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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  BMW 330i is overpriced; lacks space - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By gregh - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought the BMW330i because of the rave reviews at Edmunds.com. It does handle quite well, is a lot of fun to drive, and lets face it, part of driving a BMW is pure showing off that you can afford one. I made the mistake of getting the automatic transmission, thinking that the city stop-and-go traffic would be worth it, but it isnt. Ive had both the manual and auto, and manual is better-- much more fun. The automatic is very smooth, but the Steptronic shifting is a bit shaky--no substitute for the real manual.

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  Acceleration delay - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By cruzer - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I want to love this car, but there is a signicant delay in the acceleration response. I was told by the dealership mechanic that this is a "problem" with the 2002s - a redesign that removed the cabling and now uses electionics instead. Most noticable when road conditions require a quick acceleration, a few times left me questioning the saftey of this "ultimate driving machine." I was told by the dealer that a half-second delay is acceptable (I can hit the floor with the pedal and bring it back up before the engine responds).

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  My new used car is great - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By NewUsed BMW - September 11 - 2:00 am

  I was lucky to leave the lot with this car after shopping for an E-Class or 5 series, my bank showed me the value of the 7 series by not financing the smaller cars to my liking. Next thing I know, I am driving the Ultimate Driving Machine flagship car. Just lucky, I guess. Everyone interested in used cars, should check the loan values and learn it is easier to get the flagship BMW than to settle for something less. E-Class is less.

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  4 months experience with BMW X3 - 2005 BMW X3
  By Paul S. Sandhaus - September 10 - 5:43 pm

  I was not thrilled with all the gadgetry I had to learn until one day I spotted the low tire pressure icon on the display. Sure enough, I had picked up a nail and the pressure in one tire was down about three pounds. The slow leak was not enough to keep me from driving to a repair place without changing the tire first. Without the display I might not have known until too late to save the tire. The vehicle is peppy and handles like a sports car even with the smaller 6- cylinder engine.

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  bmw - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Hardoon - September 9 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car ever its fast and powerful and luxery it the best

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  Fun Fast Exciting...its an M3 - 2003 BMW M3
  By JTL - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I personally am new to the BMW world as Ive only owned a 2001 BMW 330CI and recently purchased a 2003 BMW M3 Coupe. I was impressed with the performance, handling, and look of the car. The car is amazing and looks fantastic!! The only option I wish the M3 would offer is Heads up display to help keep my eyes on the road rather than on my speedometer.

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  Luxury Rocket - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By Gonzo12 - September 8 - 2:00 am

  One awesome car. Excellent sporty German ride quality. Powerful V8 engine. Feels incredibly solid.

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  Overrated 325I - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Richard Lipp - September 7 - 5:13 pm

  By far the most overrated car I have ever owned. Interior is slightly above average. Craftmanship is fair to poor. Paint is poor. Tires (Bridgestone RFTs) are the worst ever. BMW NA is the least consumer oriented company I have ever dealt with. I would never buy another BMW again. There are many alternatives in the $35-50,000 range that are considerably better in many ways. Dont be sold on the "Ultimate Driving Machine" hype. Good marketing program but no substance.

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Jason Morrow - September 7 - 6:16 am

  Excellent car! A little pricey for size and power but it handles like no other car. Comfort access is a must have and so, too, is split fold down seats. Only problem with car is warning triangle came on twice which the dealer fixed. Test drove IS 350 and though the Lexus has more power, it was way too small and confining. BMW gets a nudge on handling as well. If you got for just basic car w\sports package, you are getting a hell of a car for about the same as a Chrysler or high end Ford. No comparison.

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  Sleeper - 2003 BMW M5
  By HotWheels - September 7 - 2:00 am

  With 20,000 miles over 14 months, this car is incredible. Havent had a bit of trouble. While the car is unbelivably doclie and easy to drive around town, step on it and the acceleration will peel the skin from your bones. Only car on the planet to combine superb luxury for 5 adults and and still blow away most anything on the road.