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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  Still Fun After All These Years - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Jazman - July 27 - 12:40 am

  Bought my bright red 323i Sedan 4 yrs ago with 14K miles on it. The car has been a blast to drive and supremely reliable. Have 82K miles on it and just replaced the front brakes. Other than that, I have had ZERO problems with this car. The exterior paint looks new and the car still draws approving glances from passersby. I average about 28mpg and that is good news in this era of skyrocketing gas prices. I now understand why BMWs hold their value.

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  335i Coupe... Purrs Like A Kitten - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Ted - July 23 - 8:03 pm

  I traded in a 2003 infinity G35 Coupe..I thought this car exceeded expectations, but the BMW outclassed this car in every field..Yes the sticker price was 6 thousand dollars more but worth every penny.

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  Awesome - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Duff - July 22 - 7:44 pm

  This car cannot compare to any other vehicle in the same class. The car handles the same at 40 as it does at 120. It has the power to handle almost any situation and handles just as well in foul weather with the exception of snow! If you have considered something other than a BMW, think again! Everyday is a new driving experience with a BMW. Be careful, once you stepped up to a different class driving machine, you will never take a step backwards.

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  Great all around package - 2005 BMW M3
  By Chris C - July 22 - 1:49 pm

  Cant beat the M3 cab for sports car performance with comfort, particularly this world class level of performance for the $. The exhaust note is unique, but so is BMWs straight 6! Quality is great (have you seen Mercedes and Japanese interiors lately?) and service is mostly very good. Highly recommend this car, at least with the 6 speed manual.

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  I love this car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By TMD_BMWLover - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. Ive owned it for only 3.5 months, but its my second BMW (I also own a 2002 X5), and this is one of the most enjoyable cars Ive ever driven. I wish they offered the M3 in an AWD version, as I would have bought that for the extra power; but dont let the stated hp mis-lead you, as this car provides more than enough acceleration to make for a very enjoyable ride. I shopped this against the Audi A4 and A6 Quatros and the Infinity AWD model, but you simply cant beat BMW on performance and handling - I highly recommend this car.

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  Great car - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By rick - July 22 - 6:40 am

  Traded my 05 Toyota Solara (HATE IT) on an 05 BMW 325Ci. Automatic, Sport pack, Alpine White, Sand interior, BEAUTIFUL CAR! The coupe is very comfortable yet feels very athletic and solid. It feels as if the car were machined from a solid piece. The interior is comfortable, well thought out, the wood trim is not overdone. I located exactly the one I wanted by internet,and went 650 miles one way to make the trade. During the test drive my wife loved the car so much that we also made a deal on an 05 325I for her. Next week we traveled the 1300 miles again to trade her 05 Mercedes C-230 Sport. The MB was a great car but the BMW blows it in every respect. Love the Bimmers, test drive a sedan too.

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  I Love It! - 2005 BMW X3
  By Lauren - July 22 - 2:11 am

  I have had my car for 6 months and continue to love it every time I get in the car! I had two 3 series before the 3.0L X3 and I loved them, but this car is wonderful! Its sporty yet luxurious.

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  Unreal - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By Techie - July 21 - 10:41 pm

  Used cars have been the routes I’ve taken over the last 12 years. I have been driving Saabs for a long time and I decided to make the change over this time to BMW. Ive always wanted one so this was a nice car to add to my collection. I bought the car with 112,000 miles. Its been serviced accurate which makes all the difference. The car is still extremely tight inside and out, like it came off the show room floor. Ive been dazzled how it grabs the curves asphalt. I highly recommend purchasing a used BMW as an alternate to a less reliable and not near as fun to drive new car of any kind. The power band is perfect. Shifting gears is a must for the full enjoyment of what this car can offer.

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  The Best! - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By C. Ahnfeldt - July 20 - 3:06 pm

  Just purchased my 645ci May 05 and what a spectacular ride. Turns on a dime. Smooth. Lots of power. Great touring vehicle. This is my third BMW and I rate the BMW as the best to own. Surpasses any other auto Ive owned and driven. Cant beat the service and care they give to the customer not to mention the vehicle. I highly recommend this car if you want something practical but sporty. People give second and third looks when youre driving this dream machine. I wouldnt consider another maker. Ive been sold on BMW for years. Still have first original/first BMW (525i) When our last child starts driving the Mini Cooper is at the top of the list of consider- ations. Thanks BMW!

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  Overall a Very Good Vehicle! - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Paul - July 20 - 2:30 am

  A very well built car. Although the 328 does not have the engine performance of the 335i or the Infiniti G37 it is still more than adequate for very fast bursts of speed. The car is comfortable and the handling is crisp, tight and predictable. You can feel that a great deal of thought has gone into the design. I believe that the 3-series is still the benchmark and very much the dominant player in its market. The iDrive system takes an hour or so to get used too and is not that complicated in my opinion. Overall I am more than satisfied and have no regrets.