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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  what a car! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By pubsmeister - January 17 - 4:56 pm

  Now in my second week of driving the 545i. Great engine, handling, and just plain fun to drive. Last car was an Acura Legend, another great car but the difference is unbelieveable. I got the SMG transmission, you get the fun of the manual with the ease of use of an automatic. The iDrive is a piece of cake.

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  Killer Car - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By bobgs - January 15 - 3:23 am

  I considered many cars before deciding on the 525 but none live up to the 525. I get excited every time I step into this car. Handling, comfort, transmission, and styling (in my opinion) are best in class. 525 power is adequate and even deceptively strong. I dont think the 40hp upgrade to the 530 is worth the money. Overall the best car in the 40-50k range.

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  7 month review - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Ab - January 11 - 2:23 am

  I have owned the car for about 7 months and the car is a dream to drive. I have no complaints. It truly delivers on performance, style, and quality. However, I truly regret not getting the iDrive when I ordered the car. I took the bad advice from Edmunds, Car and Drive, Motor Trend, and other car magazines. The iDrive is not hard to use and its very easy to operate unless you are computer illiterate. It provides so many features that are useful, including the NAV. I am thinking of getting a new 330i just to get the IDrive. That’s how disappointed I am for not getting the IDrive. My advice, test the iDrive and then make a decision. Do not listen to these editors because they are not computer savvy.

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  a great car with many annoyances - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By car person - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive vehicle, if you can ge ur hand on one. Quite, spacious and great to look at. However, drives more like a Japanes care than a BMW. But that could be just the new car feel. Many small issues bother me a lot such as: Compulsory seat betlt usage in the front , or the car keeps on beeping. No storage space Inconvenient cup holders Very badly designed seats - headrest is almost 1/2 foot back. And last, the idrive system. Good luck learning that.

• 

  excellant car - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By jmclassey - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a 1999 Mercedes for this vehicle and would do it again in a heart beat. It is sporty, fun to drive and an excellent feeling car, easy maneuverablity and great on the eye.

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  This Convertible is Fun to Drive - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By sunny21 - January 6 - 2:43 am

  The look of this vehicle is one of the best. Definitely a head turner. I had a problem with the top; minor issue. I also got a flat tire on those less than par run-flat tires. Luckily I had purchased the warranty so I was reimbursed for the high price tag. Not sure impractical in AZ. All in all great car!!

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  good looking and powerful - 2004 BMW Z4
  By den57yon - January 4 - 2:00 am

  after driving a z3 for three years, this new z4 is like a new car altogether. i feel much more confident and comfortable driving this car.

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  Not So Hot - 2004 BMW Z4
  By WVSAM - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Sorry to say, but my Z4 performs hot, but is uncomfortable, and rattles like a crib toy. The trunk is so small that literally it wont hold a golf bag. The Z4 looks good, and drives well, but for 45 grand it should be more comfortable and not rattle and squeek.

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  Best two seater ever! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By moniquita - January 4 - 2:00 am

  After owning BMW for many years, the Z4 3.0 was the first that convince me to get a two seater, It doesnt feel "small" at all. I love the looks, may be controversial because is a bit ahead. The trunk space is better than the M3 convertible and the 328iC.Very fun to drive (I have the 6 speed manual) and the sound of the engine is perfect!

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  BMW X5 - 2004 BMW X5
  By pap - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Best handling suv on the road. Saftey a deffinate plus along with engeniering excellance and the best luxury and class look interior on the market.