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 long time BMW driver - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By wanger - October 23 - 2:00 am

  While new is usually better, in the case of the new 2004 530, it is not. After driving the 1998 528, and a 330ci, this new 2004 530, while technologically more advanced than the former model, is like driving a large sedan. It does not feet like a drivers care. It feely heavier, the radio controls make it a lot harder to switch between channels, the attention to deatil to save costs are noticeable...no longer is the gear shift knob in wood. Thats a $150 option. The door panels are too large, making the passenger windows too small. If you are a back seat passenger, you are wedged too far down in the seat to be able to look outside. Overall, go find a 2003 530/545 and dont let it go.

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  hate the inside - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Jim Yost - October 23 - 2:00 am

  nice looking, wonderful to drive, comfortable, the the interior design and controls are from bad to awful. the dashborad displays are too small for me to see with out my glasses but i do not need glasses for driving so it is a problem. the i control for sound system and heating is too complicated to remember and use while driving. the electonic park neutral drive reverse is downright dangerous as you can open the door and get out without realizing it is not in park

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  Best BMW yet - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By RichC - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th BMW. It is not perfect, but as close to perfect yet. Drives and handles like a dream, I drive is complicated at first but once you are used to it, it is intuitive.

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  Walk Dont Run - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By lsudad - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I love to drive this car. Reliability is not good however. Radiator neck (plastic!!!)broke off at 1 am 200 miles from home. Both catalytic converters failed. Eats tires due to bushings wearing out like plastic on front end. Cup holders are poorly designed, break often and are in the way of AC controls. Fuse problem left me stranded at night also. Only ORR BMW service brings me back to another BMW

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  2003 325ia - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Dmark - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Without a doubt, the most fun car to drive. It handles extremely well on all types of roads and traffic.Its built like a rock with no squeeks or rattles to be found anywhere.It takes curves without any sway or loss of control( at higher speeds ).I find it to be a perfect blend of balance,performance and road handling.

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  2004 vs 2003 - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By BMW? NEVER AGAIN - October 19 - 2:00 am

  My 2003 was plagued with so many problems BMW eventually replaced it with a 2004. So far its been 10000 miles and no problems to report. I did receive a notice from BMW telling me that my 2003 (I guess they forgot they took it back)was extending its warranty to 6 years and 100000 miles, this applies to the 2002 models as well. This does not apply the 2004 model or the 2005(makes sense??)They are also offering me $1500 toward the sale or lease of a 2005 or 2006. I guess thats BMWs way of saying their sorry for all the torture they put me through---NEVER AGAIN

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  Whiplash inducing head-turner - 1991 BMW 8-Series
  By M.Rad. - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle used with 110,000 miles on it, and proceeded to drive her from Utah to texas, without a single hickup. The drive through the mountains of Wyoming,Colorado ans New Mwxico was an exhilirating experience of a lifetime, in a vehicle born for that express purpous. With a combination of excelent handling, strong upper RPM power, and un-matched good looks, this car is trusted and treasured companion.

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  Great idea poor implementation - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Camner - October 14 - 2:00 am

  This is an exquisite car in form and powertrain but it is frstratingly poor in terms of enjoyment and ride quality. The throttle is too long in regular driving but too responsive while in sport mode. The iDrive is the single most foolhardy idea that BMW has ever incorperated. It distracts the drver, cannot be used during travel, and detracts from the driving experience, leaving you frustrated and unfulfilled. The driver is very isolated from the road again leaving me unhappy and frustrated with the car. I personally regret my purchase of this particular automobile and hope that BMW corrects the problems with this car before it ruins thier previously infallible comapny.

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  BMW Evaluation - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Alan Louganis - October 13 - 10:00 am

  BMW is a car that you spend more money fixing it than your car payments. The BMW corp and specially Santa Monica dealership have stolen so much from me.

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  BMW Z4 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By joseph vitale - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I have the v-6, the car is a great car for performance and power, however, the car does burn a hell of lot of gas, but then again, when you pay over 42000, for a sports car, you cant complain too much about gas. The car is extremely fun to drive and I love the automatic top that you don t have to latch yourself.