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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  fun and pleasure - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By jere - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Have owned car about 16 months. Fun to drive, especially on trips. Some problems I wouldnt expect...radiator replacement, valve gaskets...but have found a reasonable repair shop. Looking for a 2001.

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  Achtung: M Power is addictive! - 1997 BMW M3
  By bez - July 21 - 2:00 am

  If you want a car to haul your kids around town on weekdays and take to the autocross track on weekends, you have found your car. Dont be intimidated by the exhaust rumble that pervades the cabin or the harsh ride on rough pavement from the taut suspension. You wont be dissappointed. Be prepared for high cost of insurance and maintenance.

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  1st time BMW Owner - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Mike - July 19 - 7:36 am

  We purchase our 1st BMW in December 2008. We test drove Audi A4, Infiniti G35, Lexus ES 359, Cadillac CTS and chose the BMW. My wife and I like all the features of the BMW 2009 model wagon down to the handling, The iDrive is not that bad once you get use to it. We currently have 600 miles and plan several trips this holiday.

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  silver bullet - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By shadowraven - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Great car an a blast to drive, great on gas as opposed to my dakota pickup, I get 30mpg. Electronics are very poor, check engine light, abs light alway go on, climate goes off. $261 for new one. Tip: join BMWCCA the parts discounts are worth the fee of $35 a year

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  it is so hot right now - 1991 BMW 8-Series
  By hansel - July 18 - 2:00 am

  comparable to hansel in its hotness. Crazy front end, sick back end and smooth transmission, what else does it need to take the male model of the year award

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  Lots of things to fix at 146K miles - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Sky - July 17 - 6:06 am

  Its a family car thats turned over to me. I have mixed emotions. Happy because its a gift. Nervous because its turning to be a money pit. I have a long list of things to fix: driveshaft replacement, oil pan gasket replacement, transmission service and selector shaft seal replacement, upper control arm bushings replacement, brake rotors, pads, water pump, thermostat and hoses replacement for preventive maintenance. Update: Its now on its 151K miles and didnt replace water pump, thermostat, and cooling system hoses. I didnt replace the driveshaft and oil pan gasket. I only lose 200 ml of engine oil every 5K miles. I can live with the driveshaft "ting" noise only at take of anyway. Update @ 157800 miles - Car is strong. Engine oil leak is not bad and I replace the oil at least twice a year. Cooling system is ok without replacing any parts since 145K miles. This BMW E39 is really comfortable and reliable.

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  Lots of things to fix at 146K miles - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Sky - July 17 - 6:06 am

  Its a family car thats turned over to me. I have mixed emotions. Happy because its a gift. Nervous because its turning to be a money pit. I have a long list of things to fix: driveshaft replacement, oil pan gasket replacement, transmission service and selector shaft seal replacement, upper control arm bushings replacement, brake rotors, pads, water pump, thermostat and hoses replacement for preventive maintenance. Update: Its now on its 151K miles and didnt replace water pump, thermostat, and cooling system hoses. I didnt replace the driveshaft and oil pan gasket. I only lose 200 ml of engine oil every 5K miles. I can live with the driveshaft "ting" noise only at take of anyway. Update @ 157800 miles - Car is strong. Engine oil leak is not bad and I replace the oil at least twice a year. Cooling system is ok without replacing any parts since 145K miles. This BMW E39 is really comfortable and reliable.

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  You will be treated like you are famous - 1991 BMW 8-Series
  By Vette Killer - July 17 - 2:00 am

  This is one powerful and beautiful driving machine. However as any car that started out with a price tag of 80+ grand, you are going to have to keep some cash in the bank for upkeep. Forget about gas mileage, the car loves to drink like a college frat boy. However, you should see peoples faces when you zoom by them at 150 mph. It makes it all worth while. The valets love it as well. Not a car for the broke. "If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up" - Ferris Bueller

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  nice beamer - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Daniel Edrei - July 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a luxury sedan that thinks its a two seater italian job. Handles like a dream. The only indication you will feel that you are turning a hairpin at 60 is your hair flipping sides. Pick up like a jet liner. Super high tech in the most ergonomical fashion imaginable. The manual clutchless transmission on I had a 740 before my quarter-to- eight and it doesnt even remotely compare. Did I mention Im impressed.

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  great car - 2002 BMW Z8
  By uokgkkl - July 17 - 2:00 am

  the z8 is a prefact car!!!!!!!!!! it beats anyother car in the world in other words its the best car in the world