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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  Disappointing - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Anonymous - February 5 - 3:08 am

  Given the uniformly positive reviews on the e39 body 5-series, I was prepared to love this car. But it has been so disappointing that Im considering selling it after five months of ownership. The problem is simple -- and no its not the cupholders, which I agree are flimsy but they dont bother me. Its the constant and apparently unfixable creaks, squeaks, and rattles from the doors, the rear hatch, the seats, etc. (Ive had it in at the dealer several times.) Also disappointing is the junky sound of the doors when slammed closed. Of the about 10 cars Ive owned, this is one of the biggest bucket of bolts of the lot. If I could go back in time, I would NOT have bought this car.

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  Wonderful automobile - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By David Colorado - February 3 - 8:47 pm

  The 530i has been a joy to drive and own. Reliability is less than perfect but overall its a great car.

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  Sophisticated fun - 1997 BMW Z3
  By promethius - January 26 - 1:16 am

  This car is absolutely a joy to drive. It has almost zero body lean in high speed turns and the automated traction control keeps the tires sticking to the road. Its got that solid and sophisticated german road feel... like drinking a fine wine or smoking a good cigar. The sport seats are comfortable, and provide just enough room for me (6 feet tall). Being a 2.8 and weighing 2,600 pounds, its got alot of jump from the get go, and mine came with a custom exaust that puts me up to speed a little bit faster. The controls are pretty obvious and close to hand. While limited in cargo space, if youre shopping for a z3, that isnt the main concern. Awesome

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  Love my X5 - 2006 BMW X5
  By Joe Bondi - January 25 - 7:07 pm

  Car is classy to drive and it turns heads. I like the quiet soft ride. I like sitting high and the excellent visability. Handles beautifully and it has gentle manners. Quality of construction and materials is superb.

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  Better than the 745Li - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By BoBoBo360 - January 22 - 8:16 am

  Essentially a 745Li with a bigger engine, well after all it is just a refreshening. After trading the 745Li for the 750Li, the major difference is power. Its great handling, but some what indifferent to bonding with the driver. It kinda just does its thing, not much feeling... Anyways, compare to 2005 S500 definately better performance although only 6 speed as oppose to S500s 7 speed its still smooth. S500 has a much more comfortable suspension. It comes with 4 year warranty and the best part free maintenance. The BMW free maintenance covers a lot and will save you a lot too because it covers new brakes, oil changes, minor and major tune ups.

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  BMW BUYER BEWARE - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Unhappy Owner #9 - January 21 - 2:00 pm

  I purchased my 2004 330ci coupe in 08/2003. As I drove it home and I slide the sunroof cover closed it the plastic retaining clips holding the cover broke. BMW fixed it with metal clips. 2nd problem battery died due to heat seats software problem left one of the battery cells on after car was turned off and drained the battery. BMW fixed this by updating software and replacing battery. 3rd problem I ran out of gas when the gas gauge showed 1/4 tank of gas left. Fuel sensor gets clogged and fuel gauge stops working. Bmw does not have a fix for this accept to clean the fuel sensor with a easer the 1st time and replace the sensor the 2nd time. Im sorry I sold my Toyota 4Runner!

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  My car saved me! ...and other stuff - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By Lexie - January 20 - 1:39 am

  I just recently got into a pretty major crash with my 93 325i and its because of that car that I walked away without a scratch (literally). The saftey features on the 325i are very good. The whole front of my car crumpled in to absorb the impact. The fireman and the tow truck driver both asserted that if it had been another car, I probably would have had to go to the hospital. Other than that- the car is a very fun car to drive, very strong (engine and body). Electronic and other features are very advanced for its year. The reliability is not too great, but if you have a steady income you should be fine (doesnt have to be big income). Overall great car. I wish to own another some day.

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  2006 M5-- An Outstanding Achievement!! - 2006 BMW M5
  By DAVID LOYA - January 19 - 5:35 pm

  I just turned in my 2003 M5 for this new 2006 M5. Surprisingly there is little in common between the two cars. The 2006 M5 is much more dynamic and exciting to drive. It outperforms the older model in every way, even in the 400hp mode. The new M5 is a blast to drive and I look forward to getting in the car every morning. The 2006 M5 has surpassed my expectations and I feel it is under-priced at 90K.

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  More fun with each day - 2006 BMW M3
  By RAL - January 19 - 1:16 pm

  I had owned a 328 and found that a great car. The M3 is that and more - power, taut handling, precision and comfort. The SMG has turned out to be a great choice. It allows the control (and fun) of a manual and the ability to sit back and let the car do the shifting when in traffic.

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  1999 bmw M3 - 1999 BMW M3
  By Kyle K - January 19 - 3:52 am

  I bought this M3, My first, about 7 months ago. Its like a Go-cart. It handles as if on rails, and its a blast to drive in the canyons.