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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  My favorite Large Luxury Vehicle Yet - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Martin L. Freifeld - March 29 - 2:00 am

  My last BMW was in 1988 and I thought it was less well built than Mercedes. Since then Ive had both Mercedes and Lexus as large, luxury vehicles. I almost bought another Lexus this time but I was overjoyed by the handling of this large sedan. Ive come to love the styling - bold and unique, and instantly recognizable. The i drive is no problem at all - the poor motoring journalists dont get to spend enough time with it. My favorite car now - I also have a Porsche C4 cab, an Audi A8 and a Mercedes E500 from 1992.

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  Be ware of your local BMW shop - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By saltyswede - March 29 - 2:00 am

  Took my car to S.F. BMW for a 60k check up. I was told that the cost would be 650. They then took of new wiperblades and replaced them etc. alot of hidden costs. They told me that the radiator was leaking and said that it with the "plastic waterpump and thermostate housing" at a cost of 3800. I took the car to a independent shop who informed me that the production date of my car indicated that it would not have the plastic waterpump. If you need parts for your BMW try the Partsbin.com they sell OEM and after market parts. S.F. BMW OEM Radiator 385 The Partsbin OME with shiping 169 The radiators are both made by baher and are identical.

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  I love it - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By bamajamer - March 29 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It drives like a dream. From now on I will only drive a BMW

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  E46 325Ci - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By KPinNC - March 27 - 11:46 am

  Had the car almost one year, and no gripes so far, and very satisfied. Car does everything well as a BMW should. Car has everything but leather and prem. package. Leather not necessary (esp. for $1400), and prem package is too much. Sport package is a must, as well as Xenon headlights. Nav system could be better and falls short of dvd based systems, but for half the price its still as good, just not as fast. Have the occasional interior rattles and subwoofer rattle, but nothing significant. Overall, I would recommend this vehicle to anyone shopping around this price range.

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  If you want M3, get this one. - 2003 BMW M3
  By Importdriver - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving my coupe for 9 months (weekend driving) and I still cant get over the handling and power. This car just wants to go fast! Dont listen to those who complain about harsh rides. If you want comfort, go for the 325/330. Engine problem is a concern, but so far mine runs without any problems. Exhaust note is a bit cheesy but it somehow gives the car a character. I have taken to the track, gunball racing etc etc... Since this will probably be the last M3 before Bangles inhumane design shows up. Get it!

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  An exceptional car - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By RBL - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This is one of four BMWs I currently own and my seventh overall, and it is one of the best: inexpensive to maintain with 25+ mpg in daily driving, absolutely reliable and as fun to drive as any BMW.

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  E36 pride - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By dblblkskier - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Best car my family or I have ever owned. It out handles, out accelerates, and has a higher top speed than any of our previous cars. The car has had only minor problems which I have been able to fix at home with VERY limited tools. We did a minor paint job on the side-skirts, and front and rear bumper covers to make them body color. With this small modification, it looks like a 98.

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  car of our dreams? - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By uttalinger - March 26 - 2:00 am

  We bought a 2000 BMW 5 months ago. The road handling of the car is like no other, it is superior in hugging the road and leaves the driver a powerful feeling of being in control. The car has also been in the shop 4 times. The engine is very underpowered and stalls on hills. The electric mirrors broke, moon roof broke, bushings went, control arms had to be replaced, water leaks in door, shifter knob fell off and numerous other problems. The dealer says this is inherent in these cars and can do nothing for us. The car, in our opinion, is unsafe and a "lemon".

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  Just keeps on ticking... - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By XGI - March 25 - 7:45 pm

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  Fun Drive Insane Maintenance - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By cestrada - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought our 328i coupe certified 3 years ago with 49,500 miles on it. Within 1 year, "certified" didnt cover the frnt brakes ($495)or back brakes ($520). Rock marks on hood were covered with touch-up paint that washed away after 6 mos. It looked so bad that we replaced the hood for $350. On-board computer and Check Engine lights come on = $50 co-pay just to have it looked at. We have put about $2600 in maintenance into this car, not including oil changes. With $5000 down pmt and $300 per month payments, that is just too much money to spend for three years. Lease is up next week and we are not buying because I cant handle more maintenance costs.