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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  Truly The Ultimate Driving Machine - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By G Man - July 7 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent overall car. The cargo capacity is excellent, while the car is well balanced and handles like a dream. Mine is equipped with the sport package, which is a must have, as well as a 5-speed manual transmission. While repairs can be costly, most are relativly simple and can be done in your own garage at a huge savings. For example, I did my own plugs for 30 bucks, and it took abut an hour.

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  Best car ever! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By JHH - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Its a real treate driving my new 325XI. It handles the road perfectly. Like the commercial says: Other drivers beyond to the rear view mirror.

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  2002 X5 with 26000 miles - 2003 BMW X5
  By jamsk - July 6 - 2:00 am

  My third BMW. The last was a 528i. The X5 3.0 offers BMW handling and ride with the attributes of an SUV. Plenty of power, reasonable Highway mileage (20) no need for a larger engine. I love it except for the seats being too hard and get uncomfortable over the long haul.

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  bmw m3 - 2003 BMW M3
  By hindu - July 6 - 2:00 am

  well i bought this car and after i had it for 2 months my top had alot of computer problems and it was in the shop more than i was driving it...but when i was driving it was an incredible drive and the look is beautiful and theres nothing like driving a german high performance machine like the M3

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  Less is Better - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By haj - July 5 - 2:00 am

  One great vehicle. Handling is awesome, with plenty of pick up and performance in this little package of a 323i. Were a family of two and this car is perfect for a smaller family. The engineering is well defined and noted in this one.

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  Great Car - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By MikieV - July 3 - 2:00 am

  With 8 months and 14K miles on my 03 745LI I must say that this car is still growing on me. I have not had even a little problem develop-the car has been flawless. It is a thrill to drive. Its hard to imagine a better sedan - except for a 760 which might be my next car when this lease is up. IDrive is now second nature for me but it did take about 3 months to get totally used to it.

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  Repairs & More - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By Msaw - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Although the extended warranty to 100,000 miles covers the repairs, the repairs never stop nor to the headaces of having the car towed back to the dealership. Replaced stereo 3 times, valve cover gaskets, water pump, replaced radiator 2 times, trouble with the electronics, and now the A/C. BMW can make a great car, have a 92 525i with 182,000 miles and no repairs, plus its fun to drive.

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  What is happening to BMW Quality/Service - 2001 BMW X5
  By TEM - July 3 - 2:00 am

  I have had major problems with my X-5. Most seem to have been electrical. It is in the shop every other month. The problems range from dieing while driving to headlights and directionals burn outs. The car only has 23000 miles on it and should not be experiencing such problems. On the other hand, BMW service has deteriorated. The dealership even scratched the vehicle and refuses to pay for it. Corporate has been no help with resolving the issue. I will never buy another BMW.

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  BMW Owner since 2000. - 2016 BMW X6
  By FRANCIS YOGI - July 2 - 8:22 am

  Outstanding BMW performance; Exceptional styling;

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  The best car I have EVER owned - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By jss - July 2 - 2:00 am

  WOW! what a car! such good build quality, extremely fun to drive and boom! is it fast or what?