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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  BMW 3 Series better than ever imagined! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By ras - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This is the third car Ive ever owned, the first two being a Datsun 210 and a Mazda MX-6. I had an inner impulse a couple years ago to begin contemplating a BMW and then it just happened like magic that the perfect vehicle appeared on a nearby lot used with 15,000 miles making it fit within my budget. The vehicle not only has the balance of a 6 year - 100,000 mile warranty but absolutely drives & looks awesome! The manual transmission is beyond words fun to drive and suits my assertive driving style perfectly. If you are a BMW- newbie like me and can get the leather seats, do it! All in all I have never been a "car person" but I am now!

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  Ronbimmer - 1993 BMW 7-Series
  By RYou - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I would not buy another BMW without manufacturer or extended warranty.. Items that fail are out of site on expense. Examples: Catalytic Converters $ 3500 Examples: Power Steering Pump $ 1500 Other items equally expensive, and this does not cover labor to install. Car has alignment problem inherent to BMW this model, The Rear has no adjustments and wears out the inside of the left rear tire with everything else ok.. I have changed 4 left rear tires, and BMW says, "its not our problem", also BMW Dealer charged for 4-wheel alignment when there is only a 2 wheel alignment according to factory specs. There are NO adjustments in the rear.

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  Never again! - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Bjncfo - August 29 - 2:00 am

  2nd BMW Ive owned and this will be the last. All of the great features of this car are offset by the endless number of bugs. Software problems, transmission problems, etc. Who wants to drive a car with the radio on when it skips through the preset stations constantly? Car has been in to the dealer four times. Latest visit is now for more than a week. Back to Lexus for me!

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  Wait before you buy - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By The Boss - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 745i back in May and wrote a great review about the car...then the problems. I have a terrible problem with the software in the NAV system and the dealer does not have a clue on how to fix it. My car has been in the shop three times and still is not repaired. If you like the car I suggest you wait another year for BMW to work out the bugs. I cant wait to get rid of mine.

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  528 WAGON - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By ROSS TAYLOR - August 29 - 2:00 am

  WAGONS DRIVING PERFORMANCE IS EXCELLENT WITH EXTRAORDINARY CORNERING AND TYPICAL BMW CONTROL. A JOY TO DRIVE AND CARRY A LOAD OF FAMILY SHOPPING TRIPS.

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  X5 ANOTHER DREAM MACHINE - 2000 BMW X5
  By ross taylor - August 29 - 2:00 am

  ITS A DREAM TO DRIVE WHETHER ITS CROSS TOWN OR CROSS-COUNTRY. TERRIFIC TRACTION IN ALL-TERRAIN. PLENTY OF ROOM TO COMFORTABLY RELAX AND ENJOY THE RIDE. MANUEVERS LIKE THE 5 SERIES SEDAN AND WITH ALL THE PUNCH OF M- SERIES. ITS HARD TO IMAGINE IT CAN GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS!

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  A-1, for sure! - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By Pt775 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  This is a very nice car, no doubt about it. But sometimes I find my self lacking that extra boost of power when needing to switch lanes or merge, but I will put in a chip in 2 weeks. Dont get me wrong the car is fine as is, but I want that extra 35hp. Aside from that this car is all you need! This car is a VERY fun drive. I had a 1990 525i, and I still prefer this 318iS.

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  BMW 5 series - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Dirtbag - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, sporty, yet smooth ride. Plenty of power for most situations. Interior design functionality lacking - i.e. flimsy pop-out drink holders obscure heat/air controls, poor location for phone unless you buy the outrageous built-in phone. Optional design features, such as fold-down rear seats improve functionality.

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  Serious Sedan - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By XERIC - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a Serious car. I have the 528i with the Sport Package. A must for the price, it adds a better suspension, M series steering wheel and 17" rims w/ low profile sport tires. It is comfortable and sporty, has a big trunk (holds clubs and luggage easily)and handles great. Not only is this car fun to drive it looks awesome, this added to the fact that long distance travel is as easy on you as city driving. Overall the best sedan in its class (except the 540i).

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  Do not buy a 7 series - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Hamed - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Problems, problems, problems. Cooling system, door locks, front end stirring arms, overheating, I am in and out of shops at least 3 times a year. Piece of luxurious junk. unreliable.