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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  the new series 7 - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Troy - June 12 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle is great. A bit pricey but hig class

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  not a singal flaw - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By mattertisdfghsidfg - June 12 - 2:00 am

  remember that driving the ultimate driving machine is sort of like dating a super-model... and everything will fall into place

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  Japanese Cars Are Far Better. - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By Hieu Quachtat - June 12 - 2:00 am

  During the first three months I discovered the following problems: 1. The front right fender was not properly painted. 2. STRUCTURE DESIGN IS VERY POOR. It is a common problem among 1997 BMW 3 series. 3. The left door lock was loosen at 3000 miles. 4. AirCond malfunctioned. 5. Premium sound system malfunctioned. 6. Nuisance warning light illuminated intermittently. 7. Wind noise is terrible. Dealer fixed it by putting transparent tape around door frame. 8. The Service people at Irvine BMW stole money from my car.Should I say BMW dealers has no class? 9. Engine Controller malfunctioned. Had to be reprogrammed. LEXUS IS THE WAY TO GO

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  Love it ! - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Fripp64 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  First BMW but not the last !

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  Fun Vehicle - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Coaster - June 11 - 6:16 am

  Only drawback is accepting the i drive each time you start the car, Its a pain in the butt. I know the system, took a little time to learn but You should have the right to adjust its features, more than they allow.

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  The Germans build a better car. - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By rwlpa - June 11 - 2:00 am

  I had always owned American cars --- never again. The Germans build a better car. No more front wheel drive for me. The performance and handling of a manual gearbox front rear wheel drive car is a wonderful thing.

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  Land Shark Dominates!! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By pap91rt - June 11 - 2:00 am

  The absolutley best car I have ever owned!!Its all and more than they say it is!

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  My X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By blince - June 11 - 2:00 am

  I sold a 2000 Mercedes SUV to buy this because I was disappointed with the Benz. The BMW is a much better car in all respects. The only negative is the single cupholder in the front.

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  WHat a fun!!!!! - 2003 BMW X5
  By kochabamba - June 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the best SUV out there. Fun, safe, reliable and great design.

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  Fantastic car - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By ekuo - June 11 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car new to replace my aging Integra Hatchback. Essentially, I wanted the 325i sedan but we needed the larger trunk space and utility of a wagon. This vehicle sacrifices none of the sedans handling and performance. We included the sports package, which I believe is a must have for the 325. The handling is sharp, telescopic, and easy to manage. The car simply loves being tossed into a corner. The exterior also benefits from a true wagon design, not the hatch on the sedan design that you might see on some others. The only mechanical issue this car encountered was the faulty auxillary fan.