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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  Wheres the cream filling? - 2004 BMW X3
  By LoisC - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Strongly built vehicle with nice exterior design. Great acceleration in first but lags in higher gears (with automatic)and the engine is loud. Interior is downright chintzy (except for the sport seats). Visability is excellent. Holds the road exceptionally well. Nice cargo space and rear seats fold down flat and easily.

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  Help...Get me out of this thing! - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By Judy C - February 11 - 11:05 am

  Most troublesome vehicle Ive ever owned. So, whats the problem? Just trade it, huh? Well, while it has given me more problems than one could ever imagine, it has also been the most awesome drive Ive ever experienced. What to do, what to do? The inconvenience of contining visits to be serviced/repaired has just outweighed the love of the drive. Bye bye BMW.

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  bmw 325 ci - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By shanster16 - February 11 - 10:00 am

  this vehicle looks great but is constantly in the shop. the check engine light comes on & off no matter how many times the dealership tells me they took care of the problem. the door on the drivers side is tempermental & sometimes wont open & the coolant light keeps coming on & off not to mention how the care jerks ocer the speed of 80. get another vehicle

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  Fun car but below average - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By quidycat - February 10 - 11:16 am

  I bought the car in 5/07. The hardtop has been fixed once. The seatbelt metal clip put a few dents and scratches on the inside of drivers door. Driver seat is uncomfortable despite adjustment. Run flat tires are heavy and dont perform so well. No room for spare tire. iDrive freezes up occasionally and service dept cant duplicate it, and therefore they cant fix it. "Engine malfunction, reduced power" came on at 21000 miles in 10 months, now pending repair.

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  Scrap this car! - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By fazil - February 3 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 10 month and had to take it back to the dealer atleast 20 times. Its is still at the service shop for Piston failure. This car is a nightmare. Buying this car is buying a major Headace. I have had problems with the Nav, the sunroof, the engine, the airbag, and many other nagging electrical problems. BMW needs to do something about this for their customers.

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  my new X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By phelen24 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive had 7 SUVs, This is the best!!!

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  MV Review - 2003 BMW X5
  By Meshell - January 24 - 10:00 am

  i have driven suburbans and navigators. This car tops them all!!! The only thing you give up in the seating space. The back is the same amount of space. Who wants to carpool anyways????

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  530i - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Sport - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Came from a 2002 330i which has sport suspension, very low profile tires and firm seats. I loved the whole package. However, at my age and physical condition a softer ride was needed. The 530 provides that and many other desirable features more approprite to my situation.

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  So So - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Joe from the North - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my second 5 Series BMW. Compared to the previous version, the 2004 is roomier and more comfortable. The trunk is larger and the new electronics are enjoyable. However the feel and drive are not as tight and driveable as previous versions. The interior dash doesnt have the look or styling of a luxury car. The i-drive, although not as complicated as the 7 series still is difficult to use.

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  my car - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By nine-a - January 11 - 2:00 am

  i love driving it