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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  No Sports Car, But Great Tourer - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By D. Jamieson - May 28 - 1:23 am

  Fantastic acceleration and stopping power. Pretty slushy in normal mode, but the "sport" button makes it very responsive. Active suspension is incredible. iDrive is a great alternative to dozens of tiny buttons, and is surprisingly intuitive, as is the voice command system. Very quiet and solid-feeling. Turns heads. Main criticism is that the driver is quite isolated from the road. Interior a bit disappointing for a car in this price bracket (lots of plastic, cheap carpet).

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  Wow - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Greg - May 27 - 10:26 pm

  This is my first BMW and I love this car. Handling is 2nd to none. I tend to tire of vehicles very easily and this one is a joy to drive. This one has the DINAN upgrades which make it even more fun.

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  Lemon 2003 330i - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By WFO - May 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car and logged 13,000 miles before the DSC, Brake and other lights started to appear. Entire wiring harness as well as throttle replaced. BMW tried 4 times to fix the mystery problem with no success. BMW is buying the car back. Loved the car, but the color is no longer available, si I am forced to choose another color.

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  The BMW 760Li - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Dylan Jestice - May 24 - 10:21 pm

  This car is excels in all areas except for the iDrive system. The system does not need to be integrated with the shift. It should only aid the transmission when a specific performance is selected, i.e- the sport shift selection. When scolling through endless options it may take a while to find the gear you wish to select. I only hope they do not integrate iDrive into the BMW 3- Series. The exterior design is truly timeless. The seats are very supple and the integrated heating and cooling system is a must for dark interior and cold climate areas. Customizable options to meet needs and wants of the consumer. This car is truly a solid made German vehicle. BMW has set the standard high.

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  5 speed without the clutch - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By John - May 23 - 1:22 am

  This was a great car. I had to sell due to it not being practical to carry clients in, but it performed well. The AC was a bit sporadic and I had to play with the control to get it to blow the right level.

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  You Havent Driven Until You Have A BMW - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Bill - May 21 - 8:57 am

  Have owned it 3 years now and still love it. Averages 25 mpg city/highway. Super in New England weather, but you need to keep up on tire condition. I got 50K out of originals and replaced them with the same. Only complaints are high upkeep costs, and electrical rear tailight that the dealer cant seem to get straight, also it stalls every one in awhile. However, there is nothing like a BMW and this one gives you peace of mind with the all-wheel drive.

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  franks findings - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By FRANKS FINDINGS - May 20 - 5:10 am

  Took a week to really learn everything- I have the 330i with performance tires, seats are a little tight for my sit down and its a little bumpy with 48 lbs of air in the tires, but a real joy to drive. In sport mode it jumps to 90 in breathtaking fashion, brakes are stop now dandies with no fade at all. If you know how to get your line and move into a corner with power, its like driving a bed i.e. flat no lean at all, no nose drop on hard braking. Worth the money

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  Beemer, but a step down? - 2005 BMW X3
  By Jimmy James - May 20 - 2:28 am

  I also own a 745li. This is absolutely nothing like that, of course. If you are looking for a low priced, quality, but not to any extent luxurious suv, get the X3. It is tremendous in the snow and conditions like that. The navigation system is top notch. It is extremely easy to operate, and works to perfection. DO NOT GET LEATHERETTE SEATING, I have leather and that is not comfortable either.

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  Z3 - 2002 3.0L - 2002 BMW Z3
  By AnnieZ3 - May 17 - 3:03 pm

  This is the most legal fun you can have! The only complaint I have is about the HORRIBLE Harman-Kardon speakers... I have heard better in a VW Beetle. There is no excuse for BMW to use this poor quality. It is one of those things you understand that you will just HAVE to replace.

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  My Z4 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By halle - May 14 - 2:00 am

  There is nothing like dropping the top on a brisk fall day and hitting the highway. I love the sound of the engine as I shift the gears.