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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  Great Classic Cruiser - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By C Patterson - August 13 - 1:47 am

  Maintenance expenses are steep but necessary. Technology is now dated but the car is smooth, fast and stable.

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  Wonderful Car - 2003 BMW M5
  By alost - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Far better than I expected. The nicest car I have owned. I have a 90s M3 and an 80s M5, but this exceeded my expectations. Most impressive is that it offers confidence-inspiring road feel while still providing a ride that is not jarring to passengers (unlike my Honda S2000 which can occasionally tire both driver and passenger).The engineers at BMW have achieved a suspension that provides appropriate feedback without undue harshness. The engine winds up like a turbine with an exhaust note that only hints of the power available. The interior is beautiful and uses leather on every surface save the cieling.

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  What a car! - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By Modelengine1 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 325I for over 6 months and have loved everything about it. Its a blast to drive, and it has more style than most newer cars on the road. Most people ask me if its only a couple years old! I have had to replace a transmission sensor, but beyond that I have had no problems. BMWs are expensive to fix, but for the amount of performance, luxury, and pure enjoyment, they are well worth every penny spent.

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  2011 3 Series Rocks - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Jim - August 11 - 7:06 am

  Car is awesome all around. From performance to design, I love it. I think that the new BMWs design is lacking compared to the 2011. My nav is built into dash, everything flows, just clean lines. Performance is awesome, super fast and great handling. I have owned car for 5 years now and zero repairs, just routine care, nothing else. I would recommend this to anyone. I also got the extended warranty so I pay zero for maintenance. I would go with older BMW over new just due to design, I think the new ones look ugly compared to past years. Resale is great, my car holds value better than most.

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  Too Much Fun - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By RobB - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Since I bought my beemer in 00 I have just loved it. It did go thru a period of breakdowns around 80K miles but this is to be expected especially how I drive it. I regularly run at 115 to 120+ on the open Northern CA hwys. Very responsive and fun. Comfort level is way up there. Raced it a few times at Infineon Raceway. This is a car that loves to fully aspirate in huge deep breaths and so do you when you drive it.

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  Tires just burn away - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Gary - August 11 - 1:56 am

  Let me start by saying its a great car. No questions about that. But I ended up getting a sports package for 325i, which has run flat tires. This was a mistake. Because firstly, they dont last more than 15000 miles. Secondly, there are few companies that make this size run flat tires, so you dont have much option. Thirdly tires are $350 a piece. Plus an alignment would cost $190 at a dealership. It adds a lot to the running cost of the car

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  Great Car! - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By 714-530xi - August 10 - 5:16 am

  530xi is a wonderful car to own and drive. Handling is incredible and has plenty of power. Great control at high speeds and through aggressive cornering. Steptronic shifts very smooth during rapid acceleration. Nice ride while still having a good feel of the road. Interior is comfortable and not overdone with bling. Love the iDrive, which is also fun for new passengers to navigate menus.

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  BMW 3 series - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By mark reinhardt - August 9 - 1:20 pm

  Purchased new in April and waited until Oct to receive the all wheel drive. Very impressed. A little tight inside, and the pedals are close together, especially for size 12 shoes. Quite surprised as to how much fun this car is to drive. 4 wheel drive with snow tires handles the Vermont winter driving weather very well. Bought almost all of the extras. No sport, or large wheels. Lots of money but should be driving in style for 4 years under warranty.

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  one word: problems - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By DallasDriver - August 9 - 2:00 am

  I love the car (525i with M sports package manual) when I actually get to drive it and when it works. It spent more time in the service dept than with me (hence the low mileage). The svc. dept. rep. knows me on a first name basis. Took it twice for the air bag light once for a problem with the drivers seat 4 times for a clutch problem (which has not been solved yet). Im in the process of looking for a new car. Definitely NOT a BMW.

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  Great Buy - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By westerner99 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Great buy...holds value well...reliable auto.