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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  BMW 540i 6 Speed - The best sports sedan - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Peter J - January 28 - 2:00 am

  The BMW 5 series has always been excellent and the current model introduced in 1997 is no exception. This is a quiet sophisticated car that has amazing performance. The 6 Speed manual transmission can be a little baulky when cold but once she is warmed, this car is phenomenal. As is the case with most BMWs (I have owned 6) speed is achieved with little fuss and the turbine like drive in the back never gives up, right up to maximum speed you can get away with. The car is, without doubt, one of the finest cars on the road. The interior is a little dated now, but this car is still a winner with build quality to match.

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  very happy - 1998 BMW M3
  By Prime - January 27 - 2:00 am

  pure pleasure to own and drive this car, no probloms and a tone of performance. Even with 51000 miles the car is as solid as the day I bought it.

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  Gotta Buy One - 1996 BMW 7-Series
  By AndyS1234 - January 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is one of the most well- engineered I have ever seen. From the littlest detail, you have to take a close look at the little things to apprecite this magnificant machine.

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  Big Money Wasted - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By timber - January 27 - 2:00 am

  Great performance car, but the electrical and mechanical expenses will nickel and dime you to death. Looks great and interior is fantastic, would not own another bmw, ever. Better have a large amount of money for the repair bills. Has been running about a grand every 3 months on my low mileage vehicle.. a 1998 with 30,000 miles.

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  This Car Wont Let Me Leave - 2002 BMW M5
  By Scotty7 - January 27 - 2:00 am

  I keep telling myself this car is impractical, its bad in the snow, I pay huge taxes to own it in Connecticut, its not so great on gas, its even had a couple of problems with the VANOS system (promptly and apologetically repaired while I drove a loaner 5-series), but in the end, Icant part with her. This car is so nimble yet so rock-steady, so fluid yet so precise that I cant ever imagine being happy with another car. Im just spoiled for life now.

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  Even better than expected - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Sawan - January 26 - 3:40 am

  Ive had my car for a little over 3 months and have few if any complaints. I was considering the 2005 330i since I didnt feel that the 2005 325i had enough power, but am very satisfied with the 215 hp the 2005 325i generates. The acceleration is better than expected and the car is truly enjoyable to drive. The car handles extremely well at high speeds. I bought the automatic since I didnt want to deal with manual with all of the hills in San Francisco and am happy with the decision, although I also testdrove the manual which was a lot of fun. The standard audio system is pretty decent. I would have liked a spare-tire, but its nice to have the extra room in the trunk.

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  The funnest car Ive ever driven - 1998 BMW M3
  By Larry Sorche - January 26 - 2:00 am

  This was definitely the best sports car to drive for the money. Cant get a new one because theyre out of my price reach. Performance was awesome!...turned corners at 40+ with no fishtail and it could stop on a dime. Wasnt the fastest off the line but I could keep up with the vets and beat most 6 bangers. Aftermarket stuff can make this a beast. Repair cost are outrageous, but that has been sporadic.

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  Nice, but way overrated. - 2003 BMW M3
  By Alexova - January 26 - 2:00 am

  The exhaust note is too loud and raspy. That may fit a utilitarian, no- compromises car like a 911, but not a BMW. At lower speeds there is a looseness in the gearbox. It sounds like something is broken. BMW says this is totally normal given the cars racecar heritage. I say thats a cop-out. The car is fast but not enough to justify that. The stereo sucks. Ive had problems with speaker vibration from the beginning and BMW cant or wont fix it. The cars performance envelope is too far beyond what you can do on the street. Under normal driving, this car is no better than the 330ci. My advice is to save the extra $20k and buy that model.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine! - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By sandy kavor - January 25 - 2:00 am

  BMW is the best car on this planet.The design, quality and performance is uncoperable with enything else on the market. BMW is the one and only.

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  740 Maintenance Blues - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Highalpine - January 25 - 2:00 am

  What a great car! But how could BMW put such a maintenance monster on the road? Thank goodmness for the warantee! Dont drive this car without one! A $70k vehicle should not experience the kind of parts failures I have experienced. Brake rotor failure, catalytic converter (60K miles), radiater, valve cover seals, transmission seal, etc, etc.