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:

• 

  Greatest Car Ever! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Styve - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I have owned many cars, and none could even come close to this car. The 540i is a true drivers car. Speed, handling, comfort - Who could ask for more?! It even has room for the kids (unlike my 328ci). If your in the market for a family rocket, and you do not mind stopping at the gas station every ten minutes, this is the car for you.

• 

  fun run - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Z-man - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I always look forward to driving my 3- series. bMW hallmarks of steering, handling and breaking are clearly evident.

• 

  My first of many BMWs - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By jay - May 26 - 6:13 am

  As this was my first BMW, I was very excited about getting behind the wheel. Until I finally got behind the wheel, then I found out what real excitement is all about. What an amazing vehicle! I love every aspect of it. Its acceleration, turning and braking are all beyond my expectations. I drive into Manhattan everyday and I still get about 25 mpg. The sound system is wonderful and the bluetooth works well with it. It will be hard not to always have a BMW in my garage.

• 

  TERRIBLE RELIABILITY - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By BMW Owner - May 25 - 5:28 pm

  I bought a "certified" BMW and had NOTHING but problems since I bought it. I have had three different severe problems with the cooling system alone and this is with a car with only 50,000 miles on it. All three cooling system problems happened three weeks after my "certified" maintenance expired and each cost approx $1000 to fix and left me stranded. This car drives nice and is fast and all but mechanically it is a nightmare and it totally unreliable. And again, it was a "certified" car when I bought it. BEWARE: BMW service like brakes and regular service is EXPENSIVE! $1000 just for front brakes which you need every 25,000 miles or so. I am not happy and getting rid of the car.

• 

  Eight years old and we cant let go - 1998 BMW M3
  By pb - May 25 - 3:31 pm

  This car is great fun to own and although weve strongly considered the purchase of a newer E46 or E90 3 Series, we couldnt do it, this car is too good. Our E36 M3 is an automatic (so wife could drive comfortably, too), wouldve preferred manual, but no danger of the expensive missed shift that many seem to report with the stick. Automatics seem less likely to have been flogged, as well. Ours was in excellent shape when purchased with 50K on the clock and remains so with 64K. Extreme fun in the twisties and very efficient on the freeway. If youve got one, keep it.

• 

  Fun - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By nate - May 24 - 9:02 pm

  The best thing about this car is that it is fun... cornering is exceptional, handling very predictable. Truly enjoyable... california sunroof rare and makes the car even more unique.

• 

  Awesome car! - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By gregvdv - May 24 - 1:06 pm

  If you can afford this car and want a FAST, great handling coupe, go buy one. My old BMW doesnt even compare to this car. You wont see very many on the road and heads will turn when you drive by. I cant say enough great things about this car.

• 

  Everything I imagined - 1999 BMW M3
  By JohnnyBoy - May 24 - 11:32 am

  Just bought my M3 used, private party in April. Ive been looking in to getting an E36 M3 for a few years now but dcouldnt finad any in my area in good enough shape. Finally found one and boy am I pleased! Exterior styling is very strong! You know it means business just looking at it! Engine is free-revving and doesnt really start to make power until 3500rpm plus. Engine sound is oh so sweet!Mine has a few of the typical E36 problems(sway bar end link rattle, rear shock mount popping, few squeaks here and there) but aside from that is a dream! Well have to see how it holds up over the next few years!

• 

  Great ride, but expensive - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By TAT - May 24 - 11:03 am

  I bought my 750iL five years ago on eBay. First I test drove the 740 at delaer but it lacked power and acceleration. Thought the standard features like 12-cylinder engine, GPS and double thick glass made it a good choice. I love this cars performance! Sound system is the best Ive ever owned. I commute 100 miles a day on the highway at 80 mph and it feels like Im taking a race horse out for daily exercise. Have put 70K miles on the car since owning it and plan on driving past 200K. My only reservation is that it has cost me dearly to maintain at the dealer. Too many things needed fixing to detail here but all told I probably have put at least an additional $10K into maintainence.

• 

  My 750iL CAA1 - 1999 BMW 7-Series
  By Clifford A Armstrong - May 23 - 11:02 pm

  Great, great car, big comfortable, gets 23 mpg at 75mph. Problems have been with the cooling system, mostly raditor and associated parts. Next problem is the double-pane glass that discolors from separation between the two panes. Company will not replace, even though all had been replaced under warranty the first time. Expensive to maintain, hard to work on the engine because of tight spaces.