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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  Fits the bill! - 2005 BMW X3
  By X-3ing - September 30 - 7:46 am

  I bought an X3 because where I live the roads are terrible and it snows. If you need an SUV, but love to drive a sports car, this is a good alternative. The all-wheel drive is amazing. And it is smaller than the X-5, which if you live in the city, is a pain to park!

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  low profile tires - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By burtlin - September 30 - 2:00 am

  two blow outs on sidewalls within past 6 months - very frightening. low profile tires on sport package {330ix) a definite hazzard in the western hill country on Massachusetts.I will not buy another bmw with these type of thin sidewalls. it is best handling auto as well as most uncomfortable. Car radio (premium) just awfull. no range and difficult to use without taking eyes off the road. Otherwise car just fine,

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  A great Automobile - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By W.D.T. - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a pretty fast car but could be much better. I do give the handling at high speed a thumbs up. But again could recieve some help. Nothing put out yet since the introduction of the M3 has given the BMW its reputation of a really fast,economic,handling,comfortable, all around great car and following the time of technology and improvement! Which is what I would love to say. I have considered a Benz to tell you the truth.

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  The 5 drives fine - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By BimmerUser - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Just finished my first 1k in it.Sports package variable ratio steering is great,feels like a smallercar. Can be tricked into over compensating though. Nice grip from the MXMs but the brake feel is a tad bit mushy.6 spd auto is nice with the torquey inline6.There isnt the 2nd push youd expect past 4k+. Low end is nice.Ergonomics are a bit off:Driver cupholder is too far away to use safely while driving. iDrive is nice but unuseable when driving. Sound Sys controls menus are stupid and non-intuitive, requiring too many steps to change CDs. Unable to change CD in changer from steering wheel.CD changer in the back of the glove compartment a dumb idea.

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  Best value for used sedan - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Steve C - September 29 - 2:00 am

  First-time bimmer owner. Amazed at the quality of the ride, drive, and fit of the car. No wonder auto mags rave about this company. Gotta drive to understand. Handling is its top feature - road-holding tightness and smoothness of the inline 6 is amazing.

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  Lucked out ! - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By Michael Spiro - September 23 - 2:00 am

  We bought a BMW 525i in may when we fisrt arrived. We couldnt beleive what a buy we were getting. I mean we paid cash for a BMW and thought its just a matter of time before something major goes wrong with. 4 months later and she goes like a dream and start up like she has been waiting all night to go for a drive. As my mechanic said this is the best engine that BMW ever built. It will just go on and on and on as long as you look after her !!! And trust me we do.

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  Too many times in service - 2000 BMW Z3
  By kellyae - September 23 - 2:00 am

  This car was the dream of my life until I owned it. GREAT car to drive, but went in the shop over 20 times in the 2.5 years I owned it with non-engine problems (AC, Power windows, shift knob, clutch, etc). Some problems were the car and some were the dealership. Spent so many days in the shop that I ended up trading it in last week for a NON BMW. No more BMWs for me. It was a sad day when my dream came to an end.

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  If only it would start. - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By jbill - September 23 - 2:00 am

  What a dream to drive - if only I could get it started. I have only owned this car for 6 months and have had it in the shop 6 times. The battery keeps getting drained, the heater needed to be replaced and the cup-holder replaced twice. I know the service people on a first name basis. Not a good sign with a car that only has 28000 miles on it.

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  2001- BMW 330i - little problems a pain! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By jmchatelle - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought the vehicle new in 2000 and within a month had to take it in because the sunroof wouldnt open. It was repaired and within 1-wk had to be taken back for the same problem. Less than a month later the driver side window became stuck and wouldnt close. I had it repaired - twice. Now the passenger-side window is having the same difficulty. On the "up" side, the car has EXCELLENT pick-up and maneuvering and is a absolute BLAST to drive. I have not had a moments trouble with the engine or computer systems. And despite the annoyance of the little problems, I wouldnt have anything but a BMW. Ive almost got my spouse talked into the new BMW SUV.

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  Fun to drive - horrible electric problem - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Carrie - September 21 - 7:26 pm

  Ive had to have the entire electrical system replaced twice now in 9 months. Because of the electrical system meltdown I lost the ability to use lights, windshield wipers and turn signals among other things. Average time to replace is 1 week. As a result, I have major concerns about the reliability of this car. Drives great, but Im not sure it is worth the constant headache.