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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  First Impressions are lasting - 2005 BMW X3
  By Bham - July 2 - 5:42 pm

  Recently traded an 98 Infiniti I30 for the X3. Always driven sedans but the X3 sold me on its practicality, fun to drive factor, and design. Solid feeling, spacious, engine growls!, perfect height for my 5 wife. Expensive but worth it. Very impressed!

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  Super Mid Sized SUV - 2005 BMW X3
  By DavidJ - July 2 - 10:32 am

  We traded a Mercedes ML 500 for an X3 3.0 a month ago and couldnt be happier with the change. The X3 handles fantastically and is a blast to drive. It has the tight finish quality that the American made Mercedes lacked and it carries as much cargo as the ML. Ours was delivered with a faulty navigation computer, but this is being fixed and it doesnt affect the operation of the car. Our only wish is that we bought the X3 sooner!

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  Bills Beemer - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By willie - June 30 - 2:03 pm

  The car is very sound (structurally). Reliability is poor. Too many expensive repairs for a expensive car. (radiator, steering, backfire plate, window controller) Think twice about this cas due to high cost of repair.

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  Instrumentation Disaster - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By sparcusa - June 23 - 10:38 pm

  This iDrive thing is an abomination. My minivan radio has more capabilities. The iDrive has a nice color screen, looks cool but essentially does nothing. Really! Shockingly disfunctional and distracts from the overall driving experience. It constantly displays a warning that essentially says "DONT LOOK AT THIS WHILE YOUR DRIVING". If I cant upgrade this thing, I think Im going to trade it in. really, really disappointed.

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  A damn good car, but "ultimate"? - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Sean - June 22 - 6:10 pm

  BMW prides themselves as the ultimate driving machine, and while this may be true in comparison to some cars on the market, I can certainly say that ive driven plenty of cheaper and more thrilling cars on the market, my wifes 2004 Honda S2000 being one of them. Overall this car has been great outside one annoying problem, the drivers side door handle. Twice since Ive had it now it has broken to where the door could only be opened from the inside (thank god for auto down windows on the remote). Other than that little issue, this car is both a joy and pleasure to drive. Coming from a former Acura CL Type-S owner, I will say that this car performs just as well, without the tranny woes

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  Fun to drive, not to fix - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Tony - June 22 - 3:10 am

  I just recently (may 2005) got hold of a 1996 318 automatic. Owner before me had taken good care of it. I havent had any major problems (other than normal wear parts) with it so far (crosses fingers) and i just passed 100K. Check engine light came on for a "low pressure cat. converter" code, but i had that code cleared at a shop and it hasnt come on again. Gas mileage is great, i use 92 or higher, 94 if i can find it... (owners manual recommends 91 but gas cap says minimum is 89) Ive taken a 393 mile trip 3 times in this car and I can drive straight through and still have a quarter tank left...with the AC running full blast going up hills...which is even better mpg than my 97 accord

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  Great Drive and Fun - 2004 BMW X3
  By DFLerner - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Quite fun to drive, nimble and responsive handling, confident acceleration, powerful braking. One feels safe and in control of their driving environment.

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  2000 740IL Cosmos Black on Black - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By Dave Hilton - June 17 - 2:49 pm

  This is a Classic Luxury Sports Car. I had always wanted one. But make no mistake, this is an extremely expensive car to fix/repair. A $78K auto of this level of sophistication is very touchy. So be prepared.

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  Things You Can Do Without - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By catj5 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Im just going to go straight to the point. I like my car and I have a-lot of fun driving it. However, there are points that one should be aware of. First, the Harmon Kardon speakers was a waste of my money. They are weak speakers. Second, the car is too low that you are likely to hit, raised manholes, rocks, metals on the street. Third, the windows rattle loud when driving fast. Fourth, the driver and passenger SIDE MIRRORS doesnt go back far enough. Fifth, the chairs are very hard and thin. Sixth, rear bumper too low and unprotected and will get easily hit by other cars especially if you live in the city.

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  Wonderful at its best - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By roy - June 13 - 6:53 pm

  This car changes driving from a chore to a pleasure even ruffle your composure. the sound system is great, the insulation keeps out road noise, the seat is comfortable, and the luxury inlay is beautiful. The moonroof is fun, and the remote control key system makes you feel like a spoiled rich man. Unfortunately it has been to the dealer for repairs 10 times in under 2 years, and some of the problems, like water leaking through the back door are serious. After initially being totally in love with this car, I have begun to wonder if I would be foolish ever to buy another one.