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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  Im on my second one - 2004 BMW X5
  By boop - May 22 - 2:00 am

  The first one I owned was better than this one. In the 3 years I cant imagine why there havent been any improvements....although it is hard to improve, there are some minor adjustments to be made. I think maybe the tranni is slipping or just isnt as responsive as it should be, may need bigger trani. And there are blind spots in the rear, if the mirrors arent just perfect.If you choose the navigation system... and a 6 changer cd... the cd cannot be put in the glove compartment.... but has to be in the rear.... most inconventent! The back up beeping drives me crazy, needs cut off switch thats not event related. I just seem disappointed with it a bit.

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  Sweet Ride - 2007 BMW X3
  By tsormast - May 18 - 3:58 pm

  The interior is well appointed and everything is within easy reach. Im a little disappointed on the sound system, I was told by my BMW rep that iPod connectivity was standard. It does have a port, but you pay extra for the integrated cable for control on the sound system, the speakers really arent all that, my jeep grand cherokee was better in that aspect. I have only had it 4 days, but I just love it otherwise. I look for excuses to go for a drive, the gas mileage seems to be ok except when you get on the gas hard, tranny seems rough.

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  Tranny Problems Anyone? - 2007 BMW X5
  By Texaninpdx - May 14 - 4:34 pm

  I too had issues with the transmission not wanting to shift. Luckily I was near my home. Nonetheless, I took it in and a computer reset was done - havent had the issue since. Otherwise, traded an 07 Escalade for this beauty. I love it and would recommend it to anyone looking for sporty driving as well as utility.

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  2007 BMW M5 - 2007 BMW M5
  By davexg - May 13 - 9:12 pm

  Probably the only car you can store your golf clubs (it comes with an illustration for 4 bags), bag cart or baby stroller at the same time. Great amenities such as window shades, adaptive headlights, etc. Five people fit nicely although the rear folks will be crowded. Nice exhaust note, lines. Gas mileage and transmission is another story.

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  Great car, options expensive - 2016 BMW X1
  By AB - May 13 - 10:16 am

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  German reliability is an oxymoron - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By JohnnyBoy - May 12 - 7:16 am

  My car with the 6 speed performance package is probably the most fun to drive machine on the road. The handling is superb and the engine growl is great. Ride is a bit stiff, but that should be expected from a true sport sedan. Ive had a number of warranty repairs and I sometimes question if I made the right choice. I definitely will dump this car for something more reliable when the warranty is up, even though Id really like to keep it. The thought of needing to pay the frequent repair bills is frightening.

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  Costly Repairs - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By AJBAKER - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Driving the BMW328i is a pleasure, but my driving pleasure is overshawdowed by the times my car has been in the shop for repairs. In 2001 with 24,000 miles on the car, I replaced the front brakes, pads and rotors for $1500. While on business travel in September, my husband called to tell me he was at the dealers with my car and all it needed (smile :() was front and rear brakes, pads, rotors and a new suspension system to the tune of $3,000. My previous car, 94 Honda never went in the shop for suspension problems, and it had over 85,000 miles on the odometer when I gave it to my son

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  My BMW 7 Series - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Reviewer - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE my car. The exterior is a love/hate thing, but I love it. If your good with video game conrollers you will not have any problems with the iDrive, if not call my 17 year-old son. I looked at the Lexus LS 430 and liked the 7 Series better. I do not like Mercedes-Benz so the S430 was not even an option. But I test drove the S430 after I bought the 7 Series, and that just reconfirmed that I had made the right choice going with BMW. If your wondering why the build quality rating is so low, thats because the 7 Series price is such a hurdle. Is the 7 Series worth 2 3 Series?

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  My BMW 7 Series - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By reviewer - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE my car. The exterior is a love/hate thing, but I love it. If your good with video game conrollers you will not have any problems with the iDrive, if not call my 17 year-old son. I looked at the Lexus LS 430 and liked the 7 Series better. I do not like Mercedes-Benz so the S430 was not even an option. But I test drove the S430 after I bought the 7 Series, and that just reconfirmed that I had made the right choice going with BMW. If your wondering why the build quality rating is so low, thats because the 7 Series price is such a hurdle. Is the 7 Series worth 2 3 Series?

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  The 330i and others in its class - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Reviewer - May 9 - 10:00 am

  The BMW 330i (RWD 4dr sedan ((3.0L I-6 5M))is almost a perfect balance of luxury and sport. This car has excellent fuel economy it this Near- Luxury car segment. The Audi A4 Quattro has a better interior and exterior than the BMW 330i. The Infiniti G35, a big competitor to the 330 has a better looking interior also. The G35 sedan is about $7,000 cheaper than the BMW 330i sedan and is as good if not a better of a performer than the 3-series. So get out and take a test drive to see which one you like better. My wife is in line to get a new G35 coupe! So Ill tell you later which one I like better.