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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  A Poor Choice - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By AlmostEXBeamer - February 13 - 2:00 am

  The yellow caution flag unfurled shortly after I took delivery of a 745i in May, 2002. The clock lost time, the sound system developed a roaring hiss and the navigation system intermittenly stopped working. The clock module, the computer screen, and the navagation system were replaced. The car lost battery power once. Last autumn, an engine malfunction developed. The alloy coating the valve stems flaked off. One cylinder was scored, so the ENGINE was replaced! Did I mention a defective ignition coil after 9000 mi? I think the dealer did as best as possible. No matter how much sugar you put on a lemon, you are still left with a sour taste in your mouth.

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  fun, but some cheesy features - 1997 BMW M3
  By howtomb - February 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 1997 M3 five months ago, and Im happy with it -- its a blast to drive -- but some interior features have a ticky-tacky feel. Plastic bits have broken off, for example. Some BMW dealers, meanwhile, seem to think that actually servicing my car is beneath them. To add to the frustration, many spare parts cost a bloody fortune.

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  BMW 740il - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By Din Hasangjekaj - February 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is awesome it has very great speed it flies like a plane. great comfort all electronic. awesome v8 engine

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  I like my Cabrio - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By John Jackie - February 12 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I purchased a 325 cabriolet last year and could not be more happy. The only repairs after putting 15,000 miles on the car have been the brakes and a oil change. I asked her if there is anything we would change on the car and she answered which I agree with is only one thing the wind noise when the top is up on the freeway. Since it is not overall fast around town the car encourages you to drive within the speed limits (a good thing). We had a Saab 900 turbo convertable prior and this car is much more refined overall. The quality is tremendous. We plan to keep this car for many years to come.

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  My new 02 X5 - 2002 BMW X5
  By tnbldr99 - February 12 - 2:00 am

  After owning several Bmw vehicles, i have finally reached the pinnacle of bmw quality combined with a fun to drive machine. I am very impressed with my X5s power, performance, comfort and off road prowess during the unexpected snow storms we received this year. I will definitely be keeping this vehicle and look forward to getting another new one in 2 or 3 years.

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  Sweet Ride!! - 2003 BMW M3
  By Bigguy - February 11 - 2:00 am

  WOW! What a car! This car is a step up over the previous model (1997-my last M3). More power, better features.

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  Massive Torque BMW 540 - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Big Bad BMW - February 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the car for those who enjoy driving and driving fast and this is important...under CONTROL!!

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  X5-Love Hate Relationship - 2002 BMW X5
  By stanmb - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Have 2001 x5 3.0. This car while a fine performer has had electrical problems from day one. Found my windows open over 15 times. Car still takes twice to start. Remote only worked when it wanted to until recent trip to dealership when they spent 1 week to redo electical system. Taking off trunk cover is major pain-broke it twice doing so. Twice had rear deck wiper blade torn off in car wash-must have it bagged or else. Friend had his car in over a dozen times for similar problems and ultimately BMW bought car back. Dealer says problems are now worked out. Still love to drive this car but am disappointed.

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  You wont want to drive anything else - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By dewtex - February 9 - 9:36 pm

  Bought the 06 325 about a month ago and havent stopped driving since. Ive driven a lot of cars and this is one experience that cant be beat. Controls took some getting used to, but once youre educated it gets even better.

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  First BMW - Aquired Loyalty : 10 - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By S3vSt3R - February 9 - 2:00 am

  It is just unbelievable. Handling is just perfect. This car is such a solid performer, that it makes me smile every day when I have to drive it to work. I am against buying used cars, but after test drive I changed my mind on this one.