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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  BMW 750 CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By DADIO - May 26 - 2:00 am

  PURCHASED ONE YEAR OLD. "ENGINE LIGHT" CAME ON EVERY 2000 MILES. TEMPERMENTAL POLLUTION CONTROLS ON THIS V12. WINDOW MOTORS ALL FAILED. HEADLAMP WASHER FAILED. ELECTRIC HEAD REST FAILED. CIG LIGHTER MOUNT FAILED. DRIVER SEAT MEMORY FAILED.

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  What more could you want? - 2000 BMW Z3
  By MEDniK - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Having owned a few british convertibles, this is probably the car they wish theyd made, and the slew of Japanese convertibles just dont have the flair that BMW have injected into this amazing car. Incredible road holding, unfaltering acceleration and striking styling are second to none in this price range. The obsession with the plastic rear window eludes me - true high performance convertible roadsters wear the plastic rear window with pride!

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  BMW has done it again - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Dr. G - May 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the one of the ultimate luxury sedans available today. Currently own a 2003 S600 and 2003 CL600, and this is nearly on par with the benzes. Workmanship is above-par by all means. Though not as quick as the Mercedes, this machine delivers stunning performance, and handles the roads like a jewel. The iDrive for front and rear is very unique, and this car clearly defines modern luxury. The Benz is a tad more plush, but for sveral thousand less, the BMW is by far a great car. If one desires an extra touch of classic refinement with all of the BMWs characteristics, look at the Benz, but by all means consider this car.

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  Saved my life - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By fanta - May 26 - 2:00 am

  The first drive, I discovered the main problem: it seemed to run out of gas after travelling at a consistent speed of 105 Km/h for long periods. The car would begin to tremble and would eventually stall. Rev the engine to 4,000 Rpm and the problem would go away. Others: 1) slit in manifold hose caused -35C starting problems 2) antenna didnt retract fully 3) drivers window would often break a fuse. In May, 2003, a speeding drunk driver hit the car. My only words: Crumple zones work! My precious BMW was destroyed but I survived unscathed.

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  Excellent Overall Sedan - 1993 BMW 7-Series
  By WCB - May 26 - 2:00 am

  It has been a Great car. Comfortable, powerful, reliable..What else could you want...well, the styling is a bit conservative for my taste. The regular service maintanences are not cheap, about $300 for Level 1 and $650 for Level 2. I have changed the oil every 3,000. The only repair Ive had is a Water pump was leaking, cost to replace $400. Its a big, smooth car, thats gets 23mpg highway and 19 city. The interior is very high quality with a stereo to match. If you can find one that has had only 1-2 owners, has full service records...buy it...youll love it.

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  BMW X5 4.4 - 2001 BMW X5
  By mdratliff - May 25 - 2:00 am

  The 2001 BMW X5 supports BMWs mantra of performance. My vehicle performs as well as some sports cars (4.4 & sports package required) and provides excellent acceleration. I am disappointed in the vehicle quality (radiator crack) along with numerous computer/electronic failures (engine, transmission, fuel gauge, CD player,etc) requiring unnecessary trips to the local dealer. In the three years of leasing the vehicle, I have had the vehicle towed three times (all between 15K - 28K miles). My expectation for a $60,000 vehicle are much higher than a $30K vehicle and will purchase a Lexus or Infiti vehicle next.

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  Great Car - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Roundel - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Operates like a fine machine. 12K miles and it is only getting better - with most vehicles I have grown tired/indifferent with them by now. Engine is smooth and responsive - Steptronic is a shifting dream in auto- mode / fun in manual mode. Sticks to curvy roads like glue with a stiff and responsive suspension - yet smooths out the orugh spots without getting unruly.

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  What a machine! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Mr_Skins - May 25 - 2:00 am

  They werent kidding when they said "The ultimate driving machine." This car is amazing. It feels as though it were glued to the road, and the suspension is heavenly (sporty and tough, yet offers a smooth ride) -- the car acts as though it were molded out of one big chunk of metal. The interior is first-rate, and theres a surprising amount of passenger space.

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  Smooth as Silk - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By paonlou - May 25 - 2:00 am

  3.0 litre engine packs nice punch, with tight handling to go along. Comfortable cockpit with great adjustable leather seats.

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  Good performer, questionable reliability - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Jason - May 24 - 11:16 am

  After test driving several makes and models, I bought the 335i xDrive with the sports package and nav. The car has been in the shop for approximately 2 of the 6 weeks that I have owned the car... so far (issues with a coolant pump). Car drives well on dry road but during our recent snow storm, the car had poor traction despite xDrive and the car slips and slides with the slightest braking. Most likely due to the tires that come with the Sports package. When I drove the 328xi loaner car, while my car was in the shop, it drove well in the snow. Overall, a good looking sleek car with good performance and features.