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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  What they should have built originally - 1997 BMW 8-Series
  By KElliott - April 20 - 2:00 am

  This is not your fathers 850. A stock machine was given to Steve Dinan and $45,000 later, a twin-turbo super coupe was delivered. Suffice it to say that all of the performance short comings were eliminated as there now lurks a 525hp, 550 lb.torque well mannered V12 waiting to be driven. Less then 50 V12s were altered and of the 8s, most were automatics (not as much fun as the 6 speed but very well behaved). This combination of raw power, slot-car handling, and technology, all brought together in what is perhaps the best looking vehicle that Munich has ever produced, is hard to beat.

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  98 Z3 - 1998 BMW Z3
  By CKC - April 20 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Always dependable.

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  Great car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By rudy suazo - April 19 - 11:53 pm

  This car is a pleasure to drive I am enjoying every day that I drive. Very confortable an a lot of room no noise inside the car and good performance. I love the car

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  excellent car - 1999 BMW 7-Series
  By satfoun - April 19 - 2:00 am

  fabulous car.Some problems that should not occur like,radiator,radiator reservoir, onboard computer digits missing pixcels and afew other things.

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  Ridiculous Cost of Repairs - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By mjsaad - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I have loved this car for the past 5 years UNTIL I have had two repairs totalling $1,000.00 already and the issue is in the high cost of the parts. The fuel pump costed $250, which can be argued as my fault, BUT the $900 bill for fixing a leaking air condensor and drier was ridiculous. What is next? Maybe the $5,000 + engine? I am now concerned and am ready to trade in this car for another brand.

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  2nd Go Around - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By BMW777 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  We initially leased a very early production 2002 745i. It was the first one available at the BMW Center locally and not really my favorite color (Black Sapphire Metallic). It had many of the problems everyone has heard about. We loved the interior of the car, just not the color as much and especially not the problems. So we visited Global Imports in Atlanta who gave us a more than fair trade in price for the 2002 and we left with a 2002 in the color which is our favorite (Alpine White w/Flannel Gray Leather Interior). This one has been trouble free and a pleasure to drive. Once you learn to use the controversial I Drive, its a blast to operate.

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  Close to perfect - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By BMWBOY - April 18 - 2:00 am

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  Excellent all around vehicle - 1997 BMW M3
  By homer32 - April 18 - 2:00 am

  What a great, super fast, great handling coupe. It has also been very reliable for me. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  top of the food chain - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By jr roadcaptain - April 18 - 2:00 am

  I am coming up on 7 years of ownership and 90K on the clock. Yes I just did the radiator but got the cat and a couple of small items under the extended warranty. I have owned and driven various Bimmers and this one is the berries. Do not, I repeat, do not drive this car for any length of time if you cannot buy--it will ruin you for all other cars, even some other Bimmers.

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  Review - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By dvev - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Its a good automobile. I never plan to sell it. I also plan never to sell it.