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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  Awful vehicle, worse service - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Rfreundmd - April 23 - 2:00 am

  fuel pump goes at two weeks, electronics go at 2 months, transmission problems at 4months, front window with stress fracture at 5 months, computer updates, tires blow at one year at 2am- 24 hour roadside assistance is not available until 10 Am. Dealership could not care less!!! Buy Japanese.

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  Joy to own - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By carski7 - April 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive loved driving this car all year round sun, rain, and snow!! Biggest problem was ball joints every 20k mi seemed to be due to lack of rotating tires soon enough and abusive Detroit roads. Now all OK. Radio and Climate just stopped working--cert pre owned warranty was good!

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  2001 BMW X5 - 2002 BMW X5
  By Paul McCartney - April 23 - 2:00 am

  The Ultimate Driving Machine!

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  The best four seater convertible - 2002 BMW M3
  By grw - April 22 - 2:00 am

  It is great fun to drive, and surprisingly comfortable. The rear seats are usable by adults (rare for this type of car), and the car has more features than you could imagine.

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  Best Car Ever - 2003 BMW M3
  By BMWsRock - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Ridiculous looks, ridiculous performance. It can be calm and docile when driving your mother-in-law, and after you drop her off you can drive circles around 911s and Corvettes.

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  Awsome Drive - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Shahid Hashmi - April 22 - 2:00 am

  The drive is best of all the cars I have owned and I have owned MB, Infinity Q45 and Accura Legend. No other car on this planet can compare to the fun driving this car. After this car I dont want to drive my MB 420E as it is so primitivr to & series.

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  The Car From Hell - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By snookered - April 21 - 2:00 am

  RUN away from this vehicle. Fast. I have had the misfortune of having 2 745is, when my dealer replaced my 2002 745i with a 2003 model. The first one was in the shop 7 times in 6 mos. The second one in shop 3 times in 1 mo. It was the most absurd, frustrating & disappointing experience ever with a new car. Tomorrow is my last day of having this car. My dealer is taking it back. As much as I loved it, it was totally unreliable. Quality control stinks. Not only were there problems with the electronics, but mechanical problems as well. Towed twice to my dealer. SAVE YOURSELF AGGRAVATION. GET SOMETHING ELSE.

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  Harman Kardon is a good upgrade - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By drjwu - April 20 - 10:00 am

  Got too sleepy driving a 97 ES300. At test drive the S4 was fun, and A4 clutch is the easiest to use. But the 325xi gives the best road feel and sense of control, and is more comfortable than the X3 with punishing ride even though it performs amazingly for an SUV. The options make the 325xi as exquisite as a Lexus. The 2.5L is smooth and quiet; the car is great to drive and corner, only a bit underpowered. The Harman Kardon is no Mark Levinson, but it has good tonal balance (acoutic enhancement OFF), defined bass, good detail and dynamics, much better than the Nakamichi upgrade on my RX300. I finally enjoy listening to CDs in the car. Well worth the extra cost.

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  My last BMW - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By MJS - April 20 - 2:00 am

  My second 740 and what a disappointment. Too many minor problems, mostly electrical and all costly. Virtually all 1998 versions have leaking rear light assemblys( condensation after rain) which cause false "brake light out" messages. The climate fan is loud and costly to repair.

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  Love the ride, but hope it lasts - 1999 BMW 7-Series
  By Leo74099 - April 20 - 2:00 am

  Best option BMW NA made available is the Sport Package on the 740i. With a short wheel base, tighter springs, bigger tires (vs. L), etc this is a big car that feels much smaller. Never a problem in corners, this car inspires confidence at speed and has a standing still presence that is hard to match.