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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  ultimate driving machine - 2004 BMW M3
  By Jared/mpower - August 12 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 M3 is one of the fines pefrormance automobiles on the market. Its high reving engine and SMG gearbox make you feel like your in a formula one racecar. Who can deni its 19in chrome alloy wheal, dual exaust, m sigrature grills and its low aggressive front grill. However, Id like to see a change in the interrior in the next few years. The car does have some mild understear and feels heavy to drive. But other than that I strongly recemend this car to any one who seeks performance, agality, and abality becase the m3 is able to do any thing you want it to.

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  Great car, but only for small people - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By James R. Bartlett - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Beautifully engineered and manufactured, but really fits people only 56" or less, with narrow shoulders. Car is very fragile due to lack of road clearance in front. Beware of curbs and parking lot bumps.

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  New BMW Zoom Zoom (X-5) - 2004 BMW X5
  By cottontzu - August 1 - 2:00 am

  The light reading "Check Engine Soon" will NOT go off. The dealership SAYS I didnt put the gas cap on correctly. Nope! Ive tried dozens of times. It is going to the shop soon. Once the A/C just stopped for few minutes. What was that?

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  Ultimate Driving Experience? - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Simonizer - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Certainly a fun car to drive. Problem has been leaky door seal - 6 times to fix and still leaking; snap in steering wheel on abrupt braking; sunroof shade derailing; bad clutch; vibrating brakes...given these things it takes the polish off the driving luster. Does BMW really expect to compete with these type of problems?

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  X5 - 2004 BMW X5
  By wayne 1 - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle drives nice, holds the road well, stiff ride, nice interior. Poor electronics, radio / sound sys is so so, electronics are hard to use and program, had to have the dealer come out to program the door garage door operner, he had to call a factory number to get it programmed. backup mirror quit working last week, phone not what promiced (blue tooth comming) dont believe anything about BMW electronics, asume a F150 has better electronics. On Star system dident work today when my wife needed it. Dealership charged me $50 to program the door keys, to auto set seats and open windows, they still dont work.

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  Disappointed in Certain systems - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Disappointed_in_BMW - July 29 - 2:00 am

  The BMWs I have owned have specific weekness that should be corrected by BMW rather that by consumers post- warranty. Condensation in tail lights, electronic readout cluster, cup holders are junk that should be upgraded by BMW due to poorly engineered and produced parts.

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  Best of the New BMWs - 2004 BMW M3
  By wkend - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I find reasons to drive this car! Only 600 miles so far, so still in the "break in" period. Typical BMW quality, but this thing is a rocket. The car is simply made to be driven fast. Only complaint is why on earth BMW would build a $60,000 car and make the alarm system, garage door opener and 6 disc CD changer an "option....??" But thats a small price to pay for a great handling, truly fun car.

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  It will change your life. - 2007 BMW Alpina B7
  By Scott in Overland Pa - July 28 - 9:00 pm

  I stumbled on a 2007 B7 while looking for a 745. After some research, I made the trip to Chicago from my home in Overland Park, Kansas to test drive the vehicle. It was difficult to hide my excitement from the salesman who accompanied me. The car is absolutely amazing. It is a finely tuned blend of performance and luxury. The drive is intuitive. For as heavy as the vehicle is, it is responsive in every manner. Its not going to compare with the handling of much lighter vehicles (although few on the road will take it between stop lights), its easy to forget it will comfortably seat five with two sets of clubs in the trunk. The acceleration will snap your head back.

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  Im never leaving BMW Family - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Queencity - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Over all I cant beblieve I was missing this for 23yrs of driving. I will never deprive myself like that again with that driving expierence again

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  DID NOT HOLD UP IN THE MOUNTAINS - 2004 BMW X5
  By ED LOCASCIO - July 27 - 2:00 am

  LOOKS GOOD BUT ALOT OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS