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 ultimate machine - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Eric - February 23 - 5:26 pm

  Great ride and style. Good power on the 325i. People are complaining about the price, of course I would like to pay less but were talking about greatest entry level luxury car in the world. Go get one!

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  330i - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By tbbt - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Amazing machine...test drove the audi a4 3.0,volvos60, and Lexus IS300 and just do not handle the road as well. Edmunds editors are on the mark with there all of their evals.

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  first roadster - 2003 BMW Z4
  By damills - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I cant wait til I drive it each time. Alot of fun to drive, 2.5 plenty of power for those who dont need 0-60 < 6secs. Ride as good as the 3-series, handling excellent. Sports mode (only comes with the Sports Package) a must. Audiophiles, audio upgrade a must. Powertop a must, no boot, no latch, very slick. Very quiet ride, top up or down

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  Awesome BMW - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Florida_Rottie - February 20 - 4:06 pm

  This is the third BMW 3 series that I have owned. The new turbo engine has more power than any other car that I have driven. More than the 2006 M3!

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  So far so good!! - 2007 BMW Alpina B7
  By Dwaaa - February 16 - 11:16 pm

  Just bought the car this weekend, so far it handles like a DREAM! Im still in the break in period so havent done anything too extreme, but I can tell you it handles corners very well, and other cars cant beat me off the line :) It was hard to purchase a vehicle 25k over sticker but I HAD to have this car. suggestion, wait a year and buy it for 25k less than I did!

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  Still great - except run flats? - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Robola2 - February 16 - 4:30 pm

  After nearly 10K miles I stll have a very positive assessment of this car with the exception of the run flat tires. I had to wait nine days for a replacement of a 17" Bridgestone that was ruined by running over a bolt. I have learned that frquently monitoring correct air pressure is critical and any operation of the vehicle at incorrect pressures will distort the tires and make them permanently very noisy. This seriously detracts from the overall driving experience.

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  Tires, Tires, Tires - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By JohnMcNH - February 16 - 9:13 am

  The run flat tires on this car have been a nightmare. I have owned 6 3 series since 92 and loved, I repeat loved every one of the until now. The noise coming from these tires at speeds lower than 60 mph all the way down to 3-6 mph is unacceptable. I was told at 8K miles that I had to replace all four tires. The controls are also very difficult to reach. I am tall and I have trouble but anybody with short arms is in trouble. The outside is very nice. The auto traction does some strange things at low speeds and when I pull into the garage it actually brakes when I contact the lip to the floor.

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  Not good - 2005 BMW X3
  By Crappy Bmw - February 16 - 3:16 am

  Not a good experiance for what I paid for this crappy car. I think A hynduai santa fe has the same cheap looking interior of the the bmw x3. Plus a hynduai has a better warrenty

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  Extremely poor reliability - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By cbergeman - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I truly do not feel safe in this car. It ramdomly stalls out, in dangerous situations. This has happened four times. Dealership found no problems. The latest, every once in a while doesnt start, dont know why. I couldnt be more disappointed.

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  2002 BMW 525i - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By DianeRD - February 15 - 10:00 am

  We love our BMW 525i! Its fun to drive, feels very solid, and looks like a million bucks. Several young MPs have commented when I stop for ID check at West Point, "Nice car, maam." Now thats nice for a 60-year- old to hear!