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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  Worth the wait and every penny you spend - 1997 BMW M3
  By WytLytnyn - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car for 4 months and have enjoyed every minute of it. It really is the best compromise of the sports car and practical everyday car. The cost of maintenance and ownership can only be equalled by Ferrari and Mercedes (from what I hear). Invest in a Bentley manual, a metric socket set, a Peake code reset tool and a Valentine One. Youll be able to do most of the maintenance yourself. Also, you will pay through the nose for maintence you cant easily do (like a Gubbio flex disc on the driveshaft). Your insurance will be high and your mileage will suck due to your new addiction to the wailing engine and exhaust noise.

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  We mustve been lucky... - 2001 BMW X5
  By LOVE MY X5 - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Weve now had our X5 for almost 2 years. We love it! Im not sure what the others, including Consumer Reports, are talking about with all of their problems. Since weve had our car, it has NEVER been in the shop for any problems except for service maintenance (knock on wood). We love the the power of the 3.0 and the gas mileage (around 450mi to the tank). Its a great car to drive and being ranked #1 in safety keeps me at rest in a world with some irresponsible drivers. I agree with all the positive comments in the other posted messages (no need to repeat what has already been said).

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  Upgrade from a 3 to a 5 - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By bostonsports - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Dont let the I-Drive intimidate you, it is very simple to learn. I spent all of 15 minutes doing all the programming necessary. The auto itself is great! Power, and styling is awesome-many compliments from other luxary sedans are being passed my way.

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  Best Ive ever had - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By oldf - March 18 - 2:00 am

  Not cheap but worth it. In the past trading in for a different car cost much more. Never kept a car this long and its going to be even longer!

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  Too Much Fun - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By JMac - March 17 - 5:26 pm

  I drove the 2008 535 sport & 550 sport back to back hard. My advice to anyone looking at both of these cars is this. If you cant feel much of a difference between the two cars, get the 535. I felt the difference immediately that is why I went with the 550. It feels very close in over-all performance to the 2001 M5 that I used to have. My wife had a different point of view but I used the Jedi mind trick on her value focused mind. She was happy enough with the 535 sport. I would agree that the 535 sport is 95% as good as the 550 sport for about 10% less money. I just happen to be one of those people who enjoy driving in that extra 5% zone and dont mind paying a little more for it.

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  What a family truckster - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By danno - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Tired of your SUV, rising gas prices... want german luxury, and yet flawless performance handling. This BMW wagon rules the mid size wagon roost... and for those of you with families, its top notch safety ratings can let you get a "sportscar" in a wagon.

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  One Loveable Car! - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By badsmurf - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for just over a year and I have loved it every day I drove it. Handles great and has a lot of power. It broke down once (new fuel pump) but has treated me well over all. I dont like being afraid to drive it hard because of the expensive repair stories I have heard, but I manage to have my fun occasionally. This car been good to me, but it sits for sale in my drive way due to lack of cargo space. A drum set doesnt fit in the trunk of this sweet car.

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  1999 328iA - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By benmchilds - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 1999 328ia, steel blue from Century BMW in Greenville, SC. I traded in my 97 318ia for a newer model. I drive approximately 40,000 miles a year and have put over 65,000 miles on this car since I got it. Even with close to 85,000 miles on it, it still out performs everything that I come across and have test drove. I looked at everything including Jags, Acura, Lexus, you name and I test drove it and nothing can close to BMW. Great gas mileage and extremely comfortable seats for those long trips. Only thing that could be improved is more trunk storage since I travel so much, I could use a little extra space. Looking at an X-5 4.4 next.

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  840CI the Best Ride - 1995 BMW 8-Series
  By Luigi Sciabarrasi - March 16 - 2:00 am

  The 8 is the most misunderstood auto design of the 90s, not a sports car but a pure touring luxury ride with the heart of sport car, the best design BMW has ever come up with. Its too bad that BMW luxuary & Americans with soft rides.

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  740i-sport package - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By MR 740i - March 16 - 2:00 am

  wow!!this car has so far been a pleasure to own and drive.by far the most ultimate bmw in recent years.had a chance to buy a 2002 745i but instead chose 2001 7401.just as fun to drive as a 2002 745i but much better looking than the 745i.have received compliments many times by total strangers.great car period.