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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  Would be great-if ever out of the shop! - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Fred - June 3 - 5:29 pm

  Aside from the fact that the car looks basically the same as it has for many years now, I bought it anyway. Its extremely comfortable and I was impressed in the test drive at the power and the responsiveness. HOWEVER, they didnt tell me that the car loves to be in the shop! As I write this it is back at the dealership for the 5th time trying to get the kinks worked out. I dont know if the car is worth the $100k + price tag or not at this point because I havent been able to drive it long enough without something going wrong!

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  Very Good Car - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Bimmer - June 3 - 3:41 pm

  Purchased new when I traded my 93 740iL. 93 had better interior and build quality but needed engine replaced at 110k. Both cars very comfortable, powerful and attractive. Have had to replace radiator, expansion tank and water pump as well as front end work. Great integrated phone and (older CD type) nav, all voice activated too! Phone/radio controls on steering very handy. Will never buy car without those features again. I find the nav system easy to use but all require some time to learn. Wish CD player was not in trunk. It is quiet at highway speeds and has a huge trunk. So far I have had nearly 80k of great driving. Hope next car will work as well.

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  Enjoyable drive - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Don - June 3 - 1:51 am

  Check on maintenance costs before buying. A battery replacement cost me about $300. The covered maintenance program is great. Road noise is quiet. Its a great machine to drive. The electric seats are very comfortable once you figure out all the controls...

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  One year later - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By luvmysunz - June 2 - 7:57 pm

  Bought my 323it a year ago and I love it more than the day I drove it off the lot! Best car I have ever owned..hands down. The handling in city driving cant be beat - smooth acceleration, precision steering. The ride is still quiet and in no way feels like there are 52,000 miles under its wheels. Weekend getaways are a joy. With the roof rack system we purchased for luggage carrying, it is actually more roomy inside on these trips than my 4Runner was. And the drop down separator in the back seat has been a lifesaver with two boys under 13! Love it, love it, love it.

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  Great SUV!! - 2005 BMW X3
  By marij17 - June 2 - 4:24 pm

  Ive had my 04 X3 for about a year and I absolutely love it! Fun car to drive, very reliable, great maintenance program, handles great in snow and rain and nice peppy engine for merging onto highways. It sure beats the VW I sold to get the X3!

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  Bad rap on design - 2005 BMW Z4
  By jruggio - June 2 - 2:42 pm

  This car has been nothing but an eye catching delight. I believe there has been a conspiracy by BMW haters towards the styling. There is hardly a day I take this car out that I dont get a positive comment,ie. "nice car" "nice ride" "I love your car". I have never received more positive comments on anything I have ever had except my wife!

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  Best Value - 2005 BMW Z4
  By IMMAJ - June 2 - 1:06 pm

  This car has the quickest top retraction in the industry: 7 seconds! It handles well, comfortable (except when the top is up and you get out of the car. But overall, a great value and a sexy ride. The only design change I would do is revise the back of the car like the Z8.

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  My Six - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By nmcochise - June 2 - 10:31 am

  Moved out of a Benz SL600 into the 645CiC. The BMW has better braking, refined seating and no loss of performance smoother and a much more quiet ride Unlike the Benz, the Beemer roof line is not friendly to tall people.

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  Amazing M3 - 1998 BMW M3
  By Matthew S. - June 1 - 10:15 pm

  I purchased my M3 as a certified pre- owned about 2 years ago. The car is flawless. It can out run or keep up with many cars on the road today, easily. It is very quick, responsive and handles as if its on rails. You can basically attack corners with this car and never feel over your head. The car also makes you look and feel like a better driver. The functionality of the car is also impressive because you can carry four adults in relative comfort with a few bags of luggage in the back. Most of all the car is fun to drive and will definitely put a smile on your face whenever you drive it.

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  Its a great car and you know it - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By MarcS - June 1 - 6:34 pm

  Just bought the 05 325i in Alpine White. It is a classy, sexy looking car, a real head-turner. I have heard remarks that some like the 05 body style better than the new 06, and I agree. I love the two-tone leather interior (sand with black accents). The seats are incredibly comfortable (even better than my wifes SAAB 9-5). Handles like a dream, suspension is TIGHT and steers nimbly. Turning radius is incredible! I hear some people remarking that it needs more power. These egomaniacs need to ease up - exactly how fast do you need to go on a public road? This car will do 120mph+ easily. That seems sufficient to me. If power is your poison, buy some souped-up rustbucket from the seventies.