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:

• 

  Enjoy the Sunshine - 1999 BMW Z3
  By Zcarfan - August 23 - 7:32 pm

  Overall I love driving this car. It is great for the Florida sunshine. The 2.3 model has plenty of power when you need it and the gas mileage is close to 35 mpg on the highway. The top is cheeply made and needs a glass window. I also have problems with the fuel sensor malfunctioning regularly. It is a blast to drive around town but use another car if you are going on a long trip.

• 

  Look out, here I come - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By 2boriginal - August 22 - 5:12 pm

  What a fun drive. I wouldnt recommend for really long trips (one, I couldnt fit all of my luggage into the car, two gas mileage isnt the best - but then I dont keep it to 55 either) but for zipping around town... no doubt about it. Love getting all the extra attention!

• 

  From CL55 to BMW 545 - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Phil - August 22 - 3:21 pm

  Having come out of a CL 55 Merc. I found the BM only slightly slower. The BMs road holding is better, however its economy is the same as the 500bhp merc. The BM is a boring drive but I can live with that. I miss my TV and seat heating.

• 

  Fun so far - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By tkorion - August 21 - 3:43 am

  Just bought the car. body is straight and engine is clean. tranny was replaced so I hope this car will last me a few years. Id like to get 100k, but only time will tell. I love the power and handling. engine has a rattle, but Ive never owned one so not sure if its normal.

• 

  Great Car - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By mapin3d@comcast.net - August 20 - 12:44 pm

  Great car. Quite a few features that make this car exceptionally fun to drive. Handles nicely hugging the road with complete confidence, very responsive, quiet interior. Overall this car meets most of ones expectations of a mid sized BMW although it is slightly underpowered for its size. At 225 HP it is sometimes not quite as responsive off the line. Although once at cruising speeds, just a slight tap on the accelerator produces quick and confident acceleration. Interior is nicely appointed and not overdone.

• 

  whats not to like? - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By robert silver - August 19 - 9:05 pm

  Excellent appointments, easy to use controls to raise and lower top. easy to use master control for windows. great pickup but cant outrun the gas station. also, gauge that shows the mileage per gallon is unnecessary, and very disconserting.

• 

  Great car but high maintenance - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Kman - August 18 - 10:14 am

  I do like my BMW but after 5.5 years and 70K miles the car is not what it was 3 years ago. Everything is breaking down and am having the worse time with the car. After the first 3 years itÂ’s been in the shop many times to fix all kinds of stuff. I agree that its fun to drive but with all the troubles I have been having itÂ’s not worth buying the car. If you have lots of money to waist then go ahead and buy the car else do not purchase this car.

• 

  Beware Dreadful Seats - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Robert Ruiz - August 17 - 4:02 pm

  Bought the car at 38,000 miles and have put another 30,000 on it in 10 months of driving. Its been very reliable and only needed one sensor replaced. Post-50,000 mile servicing seemed pricey (quoted $800) but Im coming from an old Alfa Romeo. Very happy with the car overall except for things such as interior trim rattles (constant) and dreadful seats. My car came with the standard seats and they caused circulation problems and caused left foot problems (no support on left foot and overall it was like sitting on a beach ball with support at center and little on sides). I replaced them with the sports seats and they are much better but can be uncomfortable (very, very firm).

• 

  A BMW that should not be called BMW!! - 2005 BMW Z4
  By GQ - August 16 - 10:55 am

  I am leasing this car right now. I love it except for one thing .. The dealership had more than me for the past year. Why? The reliability has been very very poor to the point where I have to take it to dealership every month! Stereo going bad, top leaking, noise from door, trunk leaking. Sadly the quality I am used to from BMW is not present here. It is fun to drive if it was not for all things going wrong with it!

• 

  This Is The One! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By JRick - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a Porsche on this 2004 model BMW 330cic and couldnt be happier with the car. Truly, this car is more fun to drive than my Porsche. Build quality is A+. I bought auto transmission and am pleased with its performance. This is the One!