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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  Love my car - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Gerald - March 26 - 2:53 am

  Ive had my car 8 months, and done a few 12 hours road trips. Great car to drive, smooth, economical for the performance, fast and responsive. Generally a quiet and comfortable car, though the cabin noise above 100+ mph is a bit high - not sure if thats the tires, or that its just our highways in the midwest really arent built to be driven at that speed. Steptronic is nice, but occasional problem jerking when accelerating from a dead stop. Also tested an auto Infiniti G35x but no comparison. 26-27 mpg on highway, average about 19mpg but I drive a lot of start/stop in Chicago, and its hard not to gun the engine!

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  Wicked Car - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Choppermagic - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Graduated from my 318i to the 328Ci last fall. I love this car. With the M-sport package and premium packages it has everything you would want (except for the navigation, which the aftermarket is better at anyways). Handles like a dream with solid power. Looks awesome at night. With the uglification of the newer BMWs, you cant go wrong with the beauty of this model.

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  This car rocks! - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Brad Gessner - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 540i used with 62K miles but totally clean. This car is so fun to drive... fast, good breaking, & cornering. I got the sport package, but still feel the suspension could be tighter. Perhaps it needs new shocks. The stereo in this car is my biggest complaint. Not sure why BMW cant put a killer amp in the car so the 12 speakers rock. Ill upgrade this myself. Other than that, I cant image why anybody would spend more money for a new car that cant even come close to this one!

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  amazing car - 2004 BMW M3
  By BMWjay - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the absolute best car I have ever owned. This car is so much fun you will be thinking of excuses to drive it. I was sold the second i let the clutch off the floor. This car will take turns at speeds you could never imagine and will accelerate at insanly fast speeds. I will warn that this car is nto for everyone though and it is alot of car to be driving and if you are not completely confident that you are a very good driver I would not suggest buying this car. I am definatly going to got another one when I can maybe even an M5 if they are back in production stateside when I need a new car.

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  The Ultimate Ride & Repair Costs - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By DarkShark - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic car to drive! Plenty Leg Room and comfort features but dont plan on leaving the repair shop for less than $1,000 per visit (for instance, I needed $30.00 in parts and the total bill was close to $900.00). If you buy one, do yourself a favor and STRONGLY consider getting an extended (high performance) warranty...You WILL forget about the repair costs while driving though! The best of the best (unless you have the pleasure of driving the 2004 535i)!

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  Best sports sedan under 40k!! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By EvilPossum - March 25 - 2:00 am

  My first thought after driving this car... is that this is not a car. It really is an ultimate driving machine. Handling is very responsive. Great breaks. The breaks saved from few occations where Id have gotten into an accident if I was driving other cars already. I feel very safe in the car. Awesome leather and Harman kardon speakers with subwoofers! Only regret I have is not purchasing sports package and xenon headlights on my ultimate driving machine. I cant believe this machine can be driven even better with sports suspension!!! .

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  A new fan for life.... - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Erikadawn - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car with 9000 miles last month after owning a jeep for 6 years. The handling is mind-blowing and the looks are head-turning. I smile every time I look at this car!!! I actually look foward to going to work because its such a pleasure to drive. I bought a certified pre-owned which I highly recommend. They really take good care of you!

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  More perfromance, less luxury - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Chris - March 24 - 8:43 am

  Great car. Bought premium, sport, and nav packages. Didnt really want iPod kit or xenon headlights but love that I got them. Wanted iDrive more for computer control of functions than for GPS but like the GPS capability, especially searching for nearby businesses. More sport than others I considered, such as Merc-300 sport, Audi A4 & A6. You will feel the road, corners and bumps so if you drive bad roads take that into consideration. Corners great and acceleration is plenty for most. Standard sound system is great for my non-audiofile ears.

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  1997 bmw 328is - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By kyle a - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Love the car, have lots of fun with it.

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  Awsome Vehicle - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By RDSbmw - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car used, in great condition, and I fell in love with it immediately. The interior is still in great shape, I havent had any problems with it mechanically, and it is a pleasure to drive. The acceleration is unbelievable, it handles wonderfully, and the interior features work like a charm.