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:

• 

  Thrill to drive - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By David C. - December 13 - 8:51 pm

  This car is a thrill to drive. Even though it is six years old, it still looks and drives like a new car. The biggest thrill is with the top down. Very little wind in the front seat. All the great accesories are included with the car. Very well built and low maintenance car. Great gas mileage. This is my second BMW and it wont be the last. The car handles great and has good acceleration. The only draw back is there isnt much room in the back seat. This is a great car.

• 

  Best of Both Worlds - 2004 BMW X3
  By MikeX3 - December 13 - 8:08 pm

  The X3 is the best of both worlds, small and nimble and drives like a car, yet big enough to be practical and has one great all-wheel drive system. It is, by far, the best driving SUV Ive ever driven. Couldnt be happier with my purchase.

• 

  Not again - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By JNWFL - December 13 - 11:01 am

  This is the 2nd 3 series Ive owned. I thought that maybe the 1st one (2000 323) was just a bad one, but coincidence or not, my 2003 325i confirms to me that I will never own another BMW. The sooner I can get rid of this one the better. Something (small or large) always seems to be going on. Ive never had a these problems with any other car Ive owned, especially Japanese autos.

• 

  YES IT IS THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE - 1995 BMW M3
  By LORENCHO - December 13 - 12:26 am

  I purchased my M3 from a small dealership that features mostly BMWs it had 108,000 miles on it.They had done a major update - new clutch, brakes (slotted roters) Bilsteins, new BBS wheels and tires, Turner chip, lowering sport springs, Pioneer cd unit. In short this car was ready to rock. And rock it does. I belong to BMWCCA and M3s dominate the track, out of the box they are a slot car but with a few mods (chip,hiflow intake,strutbar) what a rush :-). The 95 is the one to buy OB1& ease of adding mods.

• 

  Excellent - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By Zoomer - December 12 - 1:28 pm

  This car has been an excellent vehicle. I have owned it for about 9 years now and I routinely dust most new cars. This car is an absolute rocket once you get into the power band which is in the 3500 rpm range. On the highway I get around 24-26mpg, but around town it is always at 20mpg. Considering the way the I drive, this is excellent. Handling is awesome! I point the nose and like a needle it threads its way through traffic. It is almost like you think about your next move and it obeys. Final thought..If you find one with low mileage...BUY IT!

• 

  Too expensive for its quality - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Masao Ishihama - December 12 - 2:00 am

  You can see a nubmer of BMW cars in wealthy suburbs of Tokyo. However, the users can not tell the real difference in performance form Japanese sporty cars. From my experience, Nissan Skyline, or Toyota Soarer, is much more fun to drive for less money.

• 

  Every drive is great !!! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Brad S - December 12 - 2:00 am

  My third BMW. Had a 1973 3.0cs,& a 1976 2002,so I am a little biased. I think the sport package is a must. Snow tires are needed where I live. Its great how entertaining the car is,never boring.

• 

  U-G-L-Y!!! - 2003 BMW X5
  By Snowchica - December 12 - 2:00 am

  My husband *made* me test drive this car because of its reputation, quality and prestige. Ill admit, it drives like a dream. But I cannot see myself driving something so ugly! The car reminds me of one of those old vacuum cleaners with the hose attachment. The front end looks nice, but I hate getting stuck behind one on the road, the ass end is so ugly! If it was prettier, I wouldve definitely bought it. Bought a GORGEOUS (and less expensive, and American made) metallic red Lincoln Aviator instead.

• 

  When it works, Its Great - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By AW - December 11 - 5:37 pm

  Have owned a 99 323 and a 01 530- Great Cars, no problems. Cannot say the same about 04-530i. When it works, drives great, fun to use stuff inside. Dealer cannot get all the iDrive to work consistently. Fix 1 item, something doesnt work. All 4 tires have been replaced and I still have vibration at 60mph. Dealership cannot figure it out. Going back again for 4th appointment to fix new iDrive problem and tire issues. Only good thing, BMW loaner car (3 series) which drives great. If you can get a 2003 5 series-grab it!

• 

  A driving machine - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By former japanize own - December 11 - 3:38 pm

  A real performance machine. Coulnt be happier. 90,000 miles and drives like new.