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:

• 

  This is the best - 2002 BMW M3
  By BMWlover - October 5 - 2:00 am

  This is the best BMW Ive owned!!! Almost all of my cars in the past 15 years have been BMWs. Theyve included 540i, 330Ci, 7 series and an X5 4.6is for my wife. But this car is by far the most fun to drive. In the year and a half Ive owned it there have been no problems except a minor scratch on the paint. Its fun to drive and is extremely reliable. My daughter is at college in Ohio (Kenyon) and we live in upstate New York. WEve driven to here school maybe 6 times in the past 2 years and it was perfectly comfortable. This is the best car Ive ever owned and I cant wait until the new 2004 comes out.

• 

  poor selection never again - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By emeadows - October 5 - 2:00 am

  in discussions with many other 740 buyers i have yet to meet even one that was happy everything breaks the cup holders at 500 dollars 3 times radiator transmission both exhaust pipes at 2 grand each seats on drivers side crack check and you will find this on half even the lcds burn out on dash

• 

  Cant drive slow - 2001 BMW M5
  By Duke - October 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive never had a car that is more fun to drive. When driving it makes you want to take advantage of its performance capabilities. The only drawback is having to drive slow or in traffic. The features, looks and quality of fit and finish are impeccable. Its not a luxury vehicle it is "the ultimate driving machine".

• 

  Fun but not reliable - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By AndrewR - October 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is a lot of fun to drive. It performs like a sports car but has the roominess of a large luxury sedan. But, the reliability problems make it difficult to justify owning. Its almost at the point where I never know when I turn on the ignition whether the car is going to get me where I need to go. Everything from body mouldings that fall off while driving, two failed catalytic converters, a failed radiator, an airbag warning light that comes on intermittently, an intermittent warning that my rear bulbs are out, and on and on and on.

• 

  SAV - 2001 BMW X5
  By TRubino - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Great SAV. Handles like a sports cars. Great response with no tip over fear. Front seats are very confortable but back seats should be improved.

• 

  The absolute best car out there - 2002 BMW M3
  By JimC - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I took delivery of my M3 at the performance center and could not be more pleased with the well trained professional people there. Driving M3s on the track and the delivery process was fantastic. This car has everything I could hope for, 1st class design, awesome power, and it does everything with typical BMW style. My M3 is still relatively new to me, but I get a thrill everytime I drive it.

• 

  The absolute best car out there - 2002 BMW M3
  By jimC - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I took delivery of my M3 at the performance center and could not be more pleased with the well trained professional people there. Driving M3s on the track and the delivery process was fantastic. This car has everything I could hope for, 1st class design, awesome power, and it does everything with typical BMW style. My M3 is still relatively new to me, but I get a thrill everytime I drive it.

• 

  Think Twice Before Buying 540i - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By disappointed2 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive been through 3 engines ($6,000 per), two transmissions ($3,000 per), 3 driveshafts ($1,500 per), and 2 alarm modules ($800 per). That should speak for the car and the dealership experience is no better. They like to replace things instead of repairing things, parts are terribly expensive, and overall service is a joke. If you want a BWM, buy a new one or a slightly used one, especially not any 5-series. 3-series may be okay. Good luck with your Big Money Waste!!

• 

  745i, car of the future - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By former mbz - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I was concerned about getting this car due to 745 forums that spoke of very poor reliability problems. These seemed to be with the early build problems(Dec- April 2002). I waited and got an August 2002 build date. So far the car has been flawless. I love the interior room, comfortable seats, and overall richness of the car. The cars performance and handling is outstanding!

• 

  Our740IL - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By BMW Driver - October 2 - 2:00 am

  We sell high line imports & drive one ourself. We have had them ALL & I find the 740Il very well built & reliable. Other than a few minor flaws in is designe for the most part it will stand up to daily driving in this country. It has the style we liked has proven it self to be very well built. Having the ability to have work done on it at our own shop has not been a factor. In the year it has only needed a brake job.