vehicle for my current needs. It holds my family, as much sailing gear as I reasonably need, cruises comfortably on the highway, handles secondary roads well enough (although the ride is too harsh with the 45 series tires), and, despite BMWs disavowal, hauls a trailer with ease.

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  You will not be disappointed - 2007 BMW 6-Series
  By Mac - March 14 - 8:22 pm

  Went for a drive in the country last weekend and all I can say is WOW! Car was rock solid at 110 and when passing a car it was still pushing me back in the seat at 80. Has all the torque you would ever need. Soft leather seats and a well laid out interior. The exhaust rumble make you want to drive it. This car is a keeper.