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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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By freqflier - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my second BMW, I previously owned a 323i. This is the best 3- series for the money. Although the 330 IS faster and has more torque, I couldnt see paying the additional 5K. The plus side, 328 steering feels better than 330 steering. Ive only had the car in the shop once to get some new rotors and brakes. The OEM rotors were squealing everytime I stopped. Did that service at 36K miles at a cost of $800.

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  Fun family hauler - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By boombatz - March 21 - 7:20 am

  Sport / Premium package a must have! Corners on like its reading your mind first. Immediate response from the wheel with minimal body roll & incredible balance for a wagon. For extra fun, switch off DSC & find the twistiest road around. Excellent build quality & reliability, no major problems. I use it more than my Trailblazer for family trips. Cargo area is cavernous, easily fitting a double stroller & weekend luggage for wife 2 kids & I.

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  Critical Owner - 1999 BMW M3
  By ggrimes - March 20 - 7:47 pm

  Purchased from private party, very well cared for by last owner. Wanted a new model but cash strapped because last car totaled by idiot in truck. Rear wheel drive a must last car was front driver (supercharged pontiac) typical GM (poor quality and dealer service) 40K on M3 now and its been solid reliable and fun to drive. Installed 18" wheels, kumho tires, short shifter and aftermarket brake pads to eliminate brake dust.

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  Very nice car, but run-flats are YUCK - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By socalh2oskier - March 19 - 11:13 am

  This car handles like a dream. The interior is nice, and the turbo spools up so fast you dont even notice it. It is very easy to drive this car extremely fast. However, I have a few major gripes. First, why only run-flats BMW. They are terrible. They give a rough ride, are noisy, and wear poorly. I will never by a BMW again - or any other car for that matter - with run-flats! Next issue, there is absolutely zero trunk space. Forget about even a carry-on, it will not fit. This is unacceptable. Final issue, the iDrive is still confusing. All in all, a great driving car, but upon reflection, I would probably not buy again because of the run-flats and the trunk issue.

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  Problems - 2011 BMW Alpina B7
  By Robert - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my car in July. I owned the previous edition. A major change was the fact that the head rest does not move forward or back. The current head rest resides to far back and definitely places strain on the neck. I have also noticed that at speeds in excess of 80 mph the outside wind noise is far greater than the previous model. Aside from these issues it is a wonderful car.

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  VERY HAPPY - 2004 BMW X3
  By CAROL - March 18 - 10:54 am

  Love the car, very comfortable to drive and exciting. The sunroof is one of the best features. Its like having a convertible especially for the people in the back. Not as big as my previous SUV, but not as small as others. I would get another one in a heartbeat!!

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  Jims viewpoint. - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Jim Mercon - March 18 - 10:19 am

  Ive always wanted a roadster. At 55, I finally decided to quit talking about it and just do it. Its been going on a year of ownership and I must say.....this is one awesome automobile. Everytime I drive it...its a transformation. The car is beautiful. It handles great! Its been totally reliable with zero problems. It turns heads. My daughter loves to drive it. Two of my friends bought one. Its been a blast.

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  Truly Fantastic - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Fantastic Five - March 17 - 11:24 pm

  This car does so many things right, its staggering how good it is. It is fast, comfortable, good looking, innovative, and handles better than 99% of all cars. The engine, transmission and suspension are so smooth, you quickly realize that you pay for refinement. Anyone can make a fast car, but no one can make a car that "feels" like this one. The features that this car has are unparalled. It does everything you ask. IDrive is awesome, and the people who bag on it are people who do not understand the logic behind computers. If youre good with a PC, youll love iDrive. Great, great car.

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  What a car!!! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Djovanovic - March 17 - 11:44 am

  I purchased my 2001 325Ci in February 2006. Although Ive had it only for a short time, I am in love! The handling is amazing. I drop the top every chance I get and boy does it turn heads driving down the street. Even my 4 year old daughter and wife cant get enough. After researching and driving the Volvo C70 and the Saab 9-3, I am confident that I made the right choice with the Bimmer. I actually look forward to running to the store to pick up eggs or milk, because I get to drive my car!

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  Great overall car. - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Jordan - March 16 - 9:11 pm

  I got this car after selling my 2000 Audi A4. Its pretty much perfect in every way. Despite what everyone says about it being expensive to maintain, it isnt. Sure, if you take it to the dealer for every little thing then yes, its expensive. It gets decent MPG, its quick, its comfortable, its nicely equipped, its gorgeous. The only issues Ive had is with the ABS, which every German car has problems with. Mine has now got 218,000 miles and still starts every time. Definitely glad I bought it.