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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  The best Luxery/Performance SUV/SAV/etc. - 2003 BMW X5
  By alik61 - August 30 - 10:00 am

  The best I ever had. Fun to drive in any weather sun/rain even more amaised. Luxery all over. AWD all weather sport and some unility and a lot of fun to drive.

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  Beemer - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By abe - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive. The five speed is very responsive and the power curve in the upper gears is thrilling to use on the open highway and interstates. Need to be sure and have a radar detector installed or the insurance costs could be prohibitive. Ride is excellent and we were amazed at the fuel economy with the amount of power.

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  Great car for 6 and under. 40K miles 4 yrs old - 2007 BMW Z4 M
  By boyracer3 - August 30 - 8:02 am

  Purchased CPO w 10K mi. Cant imagine why anyone would new bmw when CPO program is so great. Have had car for 30+ mos. And all service has been free. Have had a rattle in the pop up Nav. Fixed. Hatch opening problems fixed by replacing Z4 lid bumpers with 3 series spring loaded bumpers. Intermitent pass door lock fussiness. But thats it for problems. Nav system is grossly inferior to Japanese and domestics. Unfortunate. But I like the newer idrive interface a lot better. A blast to drive. Very responsive handles like its on rails. Cont.

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  Exceeds My Expectations - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By MALSF1 - August 30 - 3:53 am

  Since my purchase, I have had no remorse in my choosing the 335xi - the car is a dream in handling and response. I like having the added safety of all wheel drive on wet pavement. The iDrive was a little difficult to learn at first, but now I can easily (and safely) maneuver and the voice commands also work without problems. The gas mileage between highway and city is averaging about 21 mpg.

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  BMWz8 - 2003 BMW Z8
  By Jamar /Jamsport09 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  The Bmw z8 is a high performance, sharp- lookin speed car. I would seriously recommend this car.

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  The Ultimate Texas Driving Machine - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By raiderwes - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This is an awesome road car. Ive driven it about 5,000 miles on 6 trips in 4 months and am very pleased. This was a BMW certified unit. So far, no problems, but the Service Engine Soon light comes on intermittently service center says it is likely something on the emissions systems.

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  A nice experience with my 740i - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By the MB - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car certified-pre-owned with 36k miles on it. It is a blast to drive and I get a lot of compliments on its styling from clients. I appreciate the fact that it can hold three car seats across in the rear. It has had two repairs in 12 months new ventilation fan motor, new fuel injection o-rings. This would have totaled about $1,000 without the warranty. While this kind of thing seems typical, and is certainly not cheap, a used 740 has a great overall value proposition.

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  Wish I had a Vette - 2003 BMW M3
  By GirlOutOfControl - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I have driven too many sports cars to list. As for the M3, I agree with the guy who wrote in about the Corvette. If the vette had a back seat for my son, then, I would own the "Ultimate Driving Machine". I believe there is too much hype over a car that pales in comparison to the vette overall and watch your fuel consumption...the 8-cylinder Vette has them beat there too! Dont get me wrong I do love the M3, because it offers safety, room for 4 passengers and sleek looks, but cmon, it certainly is NOT "scarry" as one critic wrote in.

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  excellent car - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By strongsafety841 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for a few months now and I can honestly say I look forward to driving it everytime I drive. I just got some 17" M5 rims, so the car picks up the road a little more, but before when I had the 15" rims, it was the smoothest ride I could have ever imagined. It is also a very quick car , which I think is its best feature. I have had a few problems with the transmission so far, but I beleive that is due to it being 8 years old and is all part of owning a used car. The engine, however, is still running strong and I havent had any problems with it other than the transmission.

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  1999 323i with sports package - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By mark flinn - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car via the Euro Delivery program. I saved about 4k off the typical selling price, and had a wonderful time driving for a couple of weeks in Germany. It is the best car I have ever owned. It is still fun, 4 years after I bought it, to drive to the store to pick up milk or whatever. It gets excellent gas mileage, is rock solid at 50k miles, with no repairs, and my three sons fit in the back seat with no problem. It is extremely safe I have avoided several accidents because of the combination of excellent visibility and manuverability. The sports package is excellent and a bargain. Great car!