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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  Does it get much better than this - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By gmess38 - December 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my second performance luxury sedan (LX-400). There is nothing like driving this level of automobile. I feel totally unsafe driving anything in the lower tiers. This car cruises effortlessly above 100 mph and stops without skidding, faster than anything alive. It is a little more "throaty" than the Lexus, which I initially didnt like, but have come to enjoy. Its a BMW afterall. I wish there werent any speed limits It almost seems like a waste sometimes. The traction control is superb in the snow - if you know how to drive in the snow.

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  My first, and last - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By TomnMemphs - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this car CPO with 53K miles on it. Yeah, its a BMW, but that doesnt impress me much anymore. It drives great, but thats its only decent feature. In the last month, I have spent nearly $1,000 on various maintenance....brakes (just for the front - $500)and the dreaded Inspection II ( a glorified tune-up, and another $500). Ive owned both domestic, japanese, and other European autos and trucks. This car is NOT worth the cost ( both for the car, and the total maintenance costs). If you live in Memphis, youre forced to buy from a single dealer. I suggest you buy something else.

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  My Wife Misses the Radio - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By toothdoc - December 11 - 2:00 am

  The car rides great, except if their is snow on the ground. this is no Audi I,m getting the new A8 in June. My wife hates i-drive she needs a radio. I think that not having steptronic in a vehicle that cost 80,000 is unaceptable. the car is a great cruiser and comfortable. i-drive is a little bit of a nuisance, you have to select sport mode each time you start the car for edc control. The shifter and keyless is a nightmare for valet parking and car washes.

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  One Bad Ass Car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By jennifer - December 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great improvement on the 1998 328i model. The overall handling is incredible.

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  BMW X5 - No one can offer a better 4x4. - 2003 BMW X5
  By shahnawaz jiva - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Can any other car beat this sexy, sporty, reliable, comfortable, elegant, classy, spacious car

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  "The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By C1234567 - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Overall a Great Car. Lots of power, smooth transmission. Exterior is good looking. Interior is not as nice as a Mercedes but it is still very nice. Older people may not like the loud yet pleasent pur the car gives or the bumpy ride if you get the sports package. Lots of excitement. You can do things in this car with more reliability than most cars(i.e turning, handling). Fuel economy (miles per gallon) is standard in comparison with like cars, but the car is so fun to drive that you feel inclined to drive it really hard and end up burning more gas than the stated miles per gallon.

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  IT WILL NEVER BE A PORSCHE - 2003 BMW Z8
  By Dr G - December 8 - 2:00 am

  It is a cool looking car, very stylish but you will get bored were soon, kinda boring to drive. People look, but performance and fun factor is no big deal. I have a 2002 911 turbo which is the best sports car in the world, and this new one cannot even compare. Eventhough the $ is close.

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  Good Buy? - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By J.Schumacher - December 7 - 2:30 pm

  I have owned this vehicle almost one year now and I really do like it. My biggest concern revolves around, when does technology outpace the needs of the average driver. Building a car that requires the buyer to only frequent BMW for service is smart on their part but when does that backfire ? That being said, the car has been problem free and is still the best handling car Ive ever owned. To do it all over again... maybe Audi A4 next time. After an exhaustive search for a new vehicle it was neck and neck with the BMW.

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  The Best Yet.... - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Kevinincharlotte - December 7 - 10:00 am

  My third BMW in five years is definitely the best. I had a 99 Z3 2.8 and a 2000 528 previously. I just traded an S-Type 4.0 on the 330cic and its good to be back to BMW. The handling and performance are the best in class. I love the subtle 04 changes to the front end. The six-speed is a blast to drive. Despite only small changes to the car in six years, it still turns heads. Im averaging close to 25 mpg with a 50/ 50 split of in-town and highway driving, which I think is pretty good considering the performance of the car.

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  too many defects - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By anheinz - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been into the dealership for so many minor problems, torsion bar instability, brake lights out repeatedly!!!!!!!!!!!!! dealer says thats the way they are!!!!!!!! beautiful wood trim fell off one day. right mirror fell off hanging by wires only. power steering problems. the repair print out on this vehicle takes a few minutes to process. I will admit that the local dealer will address the problems and with the extended warranty, I only have to pay the $50 each time. Radiator inlet cracked and had to replace with new complete radiator. on and on!!!!!!!!!!!!!