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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  740 iL - A Great Touring Sedan - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Chuck123 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  We have put 120,000 miles on our 740 IL. It as an awesome car fun to drive for such a roomy sedan, great performance. An....its not boring! We have had some small but expensive repairs. However, overall it has run like a ..well like a BMW. All repairs are expensive on a BMW. So if you cant afford $1,000 to fix a cruise control(etc.). Dont buy one. But they have a good warranty and I would recommend getting the extended one. I am on this site because we are trading up to a newer 740IL.

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  2000 Z3 2.3 - 2000 BMW Z3
  By Scott in the Rock - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 2000 Z3 2.3 Roadster in November 02. Mine is a 5 speed (dont even think about buying this car with an auto transmission, takes the soul right out of a roadster). This car is awsome. It is a blast to drive and gets 2nd looks everywhere. I had some trepidaton at buying a 2.3 model rather than a larger engine model but the 2.3 is plenty for me. If you are considering this car, pull the trigger and join the Z3 family. You can spot us by the gleam in our eye and smile on our face!

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  One of the Best - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By skijazman - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car with 14K miles on it and having put almost 40K miles on it 2 years, I can say this is one of the best cars Ive ever owned. I love the looks, handling and comfort. Its not a rocket, but its still quick and great for passing and navigating through freeway traffic. Im now spoiled. Will drive this one until its time to get another.

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  Complete Thrill!!! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By jcmet64 - January 6 - 10:00 am

  WOW! The car is simply awesome offering comfort, luxury and PERFORMANCE! I had very high expectations and can honestly say, Im very impressed. This is the last E39 (real BMW style) and argueably the best value/performance BMWs ever built. V8, 6-spd, awesome M5 looks, what else is there!?! No compromise!!!

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  330 CI - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Mark1897 - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Enjoyed the car but hit a big pothole at 10,000 miles and car was never the same. Shaky front end and rattles emerged. Backseat is totally useless and very difficult to get into or out of. Lacked room for storage of items such as CDs, sunglasses, etc. Bascially too expensive for what you get. Didnt feel I got value for my money and wouldnt buy another BMW.

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  2004 325Ci - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Jinju - January 6 - 10:00 am

  It was a toss between the 325ci, Infiniti g35 and the Lexus IS. The IS is changing its model next year and its as small as a civic. The Infiniti is still selling @MSRP and it needs tuck up and smooth out that ugly backside. I almost walked away from this car bimmer because of the snotty dealers - esp @Stevens Creek. If you dont want to deal with the stupid dealers take my advice -go through a broker!

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  Sixteenth B-day present - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By BMWman - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I have loved BMWs for all of my life. My parents bought this car for me with 130,000 miles!!! I added newer factory wheels, wood trim, cd player, and floor mats. I love this car. Everyone at my high school wants to ride in it. It is fun and very reliable. The leather is great. Looks new. No problems. Great gas mileage. Fold down rear seats. Very good handeling.

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  Ultimate Driving Machine - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By gdevinney - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Love this car more than any I have EVER had. The only bad thing is I will never settle for less.

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  Very Happy - 2008 BMW X3
  By Tucker Smith - January 5 - 5:32 pm

  I bought this car with 77K on the clock. now at 86. I could not be happier; handles like a Porsche 911.

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  Great to drive but safety features lag behind - 2017 BMW X3
  By daniel - January 5 - 10:35 am

  We bought drivers assistance plus package to include blindspot, lane changer warnings but they only activated at 35 MPH so driving locally do not work. The driver siide definitely has a blindspot on the left side but blindspot only works at the higher speeds and the navigation package was pre-requisite. All in all, a waste of $3,000.