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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  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.

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  incredible car - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Chris - August 26 - 10:06 pm

  This is my second 325CiC. Just traded my 2001, 5 speed(M) for 2005 automatic. Best car I have ever owned. Only gripe is the nav system. Free service is great. Typical german build quality. 2001 had a few minor problems but nothing major; BMW covered everything, even a ripped seat seam and cracked wood at 37000 miles. Amazing! Wont be my last assuming they dont go too far out in left field with the styling of this cars replacement. I LOVE THIS CAR!!!

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  BMWGT - 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By Richard - August 26 - 11:12 am

  Great Road Trip car!

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  1998 Z3 1.9 Purchased in 2017 - 1998 BMW Z3
  By E. Morris - August 26 - 6:33 am

  What a HOOT!!! Its got 160K miles on it. I purchased it as a "toy" and not a daily driver (although I find myself driving it more often than not). Im 63" and about 260 and I have ZERO problems fitting into the car!! Now, I will say that because Im "long waisted" in that most of my height is from my waist up...with the top up I have to crane my neck to keep from bashing my head on the convertible top...but with the top down? NO problem!! I certainly would recommend one if you find one thats clean. Used prices are MUCH cheaper than Honda S2000s. The performance on the 1.9 is lackluster but its in essence a motorcycle engine!! Buy you a Bimmer!! The Z3 is fun to drive!! Even with a 5 speed!!!

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  Good but Expensive - 1994 BMW 7-Series
  By Claudio - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This car has Power. At 340 hp, it moves, and so does its fuel. Service and parts is too expensive. Has lots of bells and whistles if you like gadgets. Needs a lot of pampering and maintenance. Still itÂ’s a very classy look and very elegant. Find one thatÂ’s been well kept and serviced. Mine looks great at 137k miles, but at a cost.

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  Best SUV Anywhere - 2002 BMW X5
  By GTheo - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This car is incredible! It only looks like an SUV but under the hood it is an M5 sports sedan. The car is truly a well thought out machine with amazing performance and looks. I have never come across another SUV that could out perform it except for the time I ran across an X5 4.6 on the highway, Wow that thing is blazingly fast!

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  Solid So Far - 2002 BMW X5
  By Seattle X5er - August 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had my X5 for about 8 months. It has been everything I had hoped for: fun to drive and comfortable. Everything is solid. Not a rattle or other problem (knock on wood). The paint job has been particularly impressive. I have taken a lot of rock hits at highway speeds, but I have not yet found one chip!

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  wow! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By edandruth - August 25 - 2:00 am

  this is not a car.....its an automobile! It handles unbelievably smooth, very comfortable and excellerates effortlessly. This is truly the finest machine I have ever driven. Unfortunately, I bought it for my wife who only allows me to drive it on weekends!

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  Reliability and performance over-rated - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By Brian Johnson - August 25 - 2:00 am

  I overestimated the BMW brand when I bought my 97 328i. The exterior design is distinctly BMW and it is a great "image" car for young professionals. The biggest challenge is reliability... hundreds of sensors constantly break and any visit to the shop will run at least $300. If you are going to buy one anyway - pass on the Inspection I and II checkups - which are serious waste of money. Overall, performance was less than stellar. I actually had more fun with my 97 Acura Integra, which really surprised me.

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  Lemon??? - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Crunch - August 24 - 10:00 am

  So far Ive been back to the dealer for: bad smell coming from the A/C, Alarm not arming, Passanger one-touch window not working properly, Trunk opening by itself, Rear tow hook loose, passenger seat belt not locking, turning signal light loose, panic alarm malfunctioning, Jack broke while changing flat tire, remote keys not functioning the vehicle also staled out a few times, the car sometimes shakes alot when first starting and lasts about a minute, I had to bring the car in for a recall on the electronic control unit, and a few other things.