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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  A net positive experience - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By JohnQPublic - March 13 - 2:00 am

  The idrive criticisms are generally overblown. The items you use 90% of the time are simpler on the 745 than on most cars (ie big knobs, easy to see and get to). The other 10% even gets pretty easy after several months. The bugs are a pain. They are all electrical except for the sound system which is so powerful that it causes the interior to buzz at certain pitches. But the drive is sweet and is worth the hassle.

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  Ive had 3 and this is the best yet - 2005 BMW X5
  By Ken Feingold - March 11 - 5:11 pm

  I have had 3 BMW X 5s in a row My first was a 2000 3 litre which was very good but lacked a bit of punch, I then got the 4.4 litre 2003 which was great but then I upgraded to the 2004 with the full glass roof, the new engine and transmission and it is better. It is great in the snow, handles really well and brakes that way too. The fuel economy is not even good but it is slightly better than my previous 4.4 litre. The premium seats are terrific and the sound system is up to snuff. So who cares if the look is a bit stodgy and could use a real redo. Please BMW dont kill it looks wise like you did my beloved 540i or Ill finally have to go to the competition.

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  unsurpassed mechanical marvel - 2005 BMW X3
  By Gavino Martinez - March 9 - 12:39 pm

  From the moment I sat on this sports UTE. I knew there was something special about this vehicle.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 BMW X3
  By jliu34740 - March 9 - 5:54 am

  Fun to drive. Inspiring handling, braking and acceleration. Great looking interior and exterior. Sure its a little expensive but well worth it.

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  Theres a lot to love - 2005 BMW X3
  By LCharry - March 8 - 9:00 am

  There really is a lot to love about the X3. It handles beautifully, looks great and has just enough zip to get me to my boys baseball games on time and in style! Id say overall Id give it an A-.

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  King of the road - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Fred Miller - March 5 - 6:46 pm

  The 760Li is a fabulous performance luxury sedan in every way. The power, handling and comfort exceeds any vehicle have ever driven. I have driven many. The fuel efficiency is extraordinary on the highway and poor in the city. The only problem that I have had in approximately 1 year of driving are some quirky electronics issues. The dealer did a good job of taking care of these issues with a minimum of inconvenience. I highly recommend this V12 for someone looking for something above and beyond.

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  best of breed - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By K-1 - March 5 - 12:32 am

  The three series epitomizes what BMW is all about performance with a touch of class and understated elegance.

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  Good or Bad - 2004 BMW X3
  By Anschris - March 3 - 4:06 pm

  We had a MB C230 coupe & loved it so much for a hatchback cargo space, the ride & of course the panoramic roof except rear wheel drive in snowy winter...It was time to change & get a BMW X3, more cargo space & more secure in winter driving. Its so grip on snow & no problem of getting out of driveway with fresh snow. It corners better than a car but a little bumpy on aged asphalt, which I think its due to low profile tires.

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  MyBMW - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By jhong - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Very fun to drive. awesome driving machine

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  V12 powered 750iL - 1991 BMW 7-Series
  By kikis - February 28 - 4:18 pm

  Bought the car with 45,000 miles on it in 96, had it ever since, great car with huge hp and torque. Down side is the maintenance cost and the problems it has as it gets older, spent around $10,000 in the last 20,000 miles.