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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  More than a grocery getter - 1993 BMW 5-Series
  By Midamrail - December 27 - 1:08 pm

  I bought this car with 109K from a BMW dealership for commuting to work and hauling our Labradors. It has proven to be reliable, enjoyable to drive, relatively economical, and one of the best vehicles weve ever owned.

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  Still the Official Car of Valhalla - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By ChiefBlueBimmer - December 27 - 12:50 pm

  I posted a review back in May, and I loved the car. Its now December, and my opinion hasnt changed in the least. Drivers seat has become more comfortable as it became broken in. Youll get better mileage if you inflate front tire to 32, rear to 38 like the manual says (dealership delivered with 32/32), with no loss of comfort. No reliability issues. Nada. Nichts. Car took 1/2 quart of oil at 4000 miles, and I did off-cycle oil change at 7500. Advice: Buy snow tires w/rims, or leave in the garage during winter.

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  Open your wallet - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By vikast - December 27 - 12:38 pm

  I bought this car new in 1999 and have averaged 15000 miles per year. The car is great to drive, but has had numerous reliability issues - air conditioner replaced, all four power window motors / actuators replaced (2 replaced twice), minor fluid leaks, front suspension components replaced, thermostat replaced twice, four sets of headlights, etc. In addition to reliabilty issues - maintenance is exorbitant. The dealer wanted $1,200 for brakes, $250 for a new battery, $600 for inspections, etc. Parts are special, so you cant just go out and buy them at Pep Boys. As a car, the BMW is only marginally better than the G35 and TL, but the ownership experience is worse than the Japanese.

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  Get One - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By PK - December 26 - 11:05 pm

  unbelievable power, silky smooth.... I have sports pkg--the handling is terrific..can be driven aggressively but still has great manners...the car is stunning, beatiful-i have titanium silver. Premium sound is great. MB doesnt have the power and looks like an old mans car.(exception..E55 AMG for 20-30K more)

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  BMW X3 3.0i - 2004 BMW X3
  By Patrick - December 25 - 3:13 pm

  The handling is great for this car. Xdrive is impressive. Though fuel consumption is high and the gearbox seems to be stucked at 3000rpm. Im not sure whether it is just my car but the automatic transmission from gear 3 to gear 4 is not smooth and it stucks in gear3. But overall, the car is a great impressive car with excellent handling in winter condition.

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  Worth every penny and more! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By asilvera4 - December 25 - 10:00 am

  This car is everything wonderful about a BMW taken to an incredible level. The driving experience alone is a value at this price, and its wrapped in what is finally a slam dunk iteration of the new Bangle styling. I can find a few ridiculously picky flaws with the interior, but what I cant find is any other car Id rather have south of a $60K Cayman S. Judging from the stares and attention this car garners Im not the only one.

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  Fun car! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By bb - December 25 - 12:35 am

  Ive had tons of fun in the car and its not even warm out yet. My wife was reluctant at first but she fell in love with the car too. Its just a ton of fun to drive!

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  outstanding - 2002 BMW M3
  By Doc - December 24 - 10:49 pm

  Pure performance not just speed, the best quality miles going to work or anywhere, it is daily fun all over, without sacrificing comfort, safety and practicality

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  great car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By jc - December 24 - 10:00 am

  A bit pricey, but this is a great car. Once you get behind the wheel, there is no buyers remorse; there is no guilt about how much you spent on it. It drives and handles excellent. No real issues other than I have to check to coolant level every so often (never had to do that on my Acura), but everyone should do that everytime u fill up.

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  great car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By JC - December 24 - 10:00 am

  A bit pricey, but this is a great car. Once you get behind the wheel, there is no buyers remorse; there is no guilt about how much you spent on it. It drives and handles excellent. No real issues other than I have to check to coolant level every so often (never had to do that on my Acura), but everyone should do that everytime u fill up.