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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  Too Much Fun - 1998 BMW Z3
  By Diana - December 6 - 12:21 am

  I am having a ball in this car. Ive driven it roundtrip between Key West & Rochester, NY. Extremely comfortable for 14 hour days on the road. I just picked up my Christmas tree in it last weekend (top down, of course!) I want to tour the West and see the stars at night! Cant wait to go. If you want to be treated like a celebrity, drive this car!

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  Very Powerful and Solid - 2005 BMW M3
  By EBraidi - December 5 - 6:19 pm

  I use to have a 2001 X5 and it was a great car, but compared to my new 2005 M3 it stands not chance. Love everything about this car except for the exhaust sound. I need to do something about that. So far the cars been holding up like a rock.

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  Perfect Sports Car - (with some flaws) - 2002 BMW M3
  By mountainman - December 5 - 3:35 am

  I join in all the hyperbolic praise that has been heaped on this car. It is fast, beautiful, handles tremendously, and has brakes that will suck your eyeballs out of your head. Here are the negatives: the convertible top is aggravating it rattles and squeaks incessantly, and dealers dont know how to fix it. (The solution: leave it down!) The suspension is a bit harsh for daily driving on rough roads. Blind spot when the top is up is pretty bad (The solution: leave it down!). With the windblocker in place, you cant use the back seat. (The solution: leave kids at home!). Biggest gripe: EVERYONE wants to race you - annoying, although you can beat them all.

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  Tires dont last long - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Michal Joyner - December 5 - 2:18 am

  I love driving the car, but I cant seem to get a set of tires to last more than 15,000 miles. Also, maintenance is expensive. A trip to the service department averages $1,000.

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  What happened to the "MDX" - 2004 BMW X3
  By Young Banker - December 4 - 11:19 pm

  I had my heart set in the Acura MDX until I drove the BMW X3 3.0. The car is so much fun to drive and stands apart from the other automobiles on the road. With a powerful engine and great cornering ability its hard for people to keep up with you. So far so good. I cant wait to drive on a long road trip!!

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  This car simply rocks! - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Ralph Kramden - December 4 - 3:08 am

  I have always been an M3 guy, and took a chance to have something for the family. It is a blast! You feel as if you are driving literally one of the finest automobiles in the world- but buy it to drive, and drive hard. Save the Lex or Merc for the softies.

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  Dont Buy M3 Conv.-Noisy top, unreliable - 2005 BMW M3
  By Randall - December 3 - 4:28 pm

  Unreliable car, sometimes does not start. Dealer needed 5 visits to figure out it was a faulty key, but I still have my doubts. Fuel economy is horrible, 16 mpg in the city only! Car engine stalls when parking and turning wheel to park. The convertible top is very noisy when top is up and windows are up, visited dealer three times until they did something about, it and still its not quiet. If only BMW could provide the quality that the japanese put in their cars, things would be great!

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  Z4 4 Fun - 2004 BMW Z4
  By fozi - December 3 - 8:26 am

  I think the z4 is a great little car for the weekend. Fun, fast and gets great looks from others -- but does not break your bank account doing it.

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  nightmare - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By bob - December 2 - 11:45 pm

  i bought this car because i thought bmws were nice cars, mine on the other hand is a nightmare. i have spent over $2000 dollars repairing this car. i would have rather gone with something more reliable like a Toyota.

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  a winner - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By RH - December 2 - 7:34 pm

  I have never driven a tighter vehicle in all of my driving years (40 years+). I am impressed with everything about this vehicle...from the design to the power and added amenities. It is a fun drive. The only issue that I unwittingly experienced was the service engine soon light coming on unexepectedly once. For fear of causing damage, I immediately called the dealer. They suggested that I probably didnt put the gas cap back on correctly after a recent gas fill. They were right...a simple fix. I love the car and will buy again.