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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  Pre-owned - satisfied to date! - 2002 BMW X5
  By Tsagg - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Shopped for an X5 for months. Didnt want to pay the $50,000 for a brand new so I found a 2002 X5 3.0 with only 17,000 miles on it. Extremely clean, hardly driven car. Have driven about 1,000 miles so far and have loved every minute. This is my second BMW (1997 328is) and they are by far the most amazing DRIVING cars in the world. The X5 lives for 80+ m.p.h. on the highway. 3.0 is plenty peppy off the start with plenty of torque but lacks some power at speed. No big deal though. Read all about the electrical problems in the 2001s which made me stay away from them. Paid $37,250 for a 2002 w/every option but NAVIGATION. (bought 7/10/04) w/17,000 miles

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  Z4 a blast to drive - 2004 BMW Z4
  By pfm1neely - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Loads of fun to drive and is a real head turner. Has great body styling and excellent response while driving.

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  Value missing - 2016 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By Roger Levy - July 22 - 4:20 pm

  Ive owned 3, 5, and 7 series BMWs which now includes the 328i xDrive GT. All exhibit good workmanship, tight construction and nice drive characteristics. Unfortunately I have two issues with this new BMW: (1) too many of the safety features now standard on other autos are extra cost options on the BMW, and (2) electronics are now being used to replace many features that are better provided through more conventional means. Regarding safety features - for example blind spot warning and lane monitoring are often standard features on many Hondas, Toyotas, and other autos, however they are extra cost options on this BMW. Although not safety related, heated front seats which are also now standard on other autos are extra cost items. Regarding the electronics - While the central electronics has been improved, the radio controls and many of the other electronics are still way too confusing and some seem unnecessary.

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  X - 2004 BMW Z4
  By fireman - July 22 - 2:00 am

  The car is all it is advertised to be. It handles better than I am willing to drive it. Speed and acceleration is great. Like the Z4 style more than the Z3.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 1992 BMW 5-Series
  By Alison Woods - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car as a dealer demo with about 3,000 miles on it. Ive had it for 11 years and it is still a great car. The only major repair Ive had to do on this car was to replace the onboard computer, but I replace my desktop computers about every 3 years! I also had to replace the fuel pump which seems to have been a problem with this particular model. The last major service cost $400.00. I may keep it another 5 years!

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  Bmw 3 Series - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By Mojo2093 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable car with a nice exterior design and simple well thought out interior, but the plastic materials have broken down over the years. The performance of the engine is definitely lacking and the displacement should have been upped to a 2.0 with around 160 hp. The driving ability however is excellent along with the 4 wheel disc brakes. All in all the 318is is a very good car and quite sensible.

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  1st Bimmer, Great so far... - 2004 BMW X5
  By X-tra nice ride - July 21 - 2:00 am

  We bought our X5 9 days ago and couldnt be happier. We test drove the Acura MDX, Lexus RX, and Land Rover Discovery, but nothing compared to the comfort and luxury of the BMW. The others are extremely fine autos, and the Land Rover is just an off road monster (we had quite a bit of fun at the dealers obstacle course), but the BMW was just a better fit for us. Tons of rear seat room, although we could use a touch more room in the cargo area once in a while. The engine and trans are awesome. I cant imagine why anyone would want to silence the I- 6 any more than it already is. You just cant beat the sound of a BMW. If youre worried about mpg, get a Honda.

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  Poor Performance - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By J-man - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for 14 months and it has broken down 4 times and had to be towed each time. Asked to be let out of my lease because the car continues to have service problems and BMWs response is that this does not qualify as a buy back in their company. To me, that is poor customer service to tell someone sorry, please drive a car that does not work. I would not recommend the car on the experience I had with the vehicle and BMW North America.

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  No Regrets - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Syllaw11 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I have less than 2,000 miles on my new 330i but already I see the wisdom of car experts on their verdict that it is the best sports sedan the world over, except for the price. But for the few dollars more that I spent (about 40k before tax, with steptronic, premium and sport packages), I absolutely believe its worth it. My car talks to me as Ava Gardner talked to Bogart in the Barefoot Contessa. The car performs and is a sight to see without being too exotic. It fits my lifestyle.

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  Great Car - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By DPoon - July 20 - 2:00 am

  I had no intention of buying a BMW when I bought this car. It had been traded in 2 days before and was in perfect condition. It only had 48k on it. I did the test drive and there was no question about buying it. Surprisingly, the price was excellent. Much lower than I though a BMW should be.