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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  Technology Falls Short - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Mark Dunham - July 19 - 2:00 am

  The voice activation doesnt work well and the electronics seem to need constant updating as the phone and navigation system dont always work properly. The steering has a vibration in the steering wheel until the low profile tires warm up, which takes about 8-10 miles of driving before this goes away. This is not what you should expect in a $70,000+ automobile.

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  Great Ride, Interior could improve - 2004 BMW X5
  By Loncar1 - July 17 - 2:00 am

  The cars performance and design is stellar. The main drawbacks are the fuel economy and the interior styling and functionality compared to less expensive SUVs and cars. Performance on the highway is excellent with plenty of power at higher speeds. Cornering is solid, and the responsiveness is very good. There are a lot of blind spots towards the rear of the car and I have had (and heard from others) problems with the rear hatch closing properly and staying shut - ughh. AM radio is terrible, climate control is not very good, trip computer is slightly old technology that needs updating (e.g., trip timer, real time fuel economy, etc.)

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  Support your local 740 - 1993 BMW 7-Series
  By David Rosa - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I really like this automobile. The engine is about right for the size and weight. By the way at 4200lbs it is similiar in weight to my 91 50ft long caddy. I love the ajustable seats that heat up, and the leg rm in back is endless, maybe a 500 series will be plenty next time. Great ride and drive. Love the sun roof on a shaded road. I plan to keep this one for a while. Only real draw back, the dealer and their repair and parts prices. My foreign born mechanic as saved me several occassions. Wheres the cup holder?

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  My first truck - 2002 BMW X5
  By navigus - July 15 - 2:00 am

  My 6th BMW. Best feature: EASILY the most comfortable ever for a a long drive (lumbar support seats are fantastic). Next, sedan handling and performance. Ive achieved a better time than the 528i over my fav route of hiways and country roads. Most annoying feature: the AWFUL tinny noise when shutting the door. Biggest SMALL annoyance - unreliable warning LCD icons e.g. is a breakdown imminent or is it simply an icon fault (again). Great fit & finish but qual of BMW materials declines yearly (like others). Best was my 85 325E. Still luv em. I went to MB once(300 coupe). Soulless - a big mistake. MB briefly had my brain BMW will always have my heart. Cor

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  woodys - 2004 BMW Z4
  By woody343434 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I think this vehicle is a fresh new look into B M Ws future,other such vehicles with such ammenties are far more expensive and little on design ie (mazda,miata).I have found it is a really comfortable car plus really peppy on take offs and passing gears.I would suggest this car to any one looking for a fine quality convertable that doesnt want to spend 40k.This vehicle offers plenty of ammenties plus lots of fresh new look.

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  Automatic Fun - 2004 BMW Z4
  By basuraspam - July 13 - 2:00 am

  With the sportsmatic automatic shifter the car is fun to drive without the hassles of a stick in stop/go traffic. Car has great handling on turns.

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  1995 BMW 740i - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By N.I.C - July 13 - 2:00 am

  For a used car this is the best buy ever. This luxury car thinks its a sports car & boy does it handle like one,with a 282-hp, 32-valve, 4.0-liter V8 engine. The leg & headroom is great for a sedan, with a nice aerodynamic look, this car reminds me of the MD80 or a small jet.It has the M.I.D. system (Multi Information Display)if you pass gas the onboard Computer will tell you..lol..If you get this car make sure it comes with a manual & its like studying for a S.A.T Note: this isnt even the 740il with more features ...lol...If your a car lover a Bimmer is the way to go from the 3series on to the 7series it is a very sports like ride.

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  Lookn Good - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Robbiee69 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  All I can say about my new Beemer is that, "I cant stop driving it." I love the looks the feel and the exhilaration of driving this machine. I would have liked to get the 530 for the extra pep, but opted for the options and really dont regret it. Not as much power but I can live with it. The ride is so smooth that, I often find myself at 80mph, thinking Im going around 65mph. Over all I like everything about the car.

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  Its an above average car - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By Timmy T - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I got the car with 95k miles. It now has 110k on it. I have replaced the 1 of the 2 fuel pumps, the lower ball joint on the passenger side, and a new front passenger door. I hopped a curb and hit a tree in the winter, the front wheel was barely pushed back, so now the car drifts to the right. The ABS still works! :). It needs brakes, which im neglecting to do, regardless this car stops and turns on a dime. The engine however makes a funny "buzzing" noise which i havent had looked at yet. The oil smells gasy as well.

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  Not bad - could be better for the money - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By yao - July 10 - 2:00 am

  Mechanics such as engine/trans response is great. The breaking is also great. The radio had be replace three times. he sound quality is not what I expected. The Lexus 450 which Ive heard and my S500 have a far superior system for the money. Frankly, the I drive is not good. Ease and function is poor. The tilt/telscoping wheel could come out further and down. Mercedes has a much more comfortable seat but the beamer is a rockect. Some of the interior features are "cheap" for the money. Much better in the cadillac, lexus and acura. BMW should take some hints from them. Overall interior look is very nice compared to other models in the same catagory.