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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  Its Time to Go - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By RLight - October 27 - 2:00 am

  The car is so much fun to drive. The pick up is great even though it needs major repair. I can hit 100mi before I know it and it looks cute too. I bought the car with high miles thinking its a BWM, it can go for miles. But the repair problems are mounting. From water pumps, brakes, suspenion, thermostat and theromstat housing, the list goes on. The trunk release motor is shot and dont get me started on those cheap A$$ cup holders. Its no longer cost effective to be able to drive this BWM. Its gotta go.

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  Great car but get extended warranty - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By dcdriver - October 27 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 2002 525 wagon new at the end of 2001, and it has been a great experience on the whole. The car is a joy to drive. It has also turned out to be practical for a family with young kids and a dog, and there is little that you can fit in an SUV that cant be coaxed into the back of this wagon. Our only complaint is that some of the electronics and interior fittings are not wearing well. Both of the front power seats have already failed, the stereo has had to be replaced, and numerous plastic fittings have fallen off. Our dealer told us that power seat failures are very common and a design flaw. Very expensive repair off warranty (which we are not yet).

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  Buyer be careful - 2004 BMW X3
  By Bobkd - October 26 - 2:00 am

  My loves her new car. We upraded to a VW from Hondas and now we were getting our first SUV the cute BMW X3. We test drove the 2.5 & 3.0 & did not notice a major difference. Both cars had an arm rest cruise etc, standard in all our other cars. We wanted a white car. We got a white car at what I thought was a hell of a deal.My wife drove her new car home.The next morning my daughter came to see the new car. Dad where is the arm rest, where is --- the list went on. I called the dealer said that what we got was not what we test drove. Basically was told you should of read the window sticker. Warning first time BMW buyers read the sticker, nothing is std on an X3

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  too much money for the car - 2005 BMW M3
  By Mspeedy - October 26 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle has had so many problems so far, First and most important issue which has not been resolved is that this car has a major stalling on the second gear at times (I am not sure if it is from the SMG or its a fuel related problem)which can cause an accident. Second the side marker lighs keepon coming out or gets water inside of them.

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  Get rid of the I-Drive - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Bill Chipman - October 26 - 2:00 am

  The I-Drive is one of the worst ideas ever designed for a car! The engine and performance is great but over the past year it has been in the shop 5 times with each time having to address the I-Drive. This will be the first and last BMW I ever purchase.

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  Excellent driving machine - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By doctor_elkin - October 25 - 10:00 am

  After owning a new Maxima and a Passat for 3 years, having a BMW is a real thrill. The car is built well and grabs the road by the horns. The power may not be there but the fun of driving sure is.

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  First Drive - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Drewo - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Took delivery of my Z4 3.0, 6sp man. with performance and convenience pkgs a month ago. Outstanding from all aspects from the dealer service to the driving experience. A surprisingly comfortable ride (17" wheels - non-sports pkg - which is not missed), conveniences, and everthing works as it should with even some pleasant surprises.

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  Simply the best!!! - 2004 BMW M3
  By orion7701 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  The car is simply amazing! I test drove the S4 and CTS-V, no comparison. If you want a true high performance machine that will put a smile on your face every time then get the M3. Power, handling, styling, and comfort, its all there.

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  Whats not to love - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By enzoandpiero - October 25 - 2:00 am

  a perfect sport sedan. Our 4th BMW and they just keep getting better. No problems whatsoever. Great dealer support and attitude.

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  I have driven alot of cars..... - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By falkonv7l - October 24 - 2:00 am

  And this one ROCKS!!! The most pleasant car I have ever driven. I have the sport pkg, constantly in contact with the road yet the suspension is not rough, the grip is amazing, the steering is on par with a Porsche! This is truly a drivers car. The chasis is as stif as the day it was built (now I have over 80k miles) Oh did I mention it is a very good looking car as well!