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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  Know What Youre Getting - 2002 BMW M3
  By Rakete - December 8 - 12:42 am

  Before you buy, be sure to research the service histories of these cars. Model year 2002 had a series of engine recalls that are warranty items (bearing service), but necessary fixes. Be sure theyve been done and ask dealer to provide service history to prove it. If buying used, I do not recommend this model year to be purchased from a non-BMW dealer or private owner unless VIN proof can be provided that the recall service has been completed. Engine failure, while rare, is catostrophic. That said, I purchased mine from a BMW dealer with all service documentation and have had nothing but miles and smiles of glee!

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  Awesome - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Jerry - December 7 - 4:46 pm

  My first BMW. What was I waiting for? It is unbelievable. It performs incredibly. The power, the roar of the engine. It gets lots of looks and compliments. It handles well and is really comfortable for a sport compact.

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  Fun to Drive But Not Reliable - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Enver - December 6 - 4:28 am

  I got my BMW 3.30 Ci in 04 February. The performance of the car is amazing. I had some minor problems tho. The car passenger door window failed at the first month. Then the handle on the driver seat that is used to move the driver seat to front has failed. The door seals fail on both doors due to hot weather at Reno. I believe the car should have been designed for worse temperature conditions. The sunroof failure is almost very BMWs problem. The engine was running rough at first but fixed by the help of software upgrade. The car is really fast and very fun to drive.

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  Not what I expected from a BMW. - 2005 BMW X5
  By 1stBMW - December 6 - 1:25 am

  I have just about 14,000 miles on my X5. Not aerodynamically designed... if it is windy and im traveling faster than 70 miles, there is a whistling noise coming from the front of the windshield. The luggage compartment cover is also rather annoying due to its rattling. This is not what I had expected from a BMW.

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  2006 BMW X3 - 2006 BMW X3
  By Tanya - December 5 - 8:32 pm

  Previous car: 1998 M3 (manual trans). Its not in the same league but I had to slow down anyway. The car still gives me a good feel of the road, handles very well, is stylish, and is well appointed. A definitely classy SUV compared with all others on the road. Ive had it for 30 days and put 3400 miles on it. Drives great and I can only assume Ill love it for the next 6 years as I did my M3. And I like the 4- year no-maintenance costs. I bought it off the lot with the ZPP Premium package, cold-weather package, xenon headlights, and automatic transmission. Had to buy a bluetooth-capable phone, but its worth it! Phone calls are very clear through the speaker system. No complaints.

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  Great drive but bad bad quality - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Matthew Graham - December 5 - 3:42 pm

  I love driving this car and this is the second BMW that I have purchased new. The first was in the late 80s when I lived in Europe. I only kept that car for twelve months. It was an absolute mechanical nightmare. I said, I would never buy a BMW again but test driving it changed my mind within minutes, maybe before I put it in gear. They are by far the most comfortable and amazing car to drive but their reliability is just awful and they severely lack the quality and workmanship of their Japanese competitors. I now know I will never again purchase a BMW. It is definitely a younger person’s car and as I dive into my middle age, I need and deserve something more reliable and less hassle.

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  Very fast Love Corners!!! - 2005 BMW M3
  By Rev king - December 5 - 4:10 am

  I got my M3 with competition pack. and I am in love. Build quality is good but not overly amazing. If you get an M3 do yourself a favor and get six-speed, my friends SMG is sluggish and real drivers know it just can never compare to the manual Trans. Real fast takes most other cars with ease, not close to an AMG but without the $100K price tag the M3 can put anything else on all 4s

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  Hot Car But With A Lil Annoyance - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By SLIMQT614@AOL.COM - December 5 - 3:12 am

  Though this has been my dream car since I was a child, i must say its been a little disappointing, why, I had a gas leak after 8 months of owning this car with all door windows vibrating not making the cabin as quiet as I thought (now fixed). . But with the adjustments, I now have a ding noise in the gas tank when I hit bumps and start the engine after a 2 day storage! Not a good thing. As for smooth ride, I think it has its moments!! But the all wheel drive is exquisite, horsepower is just right and amenities are awesome, I have it all installed from the auto/tranny, the nav to the prem package to the pdc and xenon lights/heated seats. Love the car but will upgrade once my lease is up!

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  It rocks, but fix the climate control - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By BMW Lover - December 4 - 8:33 pm

  I bought this one with 17k miles on it - for $10K under book. What a deal!!! I replaced the noisy Yokohamas with Bridgestone SO2s (Pole Positions) and could actually hear the beautiful engine sounds. Handles like a dream - loves the rainy roads almost better than the dry. Always ready to go as fast as I dare and never balks. I bought an extended warranty to 7 years/100K miles - great idea. Ive gotten more than I paid for the warranty in paid repairs - some are right expensive. Biggest complaint is that BMW Service cant seem to find out why it is blowing A/C in my face when its 45 degrees outside and Ive got both thermostats set on 78-80 degrees. It makes me crazy !!!!!!!!!!!!

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  no comparison - 2006 BMW M3
  By dtm3 - December 4 - 4:30 pm

  After driving everything from an audi S4 to a porsche 911, this car has it all and makes few compromises. From a handling perspective, it is truly sporting asking the most from its driver, not unlike a 911. It is everyday livable with out smacking of too practical like the S4. My only complaint is the lack of satellite radio with NAV. The motor is incedibly willing and feels like it is made for the chassis, instead of the other way around. I am still under 1200 miles so I have only let it rip once or twice, but what a thrill. I have forgotten about my dream to sometime buy a new 911, if you are a sportscar enthusiast with a family, this might do it for you. Worth every penny!