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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  bmw 325i - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By asdf;lkjoiweur - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Great car, would recommend for all. Awesome handling

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  One CoooL Bimmer - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Zzero_CoooL - July 1 - 12:35 am

  This is one very nice BMW, I have owned the car since day one! This baby has it all and has never gave one minutes problems! I have driven it from the South to the North with no problems what so ever! It is now about 6 years old and still looks and drives as good as any 06 model on the market in my eyes! The styling is super sleek and very demanding! I get glances everytime I pull up to a traffic light! This is the best BMW I have owned to date. Note: Ive owned 7 NEW BMWs since 1996, By far this 2000 323i is the best!

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  A bit pricy, but fun to drive. - 2005 BMW X3
  By Ed - June 30 - 11:30 pm

  I never thought I would purchase a BMW. While delivering some documents to the dealer, the owner of the dealership took me out for a test drive during a heavy downpour. The X3 handled like a champ! It performed like a sports car ... it feels like one.

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  Cool Ride - 1992 BMW 5-Series
  By Duane Barrett - June 29 - 7:34 pm

  I recently bought this car with 168,584 miles for $3000.00. This is my first BMW and aside from the interior cosmetic problems, the body is still in excellent condition and the car runs GREAT!!! Looking forward to owning and driving the Bad Man Wagon!!!

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  A very fun & quick roadster - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Mark - June 29 - 12:41 am

  I had a 2000 Boxster for 3 years before purchasing my Z4. It is Toledo Blue w/ tan interior. Sports package, chrome eliptical wheels & SMG. I would have preferred the 6 speed manual - but my wife wanted an automatic. SMG seemed like a good compromise. It took a while to get used to - but now we both enjoy it. The main complaint is that it is not BMW smooth in the automatic mode. However - I am loving the paddle shifters! The greatest surprise is the gas mileage. I easily get 23-26 in normal day to day driving (not taking it easy on the take offs) and 27-31 on long highway trips!

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  My 20th BMW since 1972! - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By P.Y. Maida - June 28 - 11:54 am

  I love BMWs. And I love wagons. I always buy them used and usually with over 80K miles due to my budget. Had a 2006 530xi and loved it except for the lack of acceleration. The 2008 with the twin turbo 535xi is my perfect wagon except........there are a few issues which must be looked at or taken onto account when buying a used 535xi wagon. The original issues with the fuel pumps and turbos either showed up and were addressed somewhere before 50K miles or they will not show up (faults that is, normal wear and tear will always be an issue). Faulty comfort access on the 2006 530xi cost me $1400. but my 535xi is perfect. Rear hatch lift motor should be tested prior to purchase. Also the rear cargo window switch which has a habit of shorting due to lack of sealing. Easy fix but these things can mount up. I had a 540it 2003 with M package which was my favorite car of all time but my 535xi has more HP and get and go , is 4 wheel drive, all the tech goodies and gets much better MPG. Perrrrrfect! My new favorite.

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  Red rocket - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Robert - June 27 - 1:25 pm

  We purchased our car from the factory and had the opportunity to legally drive it at Autobahn speeds. At 120 mph, this car is stable and quiet. Since weve been back in the States, we dont drive that fast, but this car is comfortable- even when in tight turns at speed - and even with the "small" engine has the power to comfortably pass at highway speeds. The fit and finish are just great. The transmission shifts smoothly and the car drives well in all types of weather and road conditions. This is a great car.

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  As good as it gets! - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Flyby - June 27 - 9:48 am

  Its hard to explain the joy this car brings. Everything works together perfectly in the Z4 to create one awesome driving experience. BMW has to make some of the best engines Ive ever driven. Smooth strong power from any RPM range. The sport suspension mode is incredible!

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  04 X3 - 2004 BMW X3
  By gk - June 27 - 12:59 am

  Great handling, fun to drive. Excellent on curve-y PCH. Fuel economy is not the greatest but enjoy driving it so much that I dont mind filling up.

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  new car - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By awhitman - June 26 - 10:00 am

  great car, built well