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:

• 

  Z4 was the worst car i have ever owned. - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Z4BMWZ4 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car brand new with 6 miles on it. Ive had it a year and has 11,000 miles on it now. I had to bring it to the show 8 times. The instrument cluster needed replacing twice. The passenger side power seat went out. The gas cap lid cover fell off at the gas station. The passenger side window fell out. The dealer would not take it back. BMW America would not do anything, but they "made a note of it" In 2003, the domestic cars had less complaints then the european cars. Makes you wonder why. I should have bought a cadallac.

• 

  Best of all! - 1992 BMW 5-Series
  By Luke B. - October 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my first BMW and I am hooked! I have owned Saabs, Sterlings and a Range Rover, but after driving and owning this car I can confidently say that I will have it for a long long time and my next car will be another BMW. I have owned the car for the last 16,000 and have had no serious issues, only a few minor problems like replacing sensors and some difficulty with the seat motors. My most expensive bill so far has been the 90,000 mile service, but other than that, all is quite well!

• 

  Walk Dont Run - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By lsudad - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I love to drive this car. Reliability is not good however. Radiator neck (plastic!!!)broke off at 1 am 200 miles from home. Both catalytic converters failed. Eats tires due to bushings wearing out like plastic on front end. Cup holders are poorly designed, break often and are in the way of AC controls. Fuse problem left me stranded at night also. Only ORR BMW service brings me back to another BMW

• 

  1998 BMW 318ti Sport - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By BB Fan - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Exception handling and braking. Great gas mileage. Sports package is exception and car looks great. Car is fun to drive and is a real head turner.

• 

  TOMS CAR - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Rob Kumes - October 21 - 2:00 am

  My brother Tom bought this car, gave it to me and it is UNBELIEVABLE. Having previously owned a 7 series, two 3 series, and even a 2002 TII (wow), these guys never fail to amaze me. This ride is extremely smooth, responsive and agile. Now, I gotta go get one myself!

• 

  Euro Delivery - 2004 BMW X3
  By Skibuff - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Ordered a 2005 and took delivery in Munich on 11 Oct. We spent a week driving through Germany on and off the Autobahns and what a Blast! I love the 6 speed and panoramic roof. Up and down through the Black Forest and along the Rhine for a truly fun time. The last instruction from the delivery center was to keep it under 100 mph and 4500 rpm which was a challenge but even at that, I averaged 20+ mpg. I cant wait for the car to make it from Munich back across the Atlantic. I need to some reprogramming of the automatic adjustments for the seat, mirrors, theft alarm, lights, etc. but thats secondary to the pure fun of driving this nice little piece of German engineering.

• 

  love my 645 coupe - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By al schmitt - October 21 - 2:00 am

  i love to drive my 645 coupe. i feel very safe in it. the power and handling are fantastic.

• 

  Best BMW yet - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By RichC - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th BMW. It is not perfect, but as close to perfect yet. Drives and handles like a dream, I drive is complicated at first but once you are used to it, it is intuitive.

• 

  2004 745Li - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By jalifree - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This Automobile is pure luxury!! Performance 2nd to none, Body style great except noting no protection from "parking lot morons"! 3 dents in 3mo.

• 

  GREAT LUXURY CAR - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Sarah Lexington - October 21 - 2:00 am

  The ultimate luxury car for the ultimate car lover. Beautiful and elegance along with fun adventurous driving. BEST BUY