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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  Horrible problems - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By 530Lemon - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Electrical problems and transmission problems from day one. 6 speed manual is very clunky, bad transmission. Vehicle caught fire! Car is constantly in shop, with no loaner provided. Qualifies for a lemon and I am working with a lawyer. If this particular vehicle didnt have so many problems, Id really love the car. Excellent handling... much better than MB E300. Nice engine. If the transmission shifted properly, it would be an amazing match to the engine. Quiet driving, stable at high speeds. Great heated seats with lots of adjustment. Huge trunk. Standard stereo leaves lots to be desired.

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  One great Three! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By ctyson - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive! Do youself a favor a put on a set of Michelin Pilot Sport PS2s. Premium rubber will take your 3 to the next level - its well worth the cost. I recently took a trip up to CT where I blew the doors off my brother-in-laws new S-Type Jaguar with a 4.2 V8! When I hit 140mph my 328i still felt rock solid going around highway bends as he disappeared in my rear-view mirror.

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  No other car will do - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Kate Bristow - August 9 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned a 320 BMW convertible, and was persuaded to upgrade to the 330. The difference is noticeable. I love the acceleration from a standing start, and the car is even more fun to drive than its predecessor. With a BMW convertible, you can really feel the driving, and hear the engine. I like being able to sense the road beneath the wheels: a true drivers car. It also helps that I have done the BMW driver training program, which gives you more information and practical tips on how to handle these powerful cars. My only gripe is that driving in LA traffic, I dont get to push the car as often as I would like!

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  As good as they say! - 2004 BMW M3
  By smg4ggg - August 9 - 2:00 am

  SMG adds a new dimension to driving. This is the most balanced high performance car I have owned though my 2001 E39 M5 was more refined. The new V-8 E90 M3 has a hard act to follow.

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  Dependability Is Needed - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By fred harris - August 9 - 2:00 am

  Found this car to need repairs on an every other month basis. Repairs on this car are very expensive so be ready. Get one thing fixed and something else goes out. Will not buy another BMW. Im back to an easy to repair Mustang.

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  Buyer Beware - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Gurneyman - August 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought the 7 Series because I had good luck with my prior BMWs. The car is comfortable and the gadgets are intriging, but beware, this care is incrediby unreliable and has been in the shop almost a whole month now or for 7 visits (including 3 tow ins) to date. Also, BMW does NOT back their car, they refuse to admit there are obvious problems including electrical, ride and other problems.

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  The best - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Felix z - August 9 - 2:00 am

  i like this car . its fast and of course good looking why because its the best

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  ONE BIG PROBLEM - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By COTTONGIRL - August 9 - 2:00 am

  Love the car...Most impressed with the active steering and adaptive headlights. Great handling and feel. The idrive is just like using a mouse and to me easier than finding the right button on the dash. MY ONLY COMPLAINT--DEALER SAYS BMW HAS NOT SOLVED SATELLITE RADIO ON THE 5- SERIES, ALTHOUGH MY CAR CAME PREWIRED FOR SIRRUS. WHATS THE DEAL WITH THAT?? ONE OF THE BEST ENGINEERED CARS IN THE WORLD AND THEY CANT FIGURE OUT SATELLITE RADIO??

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  wagon lover - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Paulkevin - August 9 - 2:00 am

  Love to drive, easy to park, shorter than most wagons. Very Sexy Car. Wish I had the awd version

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  Phatt Beemer - 2004 BMW M3
  By jusrite - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Finally someone made a car that is a challenge to push to the limits.