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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  The reluctant BMW Owner - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By MDchick - June 18 - 2:00 am

  There is a stero type out there about BMW owners. Dont believe me? Just take a look at the lastest TV ad from Audi. I tested all of the cars in the entry level luxury category. I also included cost of ownership and resale value in my decision making process. BMW came out the winner! It was the best mix of sport and luxury. It is also fun to drive.

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  medium - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By ias - June 18 - 2:00 am

  The mannual shifting is not smooth. It is big for a sports car. The sunroof is small. Continuous problems with the allignment

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  The only car for me - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By globetrotter - June 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the only car I want so I will skip the laurels and talk about the downside. I bought the 2 yr old with a recent inspection through a broker and saved $10000 over a new one. The next week the service engine soon light came on, the dealer replaced parts under warrentee but said I needed new belts and a break flush for $250. The next day the battery died and the car was towed back to the dealer for replacement. The next week the headliners came off and back to the dealer. BMW service is a zoo, sooo many cars all the time. But this car hits all the right buttons for me!

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  simple and nice - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By MongMong - June 18 - 2:00 am

  its simple, classy, nice

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  Why do BMWs fall apart so fast? - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By pylt - June 17 - 2:00 am

  At first it was a passionate love affair every drive was special. But now, only 20,000 miles later . . . Im looking to get out of it. Combine the arrogance of their dealers, with the abnoxious behavior of their NJ HQs personnel, and what do you have? A terrible product that, even though it drives well, isnt worth the grief that it puts you through. Things gone wrong: 1. suspension bushing fell out 2. drinks coolant (and no one knows where it goes) 3. its on its 3rd set of cup holders 4. radio speakers giving up the ghost 5. AC always recirculates cant stop 6. steering wheel squeeks (but only when away from the dealership) 7. other probs 2.

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  BMW 540i 6sp - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By archieDude - June 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is always a pleasure to drive and its stealth performance is there when you need it. The body style and popularity of lesser 5-series models doesnt turn heads but this car is made to thrill the driver, not the bystanders. Cupholder criticisms aside, the quality and durability is everything that its numerous awards suggest.

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  Superb fun sporty sedan - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Stan - June 17 - 2:00 am

  This is my second 5 series BMW. It provides the fun driving experience of a truly responsive car while providing the room and flexibility I need to also use it for work. It is a joy to drive on the highway especially in the mountains. It makes going to meetings fun. Given todays gas prices I appreciate the true 32 mpg I get on the highway. The controls and guages are all easy to read and work. I wish mine had the more extensive trip computer. I have found nothing that matches the handling and sheer fun of driving a stick shift BMW. There have been minor mechanical glitches which have been fixed under the BMW warranty.

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  I love this car! - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By deahn - June 16 - 2:00 am

  My husband bought this car for me as a suprise wedding anniversary gift. The only shocker was the repair bill, , the A/c went out,($1900) and the Bugatti after market wheels vibrated requiring new front tires ($1,000/pr) NEVER put those on your beautiful BMW.

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  head bolt failure - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By GVunhappy - June 14 - 8:07 pm

  BMW knows about the problem with the two aluminum head bolts that fail but will not assist customers when failure is out of warranty. Also quality of materials used in the interior is cheap. Leather does not hold up and plastic trim on doors actually melts.

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  645ci... - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By SChow - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I waited a year for this car. Overall, the vehicle is unbelievable! I get an adrenaline rush every time at a stoplight.