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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  First Ultimate driving machine - Wow! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Anthony Greenidge - November 25 - 3:32 am

  Now I see what all the hoopla is about. I was warned once you drive a BMW you can never go back to anything else. Well they were absolutely correct, excellent driving car. Put 20,000 miles on it already in just 7 months. Any excuse to drive this car. Love the handling after coming from an 95 SHO Taurus. Car looks and drives just as good as my neighbors 2005 325 for $10,000 less. Can`t wait to get my 3 series convertible next summer.

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  Over 40? - 2006 BMW X3
  By Al - November 24 - 10:15 am

  This is my 3rd BMW and I would get it all over again I love the bluetooh capability since I am on the phone most of the time. Over 40? Well, this guy would make feel 20 again without driving the typical and larger dads SUV but with big enough cargo space than most SUVs. This guy was built to perform - you will be satisfied.

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  I love this car!!!!! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By terryzee - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I have never loved a car more and I will never drive anything else again. It is totally awesome. The performance and handling are outstanding and it takes my breath away just to drive it. Im always looking for things to do and places to go just so I can drive it. I got the 5-speed and then had second thoughts but it was too late and Im so glad. Its a blast.

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  Bennifets for returning service costomer - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By FedUpFred - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in May (2001) and I just recently traded it in for a Mercedes-Benz C-Class. This car (BMW) was an absolute nightmare! Problems ranging from leaks in the driver foot well to airconditioning malfunctions to sunroof noises. This car was not worth the $33,000 . In my opinion If you want a good German built car go for a Benz or an Audi. Dont waste your time with BMW. The whole experience with the dealership and service people was also a nightmare. Last, the build quility was terrible; if I was driving over a bumpy road, the car would sound like it was falling apart. NEVER AGAIN!! (Cheap Materials)

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  Great car but still needs improvement... - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By RAV - November 24 - 10:00 am

  325i - 5M, sport package, leather seat, moonroof, HK sound, xenon lights - Tight steering, great handling, love the gearbox. Ill probably add a couple of things to increase the power/torque. Should probably cost 2K less, unless that 2K is the price you pay for being in the club. I would recommend the 330i over the 325i if you can afford it. Overall, its a great car.

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  BMWs review - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Stefano Vranca - November 24 - 10:00 am

  The car is wonderful driving machine. It handles very well. I had a few problems with some fixtures but overall I am very satisfied.

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  Update from previous review. - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By SLW - November 23 - 7:13 pm

  Now have 72,000 miles on car. Have replaced the radiator, water pump (left me stranded) valve cover gaskets, power steering hoses. Down to one functioning cup holder. Replaced one catalytic converter for a thousand bucks and the other one sounds like its rattling (I hope its the other one!). Blowing fuses on remote locking system and had to unplug the gas filler door actuator to stop it. Headlight adjusters broke. Still love the car though. Fun car but not Lexus reliability by any means.

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  Amazing and fun to drive - 2004 BMW X3
  By Harplayr - November 22 - 10:00 am

  This has by far the best build quality of any car I have owned. I traded in my 325I for the X3, and can say that the handling is almost as good. Of all the SUVs I have tested the X3 stands alone on its performance and handling. The X- Drive is a pleasure on snow or slippery conditions. Seats are very comfortable, and driving position is where it should be. The interior bike rack is a great feature for my Wife and I. I just cant say enough good things about this SUV.

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  Overall Great Car - 2006 BMW X3
  By Robb - November 21 - 2:13 pm

  I went from the 325i to X3 and have overall been pleased. Minor issues are only one cup holder in middle many come stock with fake leather- it looks terrible and doesnt wear well either. Go for the REAL THING! It does feel more like a sports vehicle than luxury. But, its fun to drive!

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  Compromises with Few Compromises - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By VA22204guy - November 21 - 11:28 am

  Purchased this car with 44k miles. Has nearly every option available (sport pkg, xenon, winter, auto). Little did I know how expensive the 50k mi checkup would be $1,400! In addition, I had to replace all four wheels/tires with the horrible Wash, DC potholes. Stuck with the OEM Contis -- mediocre but not too expensive. So, I found the secret to keeping the tires/rims OK: Inflate to 38psi. That stopped the sidewall bubbles and I havent had a rim problem since (except for my poor parking skills). Since the $1,400 job (two years ago), no major issues. Gas mileage isnt great (city+hwy ~21avg). The best small car I will ever own! Love the AWD, handling, engine, power. A handsome car.