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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  2008 528i - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Ronald Bussey - March 11 - 2:48 pm

  Well maintained outstanding vehicle

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  RRZ3 - 2002 BMW Z3
  By Richmmm - March 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive loaded mine up with the Dinan upgrades and it runs like a dream

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  The best 6 ever - 1992 BMW 7-Series
  By Danbookman - March 11 - 2:00 am

  110000 and counting. Runs like a dream. Thanks BMW! I will be driving it for the 10 years.

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  2006 325i SP Manual - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By nkeen - March 10 - 8:20 pm

  I purchased my first BMW as the replacement for an unsatisfactory 2004 Acura TL. I am very pleased with the car overall, especially its performance, handling and character. Its a pleasure to get into the car and drive it in the morning. On balance, given the deplorable state of southeastern PA interstates, it was probably better that I bought a 325i with 17" wheels than the 330i with the more vulnerable 18 inchers. Power is, as they say, sufficient, and with ZSP gives a factory stated top end of 149 anyway (were I ever to explore such limits!). Runflat EL42 tires on base may be a problem, but RE050A runflats on ZSP are fine.

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  Expensive to Maintain - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Benson - March 10 - 12:51 am

  BMW performance is great and the car looks good, however, if you want to own a used BMW without warranty you will get very disappointed. I have owned different types of used cars some even older but none compares to a BMW. The maintenance of BMW is a disappointment. There is alway a service engine light on the dashboard that always requires expensive attention.

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  A Classic! - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By clouseau - March 9 - 2:00 am

  This is my second E30. Very reliable if you keep up on suggested routine maintenance. Yes, they arent perfect but their character will win you over. Very respectable performance and impressive craftmenship. These cars are built to last. You wont be sorry. BMW has impeccable standards and it shows.

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  Sensible Indulgence - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Ed - March 8 - 8:00 am

  It has been a year now since purchasing my E90 and I must say this car has been a real pleasure to own. The car has impressive power and excellent style. There were so many enhancements over the 2005 model that it seemed like a model upgrade at no extra charge (e.g. ’05 stereo upgrade now standard, more powerful engine, hands-free Bluetooth, run flat tires, etc…). I strongly feel your decision to purchase the new 3 Series will be one you wont regret.

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  Buy an A4 Instead! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Kiely Jones - March 8 - 3:56 am

  I traded an 1998 Audi A4 2.8 on a new 2006 BMW 330i and boy golly, was it a mistake! These new Bridgestone run flats wear out right away. I had to replace my first one with less than 2000 miles on the car and it needs two more. I have to assume they are for decoration - they dont actually work as tires. They brag that they run flat, but so do rocks and I dont want those either. They are uncomfortable and they go bald right away - not covered by BMWs 100% maintenance coverage (should they maybe change that to 90ish%?)

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  The ultimate driving machine! - 1999 BMW M3
  By Pruthur - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The M3 convertable is an extraordinary car. It handels incredibally and has a beautifuly finished interior. BMW did not cut any curves when designing and making this car. This is not a light weight sports car. It sits powerfully on the road. Long distance/highway trips are a dream in this car. I have been amazed at how well it handels in the rain. The leather finishes are true quality. I have owned this car for 3 years and absolutely love it.

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  Best Ever - 2004 BMW Z4
  By T A Genovese - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2000 Z3, Everything that I did not like in that car has been changed in the Z4. The Z4 is a dream to drive keep up the good work.