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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  As close to perfection as you can get - 1998 BMW Z3
  By woodytpt - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Of course the M roadster is perfection but the 2.8 L Z3 is as close as you can get. My heart wanted the M roadster but common sense prevailed. With the stiffer suspension in the M Rodster and the thought of replacing tires at least once a year I opted for the 2.8 L Z3. This car is my daily driver in Washinton D.C. and I love it. Maneuvering in traffic becomes a joy in this car. Its quickness and nimbleness is unparralled. Perfect blend of power and comfort!!!!!!!

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  iDrive Failure - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By I.M. Frustrated - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 97 days. Unfortunately for me, it has been in the shop 55 days and counting. The iDrive system locks up frequently and when it does you lose the radio, phone and navigation systems. I might understand it if this was a buget priced Daewoo or Kia, needless to say, it is not what I expect from a car that costs $80K. As many other people have noted in the consumer reports, the dealerships are worthless at solving the problems. The one Im working with in Buena Park, CA, is no different. BMW does not understand Customer Service.

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  Sex or driving the M5 mmmm? - 2000 BMW M5
  By Phat M5 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Why do car magazines tell you to sell your soul to own a certain car? Because cars like the M5 exist! This is the finest car made in the world. Making this car your daily driver will ensure you smile everyday. The acceleration, handling, comfort and brakes strike a balance no one else has. Dont waste your time on the E55 or the XJR. This is it.

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  1990 BMW 525i - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By W E Phillips - September 9 - 2:00 am

  One of the best BMWs ever made. I have owned three BMW and I have enjoyed every one, but my 1990 525i has been unbelievable. 140,000 miles on the brakes and 155,000 miles on the original clutch and still counting. This is with four different drivers and 50/50 city and highway driving. Great looks, functionality, and dependability. Now if it just had a little more horsepower.

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  my 323i 4dr 5spd - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By x13atma16x - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I just got this car last month with 42K miles. I got it for $21,000.00 at a Mercedes-benz dealer here in Los Angeles. Put in a 19" ACS wheel wraped in a Perelli tires, Starge III H&R Springs, Clear Corners and Red/Clear Taillamps. So far the car is running great, love that 5spd!! Only problem was the engine light went on one week after i bought the car. took it to a BMW Dealership and got it done free of charge..the problem has something to do with some sensor at the engine.

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  dream car - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By udiscover - September 8 - 2:00 am

  It has only been a short time, but from the first time with the car, my life has been improved. Not to mention the compliments from others. I am just completely taken with the car.

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  happy camper - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By ted davis - September 8 - 2:00 am

  we finally put to rest our 1982 MB deisel wagon,a slowpoke,but good driver,and solidly built..Looked at Volvos,Saabs,and BMWs. All in high 30s or more.. Took a test drive in a 5 series wagon,checked out storage space and found no strut towers blocking rear space,as in others. The basic 6 is best engine I have ever driven Imagine what a 530 with 225 HP would be like.. The car feels solid and safe. My wife drives it to Houston evry month ( 400 mi. RT),and just loves it. Faults: too much plastic in the interior,and the power seat controls can get broken easily as they are housed in cheap plastic..have had to fix these twice.

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  Beautiful little convertible. - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Peggy - September 7 - 8:10 pm

  I am the second owner and have owned this car since 2005. It is not only beautiful, but drives comfortably and safely. It is heavy and has great pickup. I have taken good care of it. It has 4 new tires and is in very good mechanical condition. it has some scratches, but looks very good.

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  Great Fun - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By Sherry Moore - September 7 - 9:40 am

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  The Ultimate Drivers Car - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By KernelPanic - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd BMW and 1st 5 series. I simply love this car. It is well-appointed, seats five comfortably and drives like a demon. The 4.4l engine is built like a Swiss watch, and can easily run up to red-line with no hint of roughness. The low-end torque is outstanding as well. With the 6 speed and sport differential the car hits 65 MPH in second gear in around 5 seconds. The sound system is excellent as well.