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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  If only it would start. - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By jbill - September 23 - 2:00 am

  What a dream to drive - if only I could get it started. I have only owned this car for 6 months and have had it in the shop 6 times. The battery keeps getting drained, the heater needed to be replaced and the cup-holder replaced twice. I know the service people on a first name basis. Not a good sign with a car that only has 28000 miles on it.

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  2001- BMW 330i - little problems a pain! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By jmchatelle - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought the vehicle new in 2000 and within a month had to take it in because the sunroof wouldnt open. It was repaired and within 1-wk had to be taken back for the same problem. Less than a month later the driver side window became stuck and wouldnt close. I had it repaired - twice. Now the passenger-side window is having the same difficulty. On the "up" side, the car has EXCELLENT pick-up and maneuvering and is a absolute BLAST to drive. I have not had a moments trouble with the engine or computer systems. And despite the annoyance of the little problems, I wouldnt have anything but a BMW. Ive almost got my spouse talked into the new BMW SUV.

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  Fun to drive - horrible electric problem - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Carrie - September 21 - 7:26 pm

  Ive had to have the entire electrical system replaced twice now in 9 months. Because of the electrical system meltdown I lost the ability to use lights, windshield wipers and turn signals among other things. Average time to replace is 1 week. As a result, I have major concerns about the reliability of this car. Drives great, but Im not sure it is worth the constant headache.

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  awesome and fun to drive!! - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By sara - September 21 - 2:00 am

  what a fun car to drive. just turned 40 and growing bored with my chrysler lhs. too young to be so bored so bought a bimmer!! i actually smile and get my adrenline flowing with thhis car. only problem is no place to take it and let me hair down!!!!! :)

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  Impeccable German engineering - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By bimmerphile - September 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 530i/5-sp with PP/Xenon/fold-down seat for 18 months, and it has been a real blast. Contrary to what other reviewers might have suggested, the standard non-sports suspension on these cars are extremely capable, and does ride on rails on experienced hands. The clutch is a piece of car(again, for those who are trained). The engine pitch is so sweet and smooth that you can upshift and rev- match telepathically. Heel-to-toe can be a bit difficult, unless the brake is almost fully depressed. In addition, the non-sports car is so QUIET that I can hear the fast breathing of the passengers! :-)

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  xxx - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By juliesbmw - September 20 - 2:00 am

  great fun to drive, handles excellent

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  a magnificent vehicle - 2002 BMW Z8
  By Maddy - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is not just a vehicle, but a extreme thrill riding machine. The performance on the bmw z8 is terrific, swerving around corners, and providing your body with an amazing adrenaline rush every time you slide into this piece of art.

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2001 BMW X5
  By Harley GT - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Great transportation. An SUV that handles like a sports car. Have 3.0 engine with 5 speed manual...performance and 21 MPG is outstanding. Sure footed in the rain and snow. Brakes are superior. Ive owned 20 + or - different vehicles an dthis is hands down the best, and it only gets better as the miles rack up.

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  Z4 2.5 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Scottmdmdmdmd - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Unbelievable value. Corners phenominally well. Very quick (3.0 is quicker but ?worth extra $7000). Great styling. The top is up and down, not latching, in 8-9 seconds. The top is also lined so the ride is quiet and feels like youre in a hard top when inside. An absolute pleasure to drive.

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  Lengthen your commute - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By DTveter - September 19 - 10:00 am

  This car is rock solid and perfect for those who need four doors and do not want to sacrifice performance. The thrills continue and I look forward to any excuse for a cruise. My only regret is not having more opportunities to properly drive this car on open highway/backroads. Many of the reviews spend too much time on the iDrive...anyone who has a computer equipped with a mouse and windows should be able to figure it our in 10 minutes. A test drive is the only way to judge this car.