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:

• 

  Dont Be Afraid of the BEST!!!! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By beemkid20 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I am 22 years old. I work hard every day to drive a luxury/sport automobile. This is the BEST BEST car I have ever owned. I have had 2001 S4, 2002 C32, and now 2003 330Ci. The beemer has had not a single problem in 40000 hard, hard driven miles. My Audi and Benz were in the shop every other week. Six sets of brakes and two new trans later, I bought the BMW. Wont regret it ever. Just bought new 05 335Ci with performance pck. Thats right, 335Ci. Pick it up in August. People dont buy BMWs because they know they are better than everything else. Get sucked in, you wont regret it.

• 

  Thrilled w/our X3! - 2006 BMW X3
  By Hollow Road - April 16 - 9:26 am

  So far I could not be more satisfied and pleased with our 06 BMW X3. Ultra-sumptious interior, striking exterior and amazing smooth ride make this a great vehicle. Our 2 bulldogs love the roomy rear area, too.

• 

  530i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Jeanne - April 15 - 11:43 pm

  This has been one of the most pleasureable cars to drive and own. I have not needed to pay for anything other then a new tire that was needed after blowing out on I95 and riding on the rim. I was amazed at the control that I still had when the tire blew. I have continued to enjoy this vehicle, and the only improvement I would make, is to have a fence around it in parking lots. Apparently others do not think that the car should be treated well. Of course they didnt pay for it.

• 

  Shouldnt have these problems for $37k - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Rick Lewis - April 15 - 11:20 pm

  We have owned this car for about 2 1/2 years now. The styling is sporty and refined. The ride is very comfortable. The size is just right for my wife and I. (No kids.) It just flat out looks good! However, the build quality is somewhat suspect. We have had 3 of the 4 door trim panels break away from their fasteners 4 times now. The latest trip to the dealership they replaced all the wood panel with new ones, feeling the others could have been defective. Who knows but we should not have had to make 4 trips to get it done. Also, the transmission went out on us at 31,000 miles. They said it was a computer malfunction.

• 

  325i Review - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By NW325idriver - April 15 - 8:26 am

  Steel Blue Metallic, PP, SP, Halogen, with Heated seats. Used Costco to get a price point and closed the deal for less at $35,295. Not bad for Bellevue WA where the showrooms are always full. So far so good but then I only have 800 plus miles. The car is great to drive and makes you feel great driving it. Came down to the BMW or the Acura TL Type S. No regrets.. BMW was the way to go. Looking to add a CD changer and activate the alarm in the next week and I am set.

• 

  Bad Bimmer - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Bimma Boy - April 15 - 12:57 am

  I bought this as a second car so I dont have to drive my Evo all over the place an I have to say, this thing, this BMW is excellent. Accelereration is quick and stable an smooth at speeds up to 120mph, it can be decieving unless you look at the speedo. You think your doing about 70mph when youre actually doing 90. Handling is superb! Find the speed limit for the corner an double it an you will find that BMWs are not just overpriced cars. This car looks good, rides well, and can perform very well. It gets looks from everyone espcially the ladies, unlike my Evo which gets more looks from 15 year old boys. Go full throttle into the turn and youll find a new love for cars.

• 

  Great car once its imported from Germany - 2012 BMW 7-Series
  By Mr. Sampson - April 14 - 10:14 pm

  Great car once its imported from Germany. Be sure not to get 1 assembled in the USA.

• 

  The 750 is the Best! - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Rick Alsema - April 14 - 2:20 pm

  I agaonized about a what new car to buy after losing interest and patience with MB. Looked at Jag Super V8, A8 but the 750 was miles ahead of either. The iDrive is a joy and it makes you question the capabilities of current auto journalists who have not gotten used to this in the past 5 years. Love the power, space and most of the features. Extremely comfortable on any road surface. The car just looks great and does everything the way a car should. The power rear seats are a must and the rear DVD system is great on trips. The car has been totally flawless up to this point and everyone who sees it is impressed and curious.

• 

  Best in its class - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By jpnwdc - April 14 - 10:00 am

  After exhaustively looking for a 4-door sedan in th $30-$35K price range, I finally decided on a 2002 325i. Im very happy with my selection. It is simply the best compared to the competition. Sure the Infiniti G35 may be faster, and the Mercedes C240 may have a more refined and quieter ride. However, the 325i has the best combination of fun and comfort in this price range. Everything about it has a quality feel - the way the doors close, the sound of the Inline 6 cyl. engine, and the textures and materials used in the cabin.

• 

  A fun car to own - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Swiss Ag - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I had wanted this car for a while and I could not be happier with my purchase The car turns a routine jaunt on the freeway into a sublime journey. My wife was slow to come around, but after she had some alone time to bond with the car we find ourselves making excuses for who gets to drive the Bimmer each day. If you like performance, you have to go with the manual as you just do not get the same performance out of an automatic. If you are looking for a plush, supple ride this is not the car for you. If you want to feel as though you are an extension of the road, you have to at least give it a try.