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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  3 years later - 2003 BMW M3
  By Don - August 10 - 9:07 pm

  As of July 06 Ive owned my M3 for three years and its my daily driver. It is a fantastic experience. It takes a while to learn the SMG but it,s worth it once youve got it down youll never regret it. Buttery smooth shifts or burnouts from hell. The ride is pure performance. You feel like your hands are running over the surface of the road. With that kind of input you know exactly what to expect from the car. My M3 has been everything I hoped it would be. Ive had any number of total strangers come up to me and tell me how much they like my car. I have no idea what BMW is going to do for an encore but I will be ready, willing and waiting.

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  Franks car - 2004 BMW X3
  By FRANK WERTH - August 9 - 2:50 pm

  an absolute pleasure to drive and the navigation system will get you anywhere you want to go. Plenty of power in the engine and response is immediate when needed to make a quick pass.

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  Such a disappointment - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Frank - August 9 - 12:05 pm

  Since the intro of the E46 body style I drooled at each passing BMW. I finally had the oppt to purchase a red 330i and I couldn’t have been more excited. Boy, what a let down. Problem after problem after problem. I have replaced 3 rear tires. There is something wrong with the rim and they deflate and boom. The tire dealer says that he can’t find anything wrong with it. I have replaced 2 turn signal bulbs and 1 headlamp bulb. Recently, I had to reseat the other headlamp because it just stopped working. I have had the window problem with the regulator but was able to fix myself (it still cost me $116 in parts). And don’t get me started with the AC. I could go on. Don’t buy this car!

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  What a Ride! - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By The Vicar - August 8 - 9:59 pm

  What a car! Speed, comfort, and luxury! Traveling 300 to 500 miles a day several times a month and I feel refreshed when I get out of the car! My car has been perfect!

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  New body changes hideous - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW King - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I just got a 2004 BMW 330 CiC and I hate the new headlights. The tail lights are nice. Plus the new bumper is kinda ugly. But I love the car it has no roof unlike the 2002 bmw 325 coupe i just traded in so when the weather is good the car is 10 times better.

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  The Drive of your Life - 2003 BMW Z4
  By jdimas - August 6 - 9:15 pm

  We love our BMW Z4. It handles well in all weather conditions and by far looks about the best of any convertible in the market.

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  Lots of fun - needs more storage - 2006 BMW Z4
  By LasVegasPhil - August 6 - 5:35 pm

  I have out about 500 miles on this in two weeks- took it over the mountains to go to court. Lots of curves and twists, and the car hung in there every step. I also own an 06 Boxster that holds the road better but cant complain about this car. Storage is always a problem in a roadster, but even BMW should have a coin holder/tray of some kind. Maybe should have gotten the 3.0 si but this car has plenty of power. Love it!

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  Incredible value - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By adp - August 4 - 3:43 pm

  I got my 650i convertible with most options in mid-June and it was delivered flawless and has been flawless in the first 2000 miles. The iDrive is easy to use, although boot-up sometimes takes a while. A few minutes with the manuals is worth the time. The 650 is very well balanced and after break-in seems to get better mileage and has better response. I have owned more expensive cars that do not come close to this one dynamically or stylistically . It is not the fastest car, but it is fast enough for me. Lots of compliments on the design. When compared to cars costing over $20000 more the 650 comes out on top, IMO.

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  Great car for long road trips - 2012 BMW 7-Series
  By Theo Pahos - August 3 - 10:50 pm

  Too large for daily errands

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  Best Car I ever owned - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By Rick B. - August 3 - 2:51 pm

  I have owned 6 BMWs in my life starting with the 2002tii in 1974 and continuing through a 530i, 633csi, 740iA, 745i and now the 645. It is by far the best car I have ever owned and still makes me smile after 2 years of driving.