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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  Just over a year and love it - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Jeff Allen - July 20 - 8:24 pm

  The car is solid, goes like mad and is a blast to drive. The V8 is a hoss, smooth and has lots of power. The balanced handling is also incredible. It is hard to believe you are driving such a big car. No reliability issues to speak of yet. The car sucks the gas if you drive it - not much of a surprise there. The stereo is also very good and feature list goes on and on. Sport package is a must. Mine has no GPS but I dont know if it is necessary - less to worry about breaking.

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  Z4 3.0si Roadster... simply amazing - 2006 BMW Z4
  By JLong - July 20 - 1:26 pm

  We ordered our car, chose every option and all colors. We chose Silver Gray Metallic paint, Gray Top, Aluminum Trim, Heated Dream Red Leather M Sport Seats, Premium Package, Sport Package, Xenons, and a 6-Speed Manual Transmission. We absolutely love our car and couldnt be happier!

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  Cruising on the East Coast - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By lilyfirecracker - July 20 - 10:00 am

  My previous experience with BMW was through my 99 323i 4-door sedan. While I was ecstatic with the cars style and overall performance, winter driving was obscene. In my search for a new, front wheel or all-wheel drive, vehicle I learned of BMWs new AWD sedans. While I regret not getting the sport package (the seats are simply not comfortable for long drives), I couldnt be more delighted with the Premium and Cold Weather packages and Harmon Kardon sound system, all of which include invaluable options. The car drives like a dream, holding the road in the most severe snow storms. I recommend this car to everyone!

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  330ci - not a good choice... - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By annoyed - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems with this car. The a/c didnt work from the factory and there are numerous other things too much to mention. Avoid this car, unless you have money to throw away.

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  Overpriced hassle - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By TexRider - July 20 - 8:51 am

  This car offers good balance between comfort and fun sporty ride. Bit stiff for this class, unless youre driving on the perfect highway, you feel every little bump on the road. Seats are very uncomfortable. After 3 years of ownership, I suffer major back problems. Sound insulation could be better. But the biggest and the worst problem with this car is reliability. I have never owned such unreliable vehicle. Something breaks every 1000-1500 miles. I purchased mine as Certified Pre-Owned and cant get out of repair shops. Most of repairs are covered by the warranty, but I am tired of going to the dealership every month.

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  Z - one for me!!! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By NB - July 20 - 8:25 am

  After owning MGs, Eclipses, and Triumphs, I finally found the one true sports car that "fits". It is reliable, handles like a dream and is truly beautiful to view. I get excellent gas mileage and have the pickup and speed to feel confident, even in the worst traffic. The 3 cubic feet of trunk is enough for my wife and myself to go on weekend trips and she can take ALL her stuff!!! All in all it absolutely meets my needs.

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  BMW X3 - 2004 BMW X3
  By Riederer - July 19 - 10:36 am

  Nice SUV (SAV). If I were shopping for a vehical today I would buy it again. This is the first vehicle I have owned that I can say that about.

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  Noisy Luxury Vehicle - 2012 BMW 7-Series
  By Donell - July 19 - 6:53 am

  I owned a 2005 BMW 745i, which I considered the "Ultimate Driving Machine" prior to purchasing the 2012 BMW 750 Li X. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, I noticed the wind noise and road noise was almost unbearable. I complained to the service advisors and was told that either they couldnt hear any unusual noise, then it was the road, then it was the run-flat tires. The adaptive headlights provides poor night vision on dark roads, drivers seat material worn excessive at 40, 000 miles, there is vibration during takeoff, there is little to no storage space for cell phones, etc, in the console or glove boxes. When steering wheel is adjusted for me, mileage, temperature, and navigation controls are obstructed. vehicle feels heavy, bulky, and requires a firm grip handling. Cargo space is rather small for such a large sedan.

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  Best Car Ever! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By mareo - July 19 - 6:03 am

  I have always wanted a Bimmer, and could not get the X5, so I settled for the 325I just to get my foot in the door. Now I have no desire for an X5, I love this car! It has great speed, and it also has an incredible smooth ride. I get lots of compliments on it, (because I got Midnight Blue instead of Black or Silver like everyone else). I would tell anyone buying a sports sedan to go with the BMW! Even if it is the smallest engine, it packs a lot of punch!

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  Automatic Windows are Poor - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Joe NY - July 18 - 8:54 pm

  Drive train wise the car is fantastic. Plenty of get up and go with the slighest touch of the gas peddle. Aesthetically it is still the most attractive on the road. Still get looks for a nearly 7 year old car. In winter I use 4 snows and have no problems even got home in an ice storm. I have a standard shift and its so fun to drive on the curves in the Adirondacks.