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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  2nd Z - 2003 BMW Z4
  By aditr - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Fun of a roadster; has features of "real cars"

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  Pretty & fun car but unreliable! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By T.Mk1 - September 3 - 2:04 am

  This car was fun to drive and pretty to look at. HOWEVER, the frequency of breakdowns was relentless. I didnt mind the repair costs, but the fact that this car broke down so many times was stressful. I was stranded on the road 3 times! I did the repairs myself, but the parts I bought for it added up to be $3000. If labor was added, it wouldve been close to $7000. Here is a list of things that I remember I had to replace on this car: Vacuum lines, secondary air pump, secondary air valve, vacuum solenoid, crankcase valve, control arm bushings, antifreeze reservoir, auxiliary fan, radiator fan, blower motor resistor, 2 window regulators, windshield wiper motor, windshield cowl, fuel filler cap, MAF sensor, camshaft sensor, DISA valve. It was also burning oil every 2000 miles. All of these parts failed within 1 year of owning this car, it had only 120,000 miles. Its true what they say, they are endless money pits. You have been warned. Lesson learned.

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  Got lucky - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By SrfngFn - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I had been keeping my eyes open for an import station wagon, and happened across this beautiful car. I absolutely love it--by far the best driving car I have ever owned and the styling is classic -- people usually think this car is newer than 94, and it has almost 150,000 miles on it! A couple of things to watch out for in buying a used one: check to make sure the transmission has been rebuilt or replaced--there are apparently a lot of problems with this particular model. You also may need to invest in new control arms in the front end if they havent been replaced already -- the bushings apparently get worn.

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  Best car in the universe? - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By joynerr - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I started on a six-month long car hunt and drove the new Sentra, Maxima, used GS400s and LS400s, Jettas and many other fine cars. I stumbled upon a used BMW 325 and took it for a drive. It immediately impressed me and I later drove some 328s. I bought a 1998 328i with the Harmon Kardon sound system, sport suspension, and silver metallic paint and am extremely pleased with the car. The car transforms from family sedan to sports car by just flicking it into a few tight turns and down shifting. For around 20k it seems like a steal parked next to the new +20k Taurus in the parking lot.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 1998 BMW Z3
  By tech_786 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I had this car for 6 months and I am very happy. It turns heads and is truly fun to drive with the top down. Engine is willing and car is quick, once on the freeway, more torque is needed for the 2.8.

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  Riding on Rails - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By wessms - September 2 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car for our daughter, not so she could have a "cool" car, but for safety and reliability. Little did I know that I would like it more than she does. Performance is excellent. The first 3-4 seconds of acceleration are a little slower than Id expect (auto trans), but once the beefy 6 cylinder gets revved, its a horse. Smoothness and handling on the interstate are my favorite parts. Its like riding on rails.

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  A good choice for fun driving - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By love my car - September 1 - 10:03 am

  Just picked up my new BMW coupe last week, and I love it! The six speed is fun, handling is fabulous and the interior is stunning. I am inventing errands just to go driving. It has exceeded my expectations. My husband loves it too, and he is not a car person. One thing I am surprised by is that it is more refined feeling than my old BMW. I like the new cupholders. I wish dealers were not trying to make these into lame cars for incapable people by stocking them with navigation and automatic transmissions. I had to special order my car 2 months ago to get a manual coupe, sport pkg, in alpine white. Those options, IN A BMW, call for a special order! This is ridiculous, America!

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  Z3 fun - 2000 BMW Z3
  By Dark Sky - September 1 - 2:00 am

  BMW really hit a niche with the Z3. Fun to go anywhere in this car.

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  my dream car - 1999 BMW 7-Series
  By shawnpr - September 1 - 2:00 am

  This is the first car I have wanted to drive for an fun. When I am bored and have nothing to do, I take a drive, it is the ultimate driving experience.

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  incomparable - 2002 BMW X5
  By B2MEE - August 31 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is awesome. Though some may cost less or have a little more cargo room, nothing compares...I know because I drove them as well. Anyone rating another higher must not appreciate true workmanship, engineering, and capability...you do get what you pay for.