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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  Da Bes - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Sexy Beast - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful,beautiful,great,reliable,dead sexy,impressive,nice leather seats,affordable,great mileage,great features,good car.

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  Great to drive, but some little problems - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By bls - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for eight months, and every mile is a pleasure. I look for excuses to get into it. However, in that time, the hissing/crackling radio was replaced (took three trips to dealer: diagnosis, amplifier, radio); the fuel door opener broke; and now the interior sunroof panel doesnt track straight and the gas gauge is wrong (ran out of gas with 1/8 tank indicated). Sounds like a lot of problems, but theyre all minor and none (except the hissing radio) detracted from the pleasure of driving, which is the main reason to have this car. Im glad I bought it.

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  Solid - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Patrick - November 7 - 2:53 am

  After considering almost any sports sedan in the segment, I was blown away by the complete package that I found in the BMW 330i. After 5,000 miles so far, I have no complaints. Great handling, great power, luxury on the inside, taut lines on the outside. Even better was that you can get it with a true manual transmission. My first BMW and definitely many more to come in the future hopefully. I have Sparkling Graphite with the Gray Interior with the Aluminum trim, and I think its a great color combo. Also got the Sports Package and Cold Weather Package, and Leather interior. Wasnt interested in BMW Assist or the Navigation.

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  X5 - A problem waiting to happen - 2001 BMW X5
  By clubber1964 - November 7 - 2:00 am

  X5 is great to drive, handles great at 80 mph. Build quality is terrible for a vehicle in this price bracket. Too many recalls to mention. BMW service has become poor. BMW needs to get back and correct their customer service.

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  2000 528i - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By bakmtpm - November 7 - 2:00 am

  After almost 4 years of driving experience with the 528, this car is by far the best automobile I have ever owned.

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  New to the BMW family - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Joy - November 6 - 1:26 pm

  My husband and I own a Lexus and a BMW. They both drive very good, but I look so forward to driving my BMW. This is my first BMW, I really cant say enough about it. The car really holds the road, and it is extremely comfortable. The interior space is very good, in both the front and the rear. The sleek look and design provides for outstanding apperance and the ultimate driving experience. It drives like a dream on the highway and on bumpy roads. While the car is supposed to be for me, I cant keep my husband out of it! I have only had it for 4 days, but I would highly recommend it!!

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Shaybah - November 6 - 9:03 am

  Upgraded from a 2003 Z4 to the 2008 328 Cabriolet. No regrets whatsoever. Wanted a bit more room than the Z4; and the hardtop convertible for more security, less maintenance, and better sound and cold insulation. For about $6k difference in price, couldnt see the justification for the 335; the 328 has plenty of power.

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  SMG--dont buy it - 2002 BMW M3
  By LK - November 6 - 2:00 am

  BMWs SMG transmission is not ready for prime time. When it works, its great fun. Unfortunately, it doesnt like to go into gear when its cold, cannot be worked by garage attendants, and has died suddenly (resulting in a tow)while cruising. Software upgrade to the computer made the situation worse. BMW has been disappointing in their response.

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  I Wont Miss My Porche - 2004 BMW M3
  By Ali Hussein - November 6 - 2:00 am

  I been driving a Porches since 1982 after 5 911 this is my first BMW and I dont think Ill ever go back

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  1995 BMW 525i - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By rvirk - November 6 - 2:00 am

  This car was lot of fun to drive when it worked. I owned it for nearly 6 years and it broke down quite often. Radiator changed twice, got new shocks/struts at 100k, Battery changed twice, Differtial system replaced, had to replace stereo under warranty, rear lights blew up very often, and so on.