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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  BMW again - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Dr, G - June 22 - 8:36 am

  I was determined to buy an Acura TL or a G35 and did not even consider the 328i. I had been already been driving a 2001 325i and loved it. I ended up test driving all three cars (TL, G35, 328i). The 328i is just head and shoulders more elegant and sporty inside and out. Yes, price is significant, however, that is up to each individual to determine if it was worth it. I love the car. It drives like no other and the sports mode is very fast. Interior space is not bad and the trunk is not bad.

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  BEWARE!! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Dan Phillips - June 21 - 10:00 am

  Got my 540--at first overjoyed, then probs began. Clutch issues, then a REPLACED trans. at 18K mi.!! For a loaner, I repeatedly got a Hundai!! Astounding!! It happened to my brother, too. BMW never showed me any appreciation of my investment or expectation. Insulting! a Ive heard it before, now I know. Be careful. New clutch for 2 grand??? And still the trans. never worked right. It became pathetic. Ended lease early.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Omar - June 19 - 4:56 pm

  Before I bought the BMW I test drove Lexus, Audi and Infiniti. All of them are good cars. BMW is the the ultimate car. It is extremely confortable and drives like a sport car. The combination between luxury, handling and acceleration cannot be said about any other car in its class or in any other class for that matter.

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  Excellent Bimmer - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Mary - June 19 - 11:33 am

  I have had my BMW just a year. I bought it fully loaded at a great deal. I had a BMW previously, and this is the best yet. I get so many compliments on the car, the Nav system is great, and so far the reliability is better than any car I have had. I had some issues when I first bought it because being just off the lot it took longer than normal to get a few things resolved but other than that I wouldnt drive anything other than a BMW. Next year Im looking at the 645.

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  BMW should try again - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By famnp - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Having owned a 1989 535I until 11/03, I was very happy to consider a new 5 series. When I saw the 2004 I had to have it. I love the perfomance and the handling(nothing like going over a winding road at 80 and not knowing it). I love the safety and the looks. They need to get rid of the 7 series technology. Every 6 weeks the car is at the dealer with an air bag/restraint system failure and no seems to be able to fix it.

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  Worth every penny - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By doublejava - June 18 - 10:00 am

  The car is so perfectly balanced that it almost drives itself...none of that float, drift, or twitchiness that other vehicles exhibit. The cars power is plentiful while deceptive due to its smoothness. The car is perfectly at home twisting through the N. GA mountain roads, passing other vehicles on the hwy, or cruising leisurely. The car is relatively quiet and it is possible to carry on a normal conversation even at 65MPH with the top down. The car is a real looker too. I hear "beautiful car!" all of the time. I tend to buy cars that are great driving cars - I will buy for performance and ride over looks - this one has all three.

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  ONLY THE BEST - 2004 BMW X3
  By AVERAGE DRIVER - June 18 - 10:00 am

  What do I like most?-Where to begin! How about 4 years free BMW service, 8 air bags, all wheel control, an 8 speaker teriffic stereo/cd/etc. standard, turns like a cat, shifts one cant possibly feel, outrageous engine thats a delight just to listen to, quality abounds even in very hidden areas, a BMW team that will support you no matter what, and a GPS/emergency radio transmitter standard. I could go on but- just drive one. Theyll have to pry you out of it!

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  Right on the money - 2004 BMW X3
  By happy/pappy - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Traditional BMW quality and performance delivered as promised.This vehicle is pure pleasure we love the performance,wow what brakes and handling.The five speed automatic is smooth as silk and what fun in manual mode.Engine performs very well and fuel economy of 18/26 helps also.

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  Go for it! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By rich545 - June 12 - 10:00 am

  I recently traded in a 2003 330xi for the 545 and I was hesitant at first because I loved the 330, but wanted a bigger car. No regrets now! The 545i is a great car, period. Enough power to throw your head back into the seat, and handles like its on rails. Just got a recall notice, but thats not uncommon for the first model year. The dash is a little spartan looking, but I dont understand the most common complaint; the iDrive. Anyone that can use a computer should find it a breeze to use. Plus, all you really do it set your preferences with it. Most things can be controlled without using it.

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  2004 330Cic ZHP - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By MPower28 - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Awesome, Awesome, Awesome is the best way to describe this car. I recently purchased mine 6-speed with the Performance Package (M Kit) in Dark Gray with Black interior. I have not seen another one like it on the road (only 5 in California when purchased).