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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  BMW X3 3.0i AWESOME RIDE! - 2005 BMW X3
  By gary - February 15 - 12:32 am

  Drives just like a sports sedan. Handles curves great, smooth as butter and very pleasing to the eye.

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  Stylish but over-rated - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By surfman - February 13 - 11:02 pm

  Purchased used with 32,000 miles for less than half the MSRP. Even with the sport suspension this is not the ultimate driving machine. The 2.5 six is underpowered and the ride can be harsh. I like the look of the wagon body, but the styling is a bit fussy. The interior is comfortable but uninspired. Would never buy an overpriced new one. I still have my 94 Honda Accord wagon which continues to impress me.

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  Uber-car - 2005 BMW M3
  By docO - February 13 - 8:24 pm

  Aside from a few knick-knacks that have fallen apart and were quickly replaced by my dealer and the poor stock stereo, this car is amazing. Perfect for anyone who appreciates and loves to drive with precision, class and style at any speed. I am too often tempted to drive faster as the revs increase. When not in snow, it is a pleasure. Now my problem is paying off the lawyer and fines for my 125mph in a 55!

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  midwest owner - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By zin - February 11 - 10:19 pm

  My experience with the vehicle has not been good because the dealership has not had trained staff for one. Secondly there are on board computer problems since delivery which have not been fixed. The paint finish is an issue in which small scratches have appeared in the clear coat. The design seems susceptible to front end/hood damage from road stones. Bluetooth sometimes fails with cell phone.

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  M3 competition package - 2005 BMW M3
  By Hiei - February 11 - 8:43 pm

  Overall, it is a great car. It looks as good as it performs. Solid performance thanks to the competition package. The competition package is an alternative for those who dont want to get aftermarket upgrade but want more for their M3. However, there are some electrical problems with the radio and the bluetooth connection for cell phone not all cell phone can connect via bluetooth. The gas mileage is not bad. Got about 300 miles per a tank, 65%highway and 35% highway. If driving locally, a full tank will only give 220 miles. The exterior looks great all around. Need a wing spoiler to complete the aggressive look. The front seats is great. Back seats are very comfortable.

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  BMW Z4 - 2005 BMW Z4
  By BMW Z4 - February 11 - 6:09 pm

  First sports car owned in 30 years. Put the fun back in driving. Handles and corners well. Good acceleration off the line. Mine is a 2.5 model and I never drove the 3.0 model but I think it would benefit from the extra power. No downsides on the car. Interior better in this than Boxster (until 2005 model). Fast enough for my kind of driving (64 years old). Glad I bought it.

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  A Really Fun Car - 1996 BMW Z3
  By Bob G. - February 11 - 12:51 pm

  Now about to turn 9 years old, my Z-3 is just as much fun to drive as when new. I still get "thumbs up" and compliments from strangers (aged from teen to senior) on my "ride." It is a bit underpowered which shows climbing some of our rather steep hills or in the mountains, but that is minor compared to the superbly balanced handling - lost in the front-heavy 6s in my opinion. The interior has a few cheesy touches - especially the center console which would embarrass a Yugo - but is roomy and comfortable. Plus it has a real trunk with room for a weeks groceries or a weeks worth of luggage (softsided).

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  I-drive systems / - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Billie Johnson - February 9 - 10:23 pm

  The 645 cic is a fun car to drive. It handles with excellence and attracts the "nice car" symbol with the thumbs up everywhere I go. What I am disappointed with is the malfunction of the I drive system (resetting itself or freezing). My roll bar protection for some reason has deactivated itself. I made an appointment on January 3rd to take my car in and unfortunately the next available date is the 20th of February. Very disappointing for a 90k car.

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  BMW - Bummer - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By M. Locascio - February 7 - 11:55 am

  You already know you have overdone it with the electronics. I have 1800 miles on this car and it has been in to the dealership 3 times already. I cant wait for the lease to expire so I can buy a Porsche. Thank god I leased this car and do not own it. Get the idea Im frustrated? All the problems have been computer related.

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  EXTREMELY ROUGH SUSPENSION - 2004 BMW X3
  By Robert - February 6 - 5:37 pm

  Purchased black X3 3.0 6speed with active xenon lights and Panorama roof. Looking back, the 25 min test drive was on all smooth asphalt surfaces where the salesman directed me to go. After driving home over patchy concrete and highway expansion joints I became worried. The suspension was unbelievably stiff. Yes the X3 handled spectacular, but at a huge price of feeling every irregularity in the road directly to your back. Every single person who rode in my X3 commented within 10 mins how rough it rode (and I had normal suspension, the non-sport package). Got to the point where I started seeing a chiropracter. I called it quits and traded it in after 5 months of ownership.