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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  Long Term Bimmer - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By Eric Rohrbach - October 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new. Been thru all the electronic crises, a little expensive, mostly annoying. But - the car is definately worth the trouble. Has always been totally reliable and a hoot to drive. Lousy in snow, but good winter tires in all four corners transforms it into an acceptable performer. Would buy it all over again....

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  BMW E34 530i - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By E34-E39-E36 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used in 2000 with 107K for my wife. Things show up due to age, but the engine is bulletproof, transmission is silky. 2 years later I bought myself a 98 528i, then my cousin leased a brand new 2002 X5i. Then my sister-in-law got herself a 97 328is. Handling on all of the them unreal - I avoided an animal on a highway at 75MPH once, then I spun the 530 going at about 70MPH, trying to avoid an obstacle on the road without flipping the car on its roof. As I was told, anything other than a BMW (and some other high level brands) would have flipped in the air. Those two incidents made me a fan.

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  excellent buy - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By TGJ - October 19 - 2:00 am

  If you have the money... this is the car to buy ; no cons for 1 1/2 years that i am driving it.

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  Never Gonna Regret it! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Dave B. - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Having this car made for me was GREAT, but actually seeing it for the first time was like nothing I can describe. When I finally got behind the wheel, it was just like the logo says, DRIVING EXCITEMENT!

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  Lady in RED - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Lady in Red - October 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my favorite vehicle i have ever owned. The quality is superior to all others. BMW is a great investment!!!

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  Manual 528i - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By PR Driver - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Best car Ive owned, period. No car handles and performs as well for the price. Reliability has been superb.

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  Nightmares of repairs - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Docweller - October 18 - 2:00 am

  The car is great, but in 9 months of leasing, 6600 miles its been in shop for repair 16 times for the nav, tire pressure and phone system.

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  2000 BMW Z Coupe 2.8 - 2000 BMW Z3
  By Canyonlands - October 18 - 2:00 am

  How can you beat this car? What else are you going to drive some car you see on every corner. Ive considered many others including Minis, Boxsters and M3s. I see them all the time and Im so glad of my choice. I have people asking me about the car all the time. People wondering what it is and if Id sell it. Yeah right! Ive had over 40 cars, mostly that fall into the fun category. This easily is the coolest little car I I know of within $30K of what they can be had for.

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  Ultimate Driving Machine - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By rocket power - October 17 - 10:00 am

  If you enjoy performance driving this is the car for you. This car begs to be pushed to its limits. I drove a Boxter and the Bimmer handles better.

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  Beama beama - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By ajmak - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Best car Ive ever owned. Its a beauty.