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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  MMMMMM - 2003 BMW M3
  By stonemik - September 28 - 2:00 am

  0 problems in 6 months with sterling performance, wet or dry. Ive owned performance cars, trucks and a roadster - but my E46 M3 takes the cake. It took almost 3 months to get it once the order was placed but when I saw it sitting ready for me to take her home, the wait was more than worth it. What other car comes close to this price point that: 1.lets backseat passengers take their legs with them 2. High Performance Rev-Happy Engine 3. Safety 4. "Fun to drive" doesnt even touch it.

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  BMW x5 3.0i loaded-quality problems - 2003 BMW X5
  By jmoriarty - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Lots of mfg/assembly quality bugs. rear lid pops opne when it rains/cold, Doors freeze easily and you cant keep them closed when they do. Poor handling in linited snow conditions Vehicle doesnt always start on first turn of key(fails 7/10 times) Power Windows fell off runners had to have service fix them but they diod a poor kob at removing/reinstalling door panels Alarm system goes off when it is hot out Window shades break easily Navigation system can only be shut down by shutting down the car. No SW control to turn off system. Note I have spoken to at leastthree other owners and they have experienced 95% of these same issues

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  My favorite one yet - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By Rob Towner - September 28 - 2:00 am

  A bad day at work quickly turns into a smile on your face when you drive away in this car. It has all the power you want and at your pedal no matter what speed you are at. Smooth suspension, tight steering, easy shifting, and the true meaning of the ultimate driving experience. This is the best car I have owned and would highly recommend to anyone wanting the best of all worlds.

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  Best Little Sports car on the used marke - 1998 BMW Z3
  By BeaterBMW - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Great car! bulletproof!! Only lacks usable cup holders.

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  "Everything" - 2005 BMW X3
  By Dan Stell - September 27 - 8:46 pm

  After years of waiting for just the right time, I have finally purchased my first BMW. I must say the X3 automobile is everything I imagined it could be. With just under a thousand miles total, I have found the car to be responsive in every aspect of driving. The gas milage continues to exceed the norm making the driving experience even more fun. For those of you waiting as I did, wait no longer, this automobile is "everything" you imagined it could be!

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  Allmost a 10 - 2003 BMW X5
  By kstory - September 26 - 2:00 am

  I love this SAV. They could have made the cup holders bigger. Other than that it rocks. Get Sat. Radio too, i love it.

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  Fun, Safe, but oh yeah, its fun - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By joesurf - September 26 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love at second gear. Gotta buy the 6 speed! Fourth gear is like nitrous. I have not found the limit on cornering.

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  Makes the Cayman look like a Kia - 2007 BMW Z4 M
  By Adam - September 25 - 7:36 am

  I always used to look at this car and think the styling is too weird and quirky. I then went on the site to look at the 5-Series and I saw the hatchback Z4. I then went to the dealer to check it out, I tested the Z4 coupe and the M coupe. I walked out with the M I tested. The styling is so unique that you will always get noticed, I got it in the brown colour and I will never regret it. It really brings out the curves of the car. I tested the Cayman also and it was going to cost $10000 more for not even the S! This really shows how good a designer Chris Bangle was. Get the nav with iDrive.

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  Great Car - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By Catch_19 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I love to drive my BMW. I have 129,000 miles on it and it still feels like new. It does leek a small bit of oil, but when I change the oil the oil level is still up to the top.

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  Great BMW - 2003 BMW X5
  By jmoore - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I was never a big fan of BMW until now. My 2003 X5 is an excellent vehicle. It is fun to drive - it feels like a sports car but has much more room. The only draw-back is its capacity to carry any substantial payload.