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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  97 Z3 Value - 1997 BMW Z3
  By NJMarkR - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Overall, even with the 1.9L engine, its not a bad cruising car. Certainly great gas mileage. Being a BMW, I expected a better quality vehicle. This car has less than 15k miles, garage kept, never in rain or snow. The seats rock, the power window buttons fall in the console, gas gauge is eractic and BMW dealers want to charge excessive amounts to repair what shouldnt break within 10k to 15k miles.

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  One Loveable Car! - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By badsmurf - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for just over a year and I have loved it every day I drove it. Handles great and has a lot of power. It broke down once (new fuel pump) but has treated me well over all. I dont like being afraid to drive it hard because of the expensive repair stories I have heard, but I manage to have my fun occasionally. This car been good to me, but it sits for sale in my drive way due to lack of cargo space. A drum set doesnt fit in the trunk of this sweet car.

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  840CI the Best Ride - 1995 BMW 8-Series
  By Luigi Sciabarrasi - March 16 - 2:00 am

  The 8 is the most misunderstood auto design of the 90s, not a sports car but a pure touring luxury ride with the heart of sport car, the best design BMW has ever come up with. Its too bad that BMW luxuary & Americans with soft rides.

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  740i-sport package - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By MR 740i - March 16 - 2:00 am

  wow!!this car has so far been a pleasure to own and drive.by far the most ultimate bmw in recent years.had a chance to buy a 2002 745i but instead chose 2001 7401.just as fun to drive as a 2002 745i but much better looking than the 745i.have received compliments many times by total strangers.great car period.

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  1999 328iA - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By benmchilds - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 1999 328ia, steel blue from Century BMW in Greenville, SC. I traded in my 97 318ia for a newer model. I drive approximately 40,000 miles a year and have put over 65,000 miles on this car since I got it. Even with close to 85,000 miles on it, it still out performs everything that I come across and have test drove. I looked at everything including Jags, Acura, Lexus, you name and I test drove it and nothing can close to BMW. Great gas mileage and extremely comfortable seats for those long trips. Only thing that could be improved is more trunk storage since I travel so much, I could use a little extra space. Looking at an X-5 4.4 next.

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  Love My 325, Bunta, Torrance, CA - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Bunta - March 15 - 3:16 pm

  I love my 325, more everytime I drive it. I have the leatherette interior, works for me because of my active life style. Stock springs are too soft, and the shifter is vague. I miss 2nd and hit 4th once in a while. Handles like a dream, doesnt lean and with rear drive it assume the classic neutral tail out just a little when pushed thru the twisties. Oh yes the wonderful song of the engine at full song. It has much more room than I am used to, after stepping out of a two seater. Lets see, dont I have an errand to run today? Cant wait to go for another drive. LOL

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  1992 525i - 1992 BMW 5-Series
  By dmoss - March 15 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great car! The car is built like a tank, and it is still solid at 11 years old.

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  X3 and I have one - 2004 BMW X3
  By quaddies - March 14 - 10:00 am

  X3: tall seat and handling. Why not M3 or Lexus? Or, as C&D mocks, leave the "sports car on stilts" and buy a wagon. Hey I want to sit a higher and enjoy sport handling. Some people get off on creamy leather, glossy veneers, bum warmers and dont want to feel anything -like say the road. It’s not the leather, veneer and truck feel of the X5 or Lexus that I want. I am from the BMW old school and not the fat cat who wants their BMW to be an ideal Lincoln. The wagon is great, but dont dismiss the X3 because it is not European. Europhiles state wagons are big sellers in Europe and the X3 is a nod to the US market. Wise up. UK presold their allotment for 2004.

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  528i can go a long time - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By budokan - March 14 - 2:00 am

  needed new cat conv at 135K, various bulbs, trunk release, interior lighting, headlight bulb, minor oil leak seal housing. fun to drive. safe. fast. got 147k now going for 200.

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  Best Driving SUV on Road - 2002 BMW X5
  By Pleased as Pie! - March 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive read through some of the reviews and am very surprised to hear about numerous electrical glitches. Ive owned my 3.0 since 7/02 and have put about 11k miles so far. I have not had ONE electrical (or other)problem with the car. Even though the Xs are built in America, it is by no means an American SUV. It is still German driving, through and through. There is no American SUV that can come close to the absolute driving pleasure this car brings. Even with the AWD, the car is deceptively quicker than you think. Have driven other SUVs and this is completely solid at any driving speed. I feel safe and in control in this car. LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!