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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  Lemon law? A class-action suit? - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By wkisse - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I first picked up my 745i on 10-08 and it has been out of service a total of 20 days as of 11-16. The problem?...I am on my FOURTH new 745i loaner and all these cars have been plagued with intermittent electronics! Intermittent - nav system, cell phone, trunk release, headrests going up without warning, dash reverting to metric, radio/CD, engine check light, no audio from phone/sound system... A great dealership, but they have been plagued with a lot of problem cars.

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  Hott - 2003 BMW Z4
  By jl2402 - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Best car to drive, but you pay to play!

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  South African Lemon - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Ivan A. - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I have a 325I that was build in South Africa, not Germany. extremely unreliable. The car stalls during starts any time its below 70F. Not impressed with BMW service either. Perks are not up to luxury standard. My advice, buy a Lexus, Mercedes or new Infinity G35. I will never buy another BMW again.

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  Overpriced - 2004 BMW X5
  By jon - December 16 - 3:17 pm

  While BMW is a well-known name in luxury cars, the X5 falls short. Many options have to be added on with a hefty price tag. Some of the options should come standard on such an expensive vehicle. While there are some problems, the BMW is very responsive with handling and acceleration/braking.

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  No Radio Required - 2005 BMW M3
  By Vrooom - December 16 - 3:15 am

  If you like fast then you will love this car, or should I say beast. This car begs to be driven hard. The tach hits 7000 rpm so easily that you dont even realize you are doing 80 mph within seconds. As the car shifts through the gears you can feel the raw and savage power of this awesome engine pulling you back into your seat. There are very few cars that will attempt to mess with you and if they are foolish enough to, then they always wind up in my rear view mirror. The car handles unbelievably. Wherever you point it, it goes. The traction control has helped me out a few times when I really pressed it. The brakes are extremely responsive, you can stop on a dime. This is a great fun car.

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  745 Li an Awesome Ride - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By tc - December 16 - 1:57 am

  This is the flagship on the road, what a wonderful ride either on short or long trips, this car will turn heads!

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  My 745Li is practically perfect! - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By GNGator - December 16 - 12:50 am

  After eight months with my new 745Li, I have had not a single complaint! It rides and drives like a magic carpet. The features, including I-Drive, become more simple and user-friendly the longer I have the car. It is smooth and silent on the highway. Handling is tight and incredibly responsive. I love the sound system. The integrated hands-free phone is very good. I dont use the voice activated features much, but should get used to it more. Navigation system is great with accurate computer-determined arrival time. The back seat is huge and very comfortable. I really like the rear/side sunshade screens in our hot Florida summer. Lives up to its "Ultimate Driving Machine" title!

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  Ya Gotta Love it! - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By AtlantaGal - December 15 - 6:12 pm

  Ive now had this convertible BMW for 5 years and its been a highlight of my driving days. I bought it used and still under warranty, which came in handy when the convertible straps needed replacing. I understand that happens at about 30K miles. If I had not grown up with two mechanic brothers working on Detroit vehicles, I would have had a chance to drive a BMW sooner. There is a reason why its the Ultimate Driving Machine. Some folks may not like the fact that the control panel tells you when to do what, but its a great help for me.

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  Fun to drive but has problems. - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Willy1 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Purchased 2004 330ci in June 2003. This is a fun car to drive, and the handling is superlative. However, with 10K miles have already replaced transmission and 6 ignition coils. What has happened to BMW reliability?

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  RED Hot and WHY Not!!! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Suzie - December 14 - 3:55 pm

  This is my second BMW convertible and forth BMW. Sweet little car. The improvements on this car have been good ones. More trunk space with the top up....