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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  Wow ! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By susan - October 3 - 12:13 am

  The 545 is my first BMW. I am thrilled with its performance. Sport package, sound system, head up display etc. makes the drive fun.

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  Doors (power windows, speaker trim) - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By AH64HeliInstrucPilot - September 28 - 10:00 am

  power window regulators continually go bad (front and back), speaker trims break (cosmetic issue) in the doors (front). Im tired of windows that wont go up or down without things breaking (breaking plastic, ginding sounds, and power windows completely inop). - "Regulator", as the shop personell blaim, needs redesigned.

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  Good sports car - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By John W Nelson III - September 27 - 5:23 am

  Excellent sports car but very poor gas mileage and expense to repair

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  BMW 335i Convertible - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By K - September 24 - 4:56 am

  I have owned three American made cars and five different kinds of Lexus. This BMW is, by far, more fun to drive than ANY of them - even those priced much higher. It even allows adults under six feet to sit in the back seat comfortably. With the top down, there is no better car to really enjoy driving.

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  Catch my z - 2006 BMW Z4
  By MRP - September 22 - 2:04 pm

  Check out common problems like springs,radiator expansion tank, engine gaskets, hazard switch, lights, top motor etc

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  You dont want to own an X5 - 2004 BMW X5
  By sejung - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Yes it is the best ride for the money and yes it looks even better than the previous model. The noise level is also reduced compared to the 2002 model. I got a 2002 X5 that was a pure nightmare, forcing me to visit 9 times to get all the problems fixed in less than a year. BMW North America was nice(?) enough to give me an replacement with additional charge and I had no choice but to get a 2004 model. Few weeks have past by after I got my new car. I have a squeaking steering wheel and a sun roof that wont securely shut.

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  Way better than the Toureg and RX330 - 2004 BMW X5
  By X5inMA - September 22 - 2:00 am

  An amazing SUV. I drove the VW Touaeg V8 and Lexus RX330. The BMW feels like a BMW; not an SUV. When practicality meets pleasure, you have found The Ultimate Driving Machine.

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  GIVE IT A TEST DRIVE - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By LANCE - September 22 - 2:00 am

  GIVE IT A TEST DRIVE. THE VEHICLE SPEAKS FOR ITS SELF. LEARN TOO USE THE I-DRIVE AND ITS MANY FEATURES.

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  fun on the road - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By dfmcpa - September 22 - 2:00 am

  great car have had many - mercedes sl500, clk32amg this one beats all esp for the price

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  Dot the "i" - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Jack Furlong - September 22 - 2:00 am

  04 has a demonstrably better ride and feel than 03. Exterior is too close to a G35 for my taste. iDrive is utter waste of time:distracting, expensive, worthless. (It starts with a liability waiver, "push to accept," which is all you need to know.) BMW continues to ignore the essence of the cupholder, opting for shallow plastic (pun intended.) But these are nits to pick. This is still the most responsive, comfortable, reliable sedan under $90,000. I dumped my Saab 9000, MB E320, even an Alfa, and never looked back. Two oppositional thumbs up.