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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  dealers dont know how to fix problem - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By sali - July 27 - 2:00 am

  after purchasing my 2002 745i, i soon learned that the local dealer (monterey/seaside,ca) has NO clue about this car. In addition, I have had many problems with the software involving the NAV, phone,premium sound system. If I were to purchase another BMW, I would not buy it from the local dealer. They are incompetent

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  Nice Machine - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By J Lynch - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is tight, quiet and a pleasure to drive.

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  540iA - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Bill20 - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 540iA with sports package in Jan 2001. Car is a wonderful machine to drive, even if it is a compact car. Being a compact car, it is a bit cramped inside, but on the other hand it is a smaller car, and easier to maneuver in traffic. Mine is a 2001, but even so, being a 282 hp machine, you really need to be careful with the gas pedal, or else its going to fly on you in the next tree. Basically the car is a 8 cylinder compact car, with wonderful handling.

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  BMW saved my life - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By LovedTheBMW - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I had my BMW only 4 months when I was in a car accident and the car was totalled. I was hit on the front driver side and the car ended upside down in a ditch. The towing company said there wasnt one part of the car that could be salvaged. I walked away from the accident with a minor scape on the elbow and a sore neck. I am lucky to be alive let alone not injured. I am not that crazy about cars but this is the first car that I really enjoyed driving. I loved everything about it and I cant wait to buy the same car again. Thank you BMW.

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  Now I understand... - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Zed - July 26 - 2:00 am

  My first BMW. I will have a very hard time buying a different manuf now. Im spoiled. The fit and finish of this car is top notch. I keep discovering many little things that most manuf just slap on, but with the bmw someone has put a lot of thought into the design and function. A blast to drive. A great balance of power, handling, and comfort.

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  1995 540i w/ Six Speed Manual Tranny - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By esqtodd - July 25 - 2:00 am

  With a budget of $20,000, I went to a couple of dealerships and drove some nice cars, like a 2000 Maxima and a 2002 Altima. First, I really dont like front wheel drive cars, which doesnt leave one with many options these days. Plus these cars (even the Maxima) seemed a bit sluggish. Then, I found a 95 BMW 5401 w/ a six-speed manual tranny. I asked about it and the salesguy said, "Oh, its a manual shift...we cant seem to sell it." Well, for me...a six-speed is a real selling point. I took it for a spin and I couldnt believe the torque from that beast ! It had soooo much power and it handled so much better than the other cars I had driven.

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  Cant go wrong. - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Frankie The Shard - July 25 - 2:00 am

  This was my first Bimmer, and I gotta tell ya, it is NICE. Smooth as silk on the highway, and the traction control really keeps you on the road in crappy conditions. So far, its been pretty reliable. The only repair Ive had to make was the fuel pump (quit at 125K) which was not that big of a deal. I got into an accident with this car, and WOW. I honestly believe this car saved my life. Worth the price for the safety alone!

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  BEST BMW I HAVE EVER OWNED - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By GREG KUHNLE - July 25 - 2:00 am

  A WONDERFUL DRIVING AND LOOKING SEDAN, THIS CAR TURNS HEADS,AND MAKES YOU LOOK FOR THE LONG WAY HOME.THE 5SP SHIFTS VERY SMOOTHLY AND ON A RECENT 1000 MILE TRIP THE CAR ACHIEVED 28 MILES TO THE GALLON! THE CAR HAS A FANTASTIC STEREO SYSTEM {I ORDERED THE PREMIUM SOUND PACKAGE}AND PICKING THE CAR UP IN EUROPE WAS AN EXPERIENCE IN ITSELF.

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  M500i xDrive !!! - 2018 BMW 5-Series
  By Night Hawk - July 24 - 8:19 pm

  Awesome!!!!

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  Bulletproof - 2000 BMW Z3
  By grafals - July 24 - 2:00 am

  After nearly 3 years and only ONE oil change, Im finishing up my FIRST set of tires! This has ended up being the most reliable and cheapest to own car I have ever had. The resales assure me of only a couple of thousand per year to own. Undoubtedly one of the most FUN cars around to drive. Handles and feels great. Gets looks everywhere I go, I cant help but smile.