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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  Good Car - 2005 BMW X3
  By Bubba - May 13 - 11:29 am

  Fun to drive great car for running around, easy access to trunk to throw things in like a 5th door.

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  Value for the $ - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By LaToya - May 11 - 6:46 pm

  Great value for the $ I paid

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  Its not a Porsche. But close - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By 645 Ci Convertible - May 10 - 2:44 am

  Although it is hard to write a review on this baby being that I used to drive a Porsche, I will try to be as objective as possible. While it is an eye opener, and it definitely attracts the girls, the handling is at fault. Everytime I turn going anywhere over 20 the tires screech unbearably loud. It does, however, offer luxury that a Carrera just doesnt. Overall, its a sweet car... a little over priced for what it offers, but hey, it looks nice and drives pretty well.

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  fun car - 2005 BMW X3
  By cb - May 8 - 6:56 pm

  Maybe not the most practical car of all time (especially if you need a lot of cargo space) but has all the features I want. It is really fun to drive while at the same time providing some of the features of an SUV -- all wheel drive and a good view of the road. Handles a lot better than any other SUV Ive driven, including the X5. Back seat is big enough to seat adults comfortably, which is not true of all the competition (e.g., Lexus). And I love the huge moonroof.

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  Style - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By roseann - May 4 - 10:00 am

  My BMW now has 7200 miles on it, at 3000 miles the transmission was replaced, at 4000 the engine computer was replaced, at 5000 the ignition coils were replaced at 7000 the radio was replaced. It continues to have transmission problems and has been back 7 times to the dealer it is a 2003 model

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  Great Crossover - 2005 BMW X3
  By rich r - May 3 - 11:43 pm

  Great performance from BMW as usual. Handles just like a 3-series. Fantastic brakes and road feel.

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  2001 BMW X5 - 2005 BMW X5
  By dmsandlin - May 1 - 3:08 pm

  I bought this vehicle used to try it out and I absolutely love it. I hope to buy or lease a new one in the future. I am definitely sold on the BMW X5.

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  Inherited Car - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Teri - April 29 - 9:41 am

  Im not a "car person" so you guys bear with me. I inherited this car from my husband. We were married this year and this was his car he was left with after the divorce (wife got Toyota Land Cruiser and he got one for himself after awful experience with a Ford Explorer) The car has alot of miles on it, but according to others, not alot for a BMW. All maintenance is expensive! Still needs a bit of work, but drives like a dream and looks great! I have thought of trading in for something new, but Ive decided to keep it because it really is good quality. If I could buy a brand new car and price was not an option, it would be another BMW.

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  Birthday present! - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By D Sarge - April 28 - 5:29 pm

  I received the 328I as a birthday gift. Now, for those of you married folks reading this, that translates into my wife letting me buy it:) I have had the vehicle just over a month. The dealer was so confident in the vehicle, he sold a 2 year, UNLIMITED MILEAGE warranty with it (just to be on the safe side, as Ive heard horror stories as well). So far, the only thing I purchased was wheel locks and window tint. The vehicle has been incredible to drive, and that is on the 89 octane (note: later models require premium fuel). Gas mileage ranges 21-25, but thats likely due to always pushing the 5-speed. This will be the first of a few updates, as I own the vehicle. So far, 2 thumbs up!

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  Best Car-like Luxury SUV - 2004 BMW X3
  By realblandpoet - April 25 - 3:16 pm

  I hate SUVs. Needed more space, and didnt want a wagon, so looked at the X3, and havent looked back. Closest thing to a car ride. Have bad backs, and dual lumbar support in front seats are THE BEST compared to other cars. Suspension is a little tight, though not as bad on mine w/o the sport package. Base sound system so/so only. Panoramic sunroof amazing. Backseat comfort very good - spacious, especially with sunroof. Fuel economy is my biggest gripe: average 16 MPG in mostly city driving (with a heavy foot). Overall value was great with end of year deals - probably wouldnt have justified cost otherwise. Got Aux. audio jack: Works great with iPod (dont think iPod jack is worth it)!