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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  Interior design - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Shirley Lawver - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I love my BMW except for the completely uncomfortable front passenger seat and nearly unusable console. Additionally the seat belts are difficult to use and are positioned so that the belt sits across your neck and continues to tighten as you move. Except for the cup holders, I find no way to use the console compartments. The interior design will have to be significantly improved before I purchase anothe BMW 3 series coupe.

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  Put the Top Down - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By SilverlakeBeamer - September 4 - 10:00 am

  This one of the most fun cars to drive. It handles like a dream and really hugs the road. No noise problem with the top up and very comfortable with the top down. Low profile tires make for rough riding on city streets with potholes. Hazzard light switch on console becomes easy target for the dog. The dog now turns on the hazzard lights whenever he is in the car alone!

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  tony review own car - 2003 BMW Z4
  By warthogdriver - September 4 - 10:00 am

  This is the best all around sports car I have ever driven. Z cars make vettes look like log wagons. Mine is confortable, responsive, has great fuel economy, and all the prestige a person could want, if you are into that. I am a private pilot and compare airplanes I fly to my Z.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2003 BMW X5
  By Christine Willsch - September 4 - 10:00 am

  The BMW X5 is the first new car I have ever owned and I will never drive anything but a BMW. The performance and handling of this luxury SUV makes it feel as if you are driving on clouds. Once you have driven a BMW nothing else can hold a candle to this ultimate driving machine.

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  A Mans Car - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By psorota - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I drove so many luxury cars before my husband talked me into trying the BMW 525i that I just assumed that this car would have all the creature comforts that my former Lexus and others had. NOT! No place for CD storage, no place for purse, no lumbar support, seat belts practically strangle me, hard to get in and out of (too low, I guess), small trunk, no A/C vents in back seat. Altho I love the Septronic transmission, I am not comfortable in this car and have concluded it is a "mans car" (my husband loves to drive it). I doubt Id buy another BMW for these reasons.

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  a super automobile - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By hamilton - September 4 - 10:00 am

  the 540i 6M i bought just a few months ago is a marvellous car to drive --peppy, quiet, and comfortable. it is also very safe. it is probably the best car i have ever owned.

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  Engine Gasket Problem - 2002 BMW X5
  By Pedro - September 3 - 1:59 pm

  Purchased a lightly used 2002 X5 which runs well except When the coolant light came on, $2000 dollars to replace gasket at 70K miles. Watch out BMW not taking responsibility for poor engineering. Found out this is a common problem with all of the 4.4L. BE CAREFUL!! OIL LEAKS TOO. Buy it cheap or stay away - learn from my mistake!

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  Best bang for money in luxury sport cars - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By MS - September 3 - 1:20 pm

  It is a great car if you have a family with kids but still want some adrenaline rush. I had SLK320 before but 335i beats SLK hands down in driving pleasure and comfort. Love the steering wheel paddle shifters makes manual (semi) drive truly a wonderful experience.

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  335i First 3 months - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By autopal - September 3 - 10:14 am

  I have just completed my first 3 months of owning a BMW. The performance of the car on the road is as advertised. Stupidly fast!! Steering a little tight in the parking lot, but exceptional as you get going. I absolutely love the sound of the twin turbo charged engine, and the effortless ease at which the car accelerates. My only major gripe with the car is the interior. Whilst the quality of the material is ok, its way too plain and dull for a $50,000 sports sedan. I think it is the worst interior off all the cars competing in this segment. The interior of the Audi, Benz, Lexus, and Cadillac is a lot better. BMW, take note!

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  Great Car - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Ron - September 3 - 9:59 am

  Have had a great time driving this car - definitely get the parking assist feature and the comfort access option - the i-drive system takes a little getting used to, but once I got a hang of the voice activation it was a cinch!