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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  disappointed - 2004 BMW X5
  By ROE - January 31 - 2:00 am

  WE HAVE HAD THIS VEHICHLE FOR 3 YRS & IT HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE IN THE FIRST 6 MTHS WE GOT STRANDED, BATTERY DIED SINCE THEN THEY HAVE CHANGED IT 4 TIMES & JUST HAPPENED TODAY AGAIN.NOT TO MENTION THE SQEAKING STEARING WHEEL, THUMPING SUSPENSION, 2X BROKEN CLIMATE CONTROL, 3X REPLACING DOOR HANDLES & POWERLOCKS, DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW BEING STUCK,EXT.SHOULD BE BUILT IN GERMANY LIKE THE REST OF BMW

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  The best of the small sport sedans - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By T - January 31 - 2:00 am

  BMW 325i version with limited options, automatic, luxury package is a good value and still priced higher than the rest. It is the best for driving experience especially at hwy speeds and gets 32 MPG.

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  The Austin Healy with Performance Power - 2002 BMW Z3
  By EZRishel - January 31 - 2:00 am

  The M Roadster is definately not a Z3 when it comes to handling and performance. It challenges the Z 8 for king of the true sports cars under 150K. It is the car for those who owned or wished they owned the big Austin Healy of the 60s, but with the difference of greater reliability, better handling, and much greater acceleration and top end. This is the car for twisting roads and long road trips.

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  used value - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By knudsonm - January 31 - 2:00 am

  These cars are ticking time bombs. Watch out!!!! Ive owned mine for less than a year and has cost me $2000 in parts alone with me doing all of the repairs myself and has been off the road for 4 months. I checked the car over with a fine tooth comb before buying and still have the problems. I shouldve boughten a Chevy!!!

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  NEVER A BMW - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By guroz@live.com - January 30 - 7:29 am

  We bought a 2011 bmw 528i while it was under warranty. We started to have issues right after that. Pulling right, Electronics freezing, can not unlock the doors with key fob, can not get out from car because door handles do not work time to time and our 2 year old son got locked inside(car locked by it self) and we had to break the window which took almost 30 minutes. BMW said they could not find any problem and went even further some of the issues are features of the car. Our kids getting locked in the car is a serious issue, Can not getting from the car is another serious issue. What if car catches a fire in an accident and we get stuck in the car. We are filing a law suit and also there is one already pending for the same issue. There is lots of compaints for the same issues but they do not want to admit. DO NOT BUY BMW especially if you have kids.

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  Juliewestlake - 1999 BMW Z3
  By Juliewestlake - January 29 - 2:23 pm

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  BMW X5 - 2004 BMW X5
  By Aldo Andreu - January 28 - 2:00 am

  Very impressed with my BMW since I have always owned Mercedes Benz

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  X5 3.0 Blk on Blk Sport! - 2002 BMW X5
  By dinoC - January 28 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about this SUV. Except for its electronics. I have winter, sport, navigation, dsp ... etc. I have 30K on this SUV, and so far its been a disappointment. My passenger sideview mirror fell off, my door does not open and close at times, windshield special wipe doesnt work properly, radio/dsp doesnt work (NO SOUND!!!) Doors, warning flasher, reading lamps comes on for no reason when driving. 2002 X5! What a disappointment! Dont buy this SUV!

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  Buy a different car! - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Diane K-C - January 27 - 2:00 am

  I thought that a BMW was the way to go after running my Honda Accord into the ground at 235,000 miles. The total amount of money that I had spent on repairs that I had done on the Accord were just about what I have spent on repairs in just one month on this car! It is ridiculous...I am in the shop literally every other month and there are still things that I need to get done to it. I was impressed by the "name" and safety record of these cars, but am now just figuring out how to get rid of it!

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  325i - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By deputy - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Car is great fun to drive. Once all the quirks are worked out ( window regulators) car will be fine. Would definetly buy another one if one came along at a great price.