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:

• 

  Z3 - fun, reliable... lots of smiles - 2000 BMW Z3
  By Alexei - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive thoroughly enjoyed the 2000 2.8 liter Z3 - great performance (196hp - but whats really nice is lots of torque). Its my daily driver - comfortable (Im 61" 225lbs.) with more leg room than my full size Toyota. The car is lot of fun to drive, the only aftermarket item Ive bought is a strut tower brace to dampen body roll whenIm hammering through curves.

• 

  Wish They Had Not Changed - 1999 BMW 7-Series
  By An Original Owner - February 9 - 2:00 am

  My 1999 BMW 740iL now has 66,000 miles, still no problem - mechnical - body - interior - anyplace. The space in the back seat for longer trips cant be matched by Mercedes or any car I know of. Due to age I considered trading my 1999 for a 2003 745LI. Dont like the look of the 2003 745 or all of the "advanced techno" stuff Ill never use. Wish they hads never changed the the body style. o stuff" Ill never need.

• 

  Swap the tires for regular ones - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Langly Wickersham - February 8 - 7:53 pm

  Once I ditched those terrible runflat tires, the car changed dramatically. It is now very quiet and the ride is much smoother. The runflats make the car ride rough and loud, but swap them out for a regular pair of tires and you will notice the difference immediately. I know how loud, noisy, harsh those tires can be at only 15 thousand miles on them. I almost wanted to trade the car in on a Lexus, but then I changed the tires and am in love again. Give the car a chance with new tires, you will love it. The tire pressure system still works with regular tires, dont listen to the dealers.

• 

  is it worth it? - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By mykey - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I had the 328 convertible before "upgrading" to the 528. Loved the 328 so much I just knew that my next car would be a BMW. I had the car for a few months and had some problems with the service dept. and some suspention problems. 1st thing the cool looking brushed 17" aluminum rims had some scratches and pitting.. The dealership decided to fix this problem by painting them silver. What a joke.. They finally did the right thing and replaced the rims. After 6000 miles I am getting a rumbling noise. The tire have worn.. They tell me that this is normal. If I knew this before hand I would have never bought it with the Sport Package.

• 

  The best 7 yet.. - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By yarom - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Significant improvements over pre-99 models make the 2001 is the best 7 series period (2002 and on are ugly junk). Besides being the ultimate luxury and performance sedan, this car is a joy to drive and own. Its as agile as most mid-size cars with absolutely unlimited power reserves . All the possible options are included, and the engine feel significantly torquier than 1998 models. The 18" wheels are great looking and stick the car to the pavement like glue.

• 

  Sports car for family of four - 2002 BMW M3
  By hamertime - February 7 - 2:00 am

  With two kids and the urge to have a sports car, the M3 convertible brings together incredible performance, tons of fun, BMW safety and room for the kids in the back. I hate to sound like a commercial, but taking my daughters to school with the top down (which they love) or stretching it out on a country road, this car does it all. I can fit my golf clubs in the trunk. Inside the cockpit, the BMW engineers lay everything at your fingetips. I strongly recommend the SMG transmission, its the only option you really need. Although it holds its value well, you may want to get one used with low mileage to save the 7-8K hit you take in the first year.

• 

  The best M Ive ever driven - 2003 BMW M3
  By loday22 - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I just loving, nothing to say. The fastest NA car Ive ever driven.

• 

  The little Z3 - 1997 BMW Z3
  By BRIAN - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Even though my Z3 has the "little" engine it is a blast to drive. It is very reliable and has a lot of get up and go. It is fast, with the 0-60 around 7.7 seconds. Not the fastest car out there, but faster than most. The handling is amazing and it is very easy and comfortable to drive. Get a newer one with the roll hoops if you want people to think it is new. The hoops are the give away that it is a 96 or 97. There are many performance up grades for this engine like a new computer chip, high flow intake, high flow exhaust, and even turbos. But if you need this car to be faster, buy one with the bigger engine.

• 

  The little Z3 - 1997 BMW Z3
  By Brian - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Even though my Z3 has the "little" engine it is a blast to drive. It is very reliable and has a lot of get up and go. It is fast, with the 0-60 around 7.7 seconds. Not the fastest car out there, but faster than most. The handling is amazing and it is very easy and comfortable to drive. Get a newer one with the roll hoops if you want people to think it is new. The hoops are the give away that it is a 96 or 97. There are many performance up grades for this engine like a new computer chip, high flow intake, high flow exhaust, and even turbos. But if you need this car to be faster, buy one with the bigger engine.

• 

  BMW 850CSi - Affordable Supercar - 1994 BMW 8-Series
  By Jud - February 7 - 2:00 am

  The 8 Series line was one of the last classic designs before BMW’s ugly design transformation. The 850CSi is the BMW Motorsport ("M") version of the 8 Series. BMW only imported 225 850CSis during model years 1994-95 to North America. I like the styling, the engineering, and the build quality of the vehicle. The car is sure-footed and goes from 0 to 60 in 5.8 seconds. Annual maintenance runs about $500/year. Insurance and license fees have dropped to realistic levels Parts availability is excellent. Since acquiring the 850CSi, Im pleased with its performance, value, and fun to drive factor.