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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  2003 BMW 325ci - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Walid Moumneh - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car. Solid structure. Excellent performance. Very slick style. Love the automatic top. The only thing I do not like about it is the standard sound system.

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  Impressive Ride!! - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By jtb444 - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Finally got the car Ive wanted for years in great shape with only one prior owner. Love the power and the looks. I cant see myself in the 2002+ model. Minor mechanicals but great dealer service at very reasonable prices compared to my wifes Volvo dealer. Son loves it!!

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  Not bad for the second year - 2005 BMW X3
  By ask - November 10 - 3:16 pm

  Really like the car but certain interior materials should be of better quality. Rear visibility is poor so get the park distance control. The premium package is a must. Cold weather package is a must if you live in cold climate. Exterior is well thought out with no painted surfaces on the lower part of the body. Storage space is lacking. If you have an iPod get the connector installed. The bluetooth does not work with the Motorola V710 phone with Verizon Wireless. There are rumors of a software fix.

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  No regrets - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By proud owner - November 10 - 9:50 am

  I just got my car last week and only put 200+ miles on it. Its a joy to ride and the driving experience is so intense you can feel your heart beat faster than usual. I compared it to the Lexus IS 350 which i think is the closest rival. Lexus has a better interior for my taste and both appeal to me exteriorly but the difference is the handling. BMW really hugs the road and you can feel like you really are a part of the car. BMW made me agree that it is the ultimate driving machine. I am a first time BMW owner i hope the reliability is not that bad.

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  Nikasil engine is a killer - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Steven2 - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I have this vehicle since its new. However, it came with a nikasil V8 instead of alusil V8. Gradually the high sulphur of US fuel started to cause problems with the engine. Now it needs engine replacement, $9k plus labor. If you own one with an alusil engine, you should buy a lottery ticket. If you are thinking about getting a used one, you must make sure what type of engine it has. Check the engine block numbers before buying it. Its a very serious problem!

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  1997 328i Sedan - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By camenta - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I have already run over 1,500 miles on this car and it has been everything I wxpected it to be. Used to have a 1991 318i and liked everything about that. This is that and more. The car pulls hard off the line and can still turn it on in 5th gear. I dont like that I have to hunt a factory CD player down (fits using a Z3 factory unit)and the cost of the CD is very high. With that said, nothing else to complain about. Smooth, fun and full of style. A must have for the driving fan.

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  Baddest Little thing on da road!!! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By lbarbeejr - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I recently had the opportunity to drive a z4 3.0 for a week this little thing is so responsive it almost feels a part of you...it corners like its on rails and the acceleration is AWESOME...either in auto or manual this little thing will gallop like nothing else....comfort was great, the GPS was awesome and stereo very impressive.Styling is unmatched!!! Very well built automobile!!!!! Get one if you can afford the $52,000 the model I drove was.....made me feel like a kid again.

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  Fantastic car that oozes quality - 1996 BMW 7-Series
  By rubenrod - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Repairs can be expensive. Suggest purchasing extended warranty.

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  pauls review - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By paul fitch - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I am 55 years old and have had many cars but I have never had a car as nice as this one it runs and handles beautifully I will always now be a BMW person I love this car

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  LOVE MY 540! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Sanders - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Drives like a dream. Substantial yet sporty, amazing pick up, feels like driving on glass. Comfortable with terrific power. A classic in the making, I may buy more cars in my lifetime but Im NEVER selling this one. Classic styling that drives like a race car. If you enjoy driving, this is the car. If you dont enjoy driving, you will after this car.