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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  Greatest Car on Earth C D Elmore - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By guselmo - July 31 - 10:00 am

  My son and I did European Delevery of car. Drove it in and around Munich and into Zurich. Finding our way was not a problem with Nav System and the new i drive was as easy as 123. My son is a pilot for a major airline and found the nav system easy to program as well as trained me for my entire trip and all of the destination through Swetzerland with ease. Handling the car in the Alps and snow was a pleasure.

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  It cant get any better - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Glennk - July 31 - 5:10 am

  Picked it up in Munich on 9/15/05. Absolutely no problem with the car since overseas delivery. Sport package is unreal!. Drives like it is on rails. Going to BMW driving school this week. Would never go back to Mercedes. I am 63 and too young for a Merc.

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  Best in class - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By tkor - July 27 - 12:13 pm

  The rave reviews from the auto magazines did not overstate their experience with this car. It is simply one of the best in the world. The car is blindingly fast but also very comfortable as an everyday driver. The broad torque band is amazing, could make you lazy about downshifting. The ride is moderately firm without being harsh, and it is much quieter than the 2005 model that I had. Handling is excellent, characteristic of all BMWs. Without being ostentatious, the styling is aggressive yet refined, a headturner wherever I go. Best car Ive ever owned.

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  Super - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By j wilcenski - July 26 - 3:10 pm

  I have driven this car for about a month and it responds in everyway, steering, acceleration, look. Well have sometime to really find out the true car.

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  Sophisticated Fun - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By A.M.S. Jr. - July 25 - 10:00 am

  The BMW exudes understated class. Everything about the car is tastefull. The style is classic and will still look good in 5 years. Driving is thoroughly satisfying. The cars handling is precise with plenty of power around town and also on the highway. The car is solid. Build quality, fit and finnish are first rate. Dealership experience was enjoyable and service was their top priority.

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  BMW - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By opw - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car to drive. Had a Volvo S60 before this car and the BMW outperforms that car in every aspect.

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  fun drive but............ - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By tiago - July 19 - 10:00 am

  great car to drive but my car has been in the shop for the last 5 days they dont know what is wrong with the engine and cant seem to fix the vibration in the steering wheel, the sport steering wheel was not even centered when i bought it.I have 8000 miles and they also just replaced the radio???? this is my first bmw and dont know if i would buy another. Air noise is terrible. you would think the windows are down. problems with this car since day 1

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  BMW versus Lincoln Ls V8 - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By leon - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Drove a Lincoln V8 w/sport suspension for the past three years. Have a new 330I with sport suspension for the past 30 days. Engine- Same on both cars. Seating. Better support on the Lincoln. Transmission: better on the BMW. Steering: Much better on the Lincoln. Location of controls:Much better on Lincoln. Amenities: Lot more for the buck on the Lincoln. Suspension: The same. Brakes: slightly better on BMW Wheels and tires: Slightly better on BMW. Sound system: The same. Traction, stability: Better on BMW

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  325xi - great car - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Benharrison - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 325xi and have enjoyed every moment. It is best enjoyed on a long winding country road. This really helps to show case the handling. The only problems I have had are with the electical in the passenger side seat. I have had the airbag light go on twice and the seat heater has come unplugged another time. Other than that it has been a pleasure...highly recommended.

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  Love my 330i - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By R H - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Jst took delivery of my 330i and I love it ! I ve had several BMWs and this one is my favorite to date. The 330i handles superbly, delivers on the power and the sport package is a must on this vehicle! The 4 years of maintinence is a great deal as the only expense I will have is tires over the next few years. Definate improvements over the 2000 328i model. A great car for a BMW lover. - RH