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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  Bring on the winter! - 2004 BMW X3
  By Mizz Daizy - November 24 - 11:14 am

  Coming off a Z3, I expected to be disappointed with the SUV experience. I was wrong. The X3 is fun to drive and handles incredibly. The interior is luxurious (more so than the Z3) and the features and options are just pure BMW. No words can describe the panoramic moon roof! This truly is the ultimate driving machine. Bring on the winter!

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  Great at first, then.... - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Sander SF - November 24 - 6:21 am

  I bought the Z4 as what seemed like a natural upgrade from my Z3. I paid a premium to own this car, based on its stellar styling and improvements, such as the fully auto top and glass rear window. However after owning it for the first 6 months, it began to annoy me to no end. Its horribly uncomfortable. From the unsupportive seats, the exaggerated door interior door handles that chafe my left leg every time I shift, to the un-adjustable seat belt that chokes me every time I drive. Plus the 1/4 inch clearance from the dash to my right knee, and Im only 61! Add an ultra-harsh ride, and I feel like Im in a torture chamber each time I get in. I wish I had kept the z3.

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  M5 - 2002 BMW M5
  By the thailander - November 23 - 6:11 pm

  A true sports car w/ 4 doors. I love almost everything about this car. Fast, nimble, and stealthly!

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  Is the X3 just a smaller X5? - 2004 BMW X3
  By jaredfeiger - November 19 - 2:00 am

  The X3s performance is outstanding as you would expect from any BMW; however, the interior quality and materials are definitely sub-par for a BMW and come nowhere near matching the X5s much nicer and more expensive interior. Overall, I feel like the car isnt as solid as an X5 (the doors are lighter, it also feels much lighter when you drive it), although it handles very well. For $48,000 fully equipped, you should definitely get more quality for your money, but it is a good vehicle.

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  Better than advertised - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By John Bee - November 17 - 11:12 pm

  Maybe the I-drive is a bit much, but this car corners like nothing youll ever drive. It has snap, it has power, itll give you whatever you need and it holds the road like nobodys business. GREAT to drive. An experience you must try.

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  330i 6-Auto is a nice car! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By DaveC. - November 17 - 5:00 pm

  Ive owned this car almost a month now, and I really like it. It has very good handling for a 4-door car. Its fairly quick on acceleration, I think mainly because it has a really good first gear. Also, the brakes are astounding! Its really amazing what this car does for you... it has auto (rain sensing) wipers, a cooled cup holder, headlights that follow the road, and all kinds of other neat stuff thats too much to list. I never looked at a foreign car before, but Im really glad I did because this BMW is completely a nice car. You wont be sorry if you consider it for purchase.

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  Things break - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By kathysav - November 14 - 6:34 pm

  I love the way my Alpine wagon drives, but a lot of little things inside break, and often. The cup holder (poor design) has broken 4 times. Now, I no longer use it. The back sunshade has broken, and the indise mouldings fall off if touched while entering and exiting the car. Dealer does not make it easy to buy parts to fix yourself. Great performance, but sad that the inside quality is not up to snuff. I would expect more from our BMW. Seats are not comfortable for long journeys!

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  54k miles - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By I500X - November 13 - 3:46 am

  Ive been driving this thing for 3 years now and I dont plan to switch! Its easy to take this car for granted until youve driven something else. BMWs handling is amazing.. it gives me so much confidence on the road. You get an excellent feel for the road and the steering is firm. Handles great in the dry but Ive had some problems in the wet. Then again, my tires were old. Although this car is pretty quick, it doesnt have as much power as Id like. Next car will be more performance oriented (Probably an M3). Its almost 2005 and this car is still better than most cars on the streets. Excellent ballance of performance, comfort, and functionaly

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  Should have lasted longer - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By TnD - November 12 - 5:35 am

  Totally babied my 528 with best oil every 5k and easy frwy driving..Thought it would go at least 300k like my old 735 thats still running good , but at 180k [not alot these days] engine needs bottom end rebuilt, [full rebuild]..Very dissapointed..Should have lasted alot longer!

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  Great vehicle after 15K - 2001 BMW X5
  By Big tires - November 11 - 6:24 pm

  Bought it as a Certified Preowned with 25K on it. It is the most desirable SUV in its class. After several road trips with a baby, we like its safety features, ability to get places quickly and decent fuel mileage. There are some electrical gremlins that I can not duplicate for the dealer that only happen 20% of the time.