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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  BMW X5 - 2002 BMW X5
  By jwalkovik - July 11 - 2:00 am

  The X5 holds the road well has excellent pick up and responsive steering. It also has a really stiff suspension. One of the most comfortable things about the X5 is the cabin is abosolutely silent. Driving on the highway at 70 miles an hour you cant hear a thing.

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  BMW - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By CHEF - July 9 - 2:00 am

  great driving car, love the handling and the comfort, not spacious enough, needs more leg room

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  First Impressions - 2002 BMW Z3
  By kidscifi - July 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought mine yesterday after looking for a month. Gorgeous shape and excellent ride. Power of 3.0 worth it over 2.5. Definitely looking forward to having some serious fun with this car.

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  Very Pleased - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By jsh2 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  A first rate upgrade from my BMW 540i.It is especially roomy in the back seat and it drives smoothly. The sound system is nothing short of spectacular as this car had an upgraded radio.

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  Not the best from BMW - 2001 BMW X5
  By balp - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Model rushed to market without adequate testing in my opinion.Good in snow HVAC wheel controls replaced door handle replaced due to peeling ball joints replaced after 20,000 miles (car never driven off road) to correct cluncking noise followup service necessary to replace bushings as well. This is unacceptable premature front end failure for a vehicle designed for off road use..Cabin fairly quiet.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By magic1688 - June 28 - 2:00 am

  This BMW is very reliable and fun to drive. Excellent quality and nice deep shine paint finish. Gas mileage is excellent for a heavy and 6 cyclinder car. Traction works great in wet road surface. Strong brakes. Great feedback on sterring feel. Smooth shifting automatic transmission. Deep bass on the stereo system!

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  Fun! Fun! Fun! - 2002 BMW Z3
  By Ed Long - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Z-3 3.0 (sport package) a couple of months ago and I love it. I am a dyed-in-the-wool BMW owner with this being the 7th that Ive owned. This car is fast, sporty, gets lots of looks and positive comments and blasting around on backroads and even around town is a great deal of fun. Ride is good, handling is solid and the engine and transmission (manual) are an absolute joy. It runs great and handles very well indeed. If I had know it would be this much fun I would have bought one long ago. Just wish it was cooler in Phoenix! I fit fine in it and Im 61" and 230 pounds.

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  Good car but E46 is much better! - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By Davie Z - June 25 - 2:00 am

  This car has been extremely durable so far and performance is still similar to how it was when new seven years ago. The engine and transmission and brake performance are still excellent, and comfort is still there. However, the new series is simply miles beyond this car, no comparison. Biggest problem has been the SRS - Airbag system, which has been out of action for four of the last seven years with multiple and expensive failures. Also lost the engine balancer and it took the dealer a week to get it back to me on this one. Dealer service has been generally feeble so have resorted to independents who have proven much better!

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  Gotta love the 325i - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Bluester - June 24 - 10:00 am

  Have had this car only a week, but have waited to buy for several years. I think this car is a blast to drive. It is a perfect balance of luxury and sport. If only I had an extra 4-5K for the 330! The windshield has spots in between the layers of glass that are driving me crazy. However, havent seen it on any others in the showroom/lot. Must be poor windshield quality on this one car.

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  Motor Trends For BMW - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Trouble experienced with cooling system (water pump & thermastate) and shorts in wireing systems.