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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  Great Car... But Get A Vehicle Service Contract! - 2007 BMW X5
  By Owner from Atlanta - November 14 - 5:39 pm

  I really enjoyed owning a 2002 X5 for several years, and was looking to upgrade to a newer model. I decided to go with the 2007 which provided a newer body look and technology, and was at the right price point for me. I bought the car from a reputable used dealer, and a hunch decided to purchase the Safe-Guard vehicle service contract -- and thank goodness I did. The car is at an age where some things begin to wear out, such as bushings and gaskets. I took my car in for a service and to diagnose a couple of minor problems and turns out I needed repairs that totaled over $6,000. BUT, the vehicle service contract covered pretty much every single thing. Now my car is in tip top shape, and all I had to pay for was a wheel alignment that wasnt covered. If I hadnt had that VSC, Id be SCREWED. A great car, but repairs are very expensive. Make sure you research before buying.

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  Its a Love Hate - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By JWG - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Having owned a 750il and a 840ci, and now with a 03 760 li, I feel I can speak to BMW cars. Ive owned S class Mercedes between then. The 03 760 li has been a near disaster since delivery- - out of round tires,engine hesitation and cut outs. This problem will show up on most new 7 cars eventually. The pre 9/03 760 productions dont even have the ability to have satellite radio installation (or retrofit)-- an asinine oversight in a car of this price. As Ive said with the V12 BMWs- when they run right they are a dream, when they dont they are a melting dreamsicle.

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  Not bad for the second year - 2005 BMW X3
  By ask - November 10 - 3:16 pm

  Really like the car but certain interior materials should be of better quality. Rear visibility is poor so get the park distance control. The premium package is a must. Cold weather package is a must if you live in cold climate. Exterior is well thought out with no painted surfaces on the lower part of the body. Storage space is lacking. If you have an iPod get the connector installed. The bluetooth does not work with the Motorola V710 phone with Verizon Wireless. There are rumors of a software fix.

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  ast - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By hhlea - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Great car, all-in-all. We will definitely buy another, probably in the 7 series next time around.

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  X5 - A problem waiting to happen - 2001 BMW X5
  By clubber1964 - November 7 - 2:00 am

  X5 is great to drive, handles great at 80 mph. Build quality is terrible for a vehicle in this price bracket. Too many recalls to mention. BMW service has become poor. BMW needs to get back and correct their customer service.

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  Love My X5 - 2002 BMW X5
  By eaweeling - November 6 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a predriven X5 and love it. The quality and reliability of BMW afforded me the confidence to by a pre driven car and not have the worry. I came out of a van and was ready for a luxury car but wanted the style of an SUV. I will keep this car for a long time!

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  1995 BMW 525i - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By rvirk - November 6 - 2:00 am

  This car was lot of fun to drive when it worked. I owned it for nearly 6 years and it broke down quite often. Radiator changed twice, got new shocks/struts at 100k, Battery changed twice, Differtial system replaced, had to replace stereo under warranty, rear lights blew up very often, and so on.

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  Good solid car - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By Steve M - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car from friends. High milage did not bother me as they commuted 120 miles per day. Maint. has been good. My only complaint is lack of space in foot well.

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  Lloyds Ramblings - 2003 BMW Z4
  By lloydtennis - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Car has great features. Good NAV system. Excellent automatic wipers. Great top - when it is down the outside of the top is up. That gives it a finished look. The top is also fully automatic. However - it does not handle as well on the freeway as my Audi TT Roadster. It is quiet inside with the top up (The top is nicely lined). It has a "Sport Button". When pressed, it really accelerates. It has reasonable interior storage. The controls are well arranged.

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  Why I Love my 530 - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Greg Stewart - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I ordered the blue water mettalic with the grey montana leather. It goes quick and the stereo is nice, though I should have ordered the 6 cd changer