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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  325 - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By OKHunter - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car for the wife, coming off a 3 year lease @2.9%, on a BMW CPO program. Have had to take back to dealership twice, once to replace a faulty intake cam sensor, and once for some minor adjustments. Handling is impeccable, and power is good for 184HP, but wish they would offer more power without having to upgrade to a 330. Havent pushed the top end, but expect its more than I would want. Dealership has been fair to deal with, but I just dont have that warm fuzzy feeling yet. Brake dust, of course, is an unsolveable problem.

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  Hot Wheels At Its Best - 2000 BMW M5
  By JonJon - June 2 - 2:00 am

  To just look is not 2b believed. Out performs anything in or out of its class. BMW has worked their magic on refining a passenger vehicle with sports car demeaner. A pleasure to catch the expressions on the many faces as it passes and the will to go above & beyond. A fun car for every day commuting & a blast on the weekend countryside roads.This is truly the total package in a car well designed & engineered. Hats off to those at BMW for making available such an automobile.Thank You

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  Livin For The Shop... - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By CAJ - June 2 - 2:00 am

  With over 50+ days (in less than 1 year) spent in the shop...Im settled to driving my 80k dollar 3 series loaner. This car cannot be fixed and would look better painted yellow. Having owned 2 prior 7s, I expected a great reliable car. This car is a warranty shops dream. No mortal man can afford one when it goes out of warranty. Best advice...DONT EVEN TAKE A TEST DRIVE!

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  Worth the money - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By ymerej23 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I love the car in spite of its imperfections. It doesnt have enough power and the fuel mileage is horrible for a 4 banger especially if you really drive it. It is very comfortable and fun to drive. It is definately worth the $ paid for it because it looks more expensive than it is. It is a great looking car and gets a lot of compliments. It is also reliable and easy to work on. Over all it is a great value.

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  Good solid Car - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By C. G. B. - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This is just about the best over the road car i have ever owned. Great power and handling, Rock solid on the road. Only a few small problems in the year I have owned it. Watch out for the HVAC fan on used ones, fan only works on full blast. Power door locks also are easily broken.

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  I like it - 2001 BMW Z3
  By nofearman - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I had Toyota spyer before this one. NO match. This is two class up. I have automatic. I wish I have manual shift. Some say about S2000 but its not BMW. Everyone love the look around here (IDAHO!!!) With snow tire and DSC winter is no problem.

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  most bang 4 the buck - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By LION MCCOY - May 31 - 2:00 am

  ive always wanted a wagon,however, i dont have any kids...YET.the price of this vehicle was enough for me 2 sign $28,000 for a 2001 bmw 525i wagon w/ only 22,000 miles i have had sooooo much fun driving u can buy bmws back of book

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  need better relibility - 2001 BMW X5
  By bruno1 - May 31 - 2:00 am

  transmission went out at 29000, no reverse, many other little problems, back hatch sticks, park distance control 2 times replaced sensors, now have some awfully squeaking sound. Love the way the car drives but lacks reliability.

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  03 745i - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By waldroje - May 31 - 2:00 am

  i only have 1300 miles behind me but can confirm that getting this car was the right decision. the ride and performance are outstanding, while setting up preferences w/ idrive was a breeze. went w/ 19 wheels which add a lot to the appearance. no complaints.

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  Superior Rating - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Lawrence - May 30 - 11:00 pm

  The overall ownership experience is like none before. Ride and drive, styling, feature and functionality, complimentary maintenance, safety rating and resale value add up to the best value ever in 20 years of vehicle ownership. Dont miss this spectacular - in fact, superior rated vehicle.