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:

• 

  Fun Car - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By gene - July 29 - 4:34 am

  My first BMW and I love it. I did have the car in the shop 3 times. 1st exhaust sensor went out. 2nd the car had to be towed to the shop...bad oil pressure sensor... I decided to trade-in for LEXUS reliability but after I test drove LEXUS I decided to keep my BMW. I just cant give-up the BMW performance... and I still have the warranty.

• 

  Awesome - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Duff - July 22 - 7:44 pm

  This car cannot compare to any other vehicle in the same class. The car handles the same at 40 as it does at 120. It has the power to handle almost any situation and handles just as well in foul weather with the exception of snow! If you have considered something other than a BMW, think again! Everyday is a new driving experience with a BMW. Be careful, once you stepped up to a different class driving machine, you will never take a step backwards.

• 

  I love it, but..... - 1998 BMW Z3
  By Kimberley - July 17 - 8:37 pm

  I bought this car, because of its looks and the price was fantastic!!! I love this car but, let me prequalify, my issues should be more with the previous owner than the manufacturer. The side window gaskets leak something terrible! So much so that the drivers side floor board is soft and spongy. The person that had changed their oil had left the small oil filter gasket in the filter housing on several occasions which resulted in the rings wearing out with time and crumbling into small bits all through the system and developing in a nasty oil leak and cost over $600.00 to fix. The hoses pop off for no apparent reason but, these do not detract from this beautiful car, in my opinion.

• 

  This car rock - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By fatty - July 17 - 3:53 pm

  I love it. I love BMWs, compared to my old M3, this car absolutely is amazing and i highly recommend it for anyone looking for a new car. One downside, the back seat could use more headroom and space. The 3 series probably has more than the 6, which is weird. Overall though, the car rocks.

• 

  Solid Performer - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Dave - July 15 - 8:10 pm

  I traded an 04 Mercedes e500 for the 545 and am happy with the decision. The 545 is sportier, a bit quicker and grippier on the roads. I have to say, I think the Benz has a few things over my 545 - interior and exterior design primarilly, though the "Banglisms" (designer) on this car are growing on me...

• 

  Happy New Owner - 2003 BMW X5
  By Loncar1 - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I looked at a lot of the new 03 and 04 SUVs and only the BMW really had the performance on the road I was looking for. Having had 3 Grand Cherokee Ltds prior, the BMW is a great step forward and much better than the ML Class Chrylser/Benz tries to put you into.

• 

  Waiting for a M6 - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Ray Millers - July 9 - 12:13 pm

  The tiptronic takes a bit of getting used to. It is very different and you should be very familiar with it before ordering this option. If you get a 04, it will not have bluetooth, and it will cost you over 2500 to get it retrofitted. The phone that comes with the car is junk, and neither BMW nor Cell companies will take any responsibility of hook it up. The microphones for the phones are junk. There are two possible upgrades that they will only tell you about after you complain loudly that people cannot understand you when calling from your car. I still only know about 100 of the 500 functions the I drive is able to perform. The dealership also does not know how it operates, figure it out!

• 

  Not my mothers station wagon! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Gadget Gal - July 8 - 4:01 pm

  Reliable, nimble and fun to drive, I have enjoyed my first BMW thoroughly. Sporty feel, excellent handling on highway and twisty back roads.

• 

  My Take on early E46 productions - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By sheggaw - July 8 - 1:52 pm

  We bought this car used at 30K on it. Very good condition at the time. Several warranty works were done to it even before we had got it. Did not get that info until I took it for another warranty work. Now, transmission is out at only 64.5K on it, 2 Years after we had it. We are BMW devotees and do own other BMWs classic to modern. But this one has pushed us to the limit. To boot to that, BMW N.A is not a help at all. That 800 number is a joke, the staff is untrained & unqualified. Bottom lin is that BMW is not what it was used ot be. A car company with great reputation and great cars is in demise. No customer support, no reliable production. I will probably end up not buying another one.

• 

  I bought a Machine - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Marco - July 5 - 2:05 pm

  I was attracted to the Z4 because of the exterior design. I didnt realize that I was buying not just another pretty car but a machine. I think the car performs best when driving at 90 mph and above. Handles wonderfully and clean. Its the best purchase Ive made in a long time.