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 Lover - 2005 BMW X5
  By BMW Lover - July 30 - 10:16 am

  i purchased my x5 used and love it. fun to drive. had no problem so far.

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  BMW X5 Diesel - 2009 BMW X5
  By palmharbor - July 30 - 6:39 am

  The diesel engine is perfect for this SUV.It is very solid and the transmission shifts smoothly. The ride is better than my previous SUV, a Mercedes ML500. The iDrive is very frustrating and the navigation system is poor compared to the older Mercedes system, and cant begin to compete with a $200 Garmin. There is no setting to automatically fold the power mirrors when locking the vehicle, and the front parking sensors are not full time - when pulling into my garage I must stop and push a button that also turns on the rear camera to check on the front. Amazingly, BMW does not include floor mats as standard equipment and they must be purchased separately from the dealer.

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  Great Car - Eats Gas - 2009 BMW X6
  By KCnSprock2 - July 29 - 11:30 pm

  Handles really well and is extremely comfortable, with room for kids, dog and luggage. Great family car with a lot more sport than an SUV, previously had an X5 and this blows the X5 away. Downside is that it eats gas voraciously. Highly recommend for low mileage driver - not an everyday commuter car unless you like supporting the local gas station.

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  2006 BMW X5 4.4 CPO - 2006 BMW X5
  By Steve - July 29 - 10:25 pm

  This X5 has been great so far. Had 26,500 miles on it fully loaded. Absolutely pristine condition inside and out. Excellent driving on winding roads and certainly plenty of power for the freeways. Gas mileage could be better so still getting used to that. Only design flaw I find is the Navigation unit and its location for glare and the cup holders. Both were rectified in the 2007 but getting this for $35K I consider a good deal versus pricing of new models.

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  Better than all the rest. - 2005 BMW X5
  By bennette - July 29 - 8:22 pm

  This vehicle truly lives up to its nickname the ultimate driving machine. From the time I first sat in this vehicle it has done nothing but impress me. I love to drive it, I find myself making excuses to run errands just to drive it. Also I have not one problem. I will only drive BMWs from now on.

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  Great All-Around Vehicle - 2009 BMW X6
  By mking - July 29 - 12:33 pm

  After 2 months and 2,000 miles I can say that this is the most exciting BMW I have owned. The last two were sedans that drove great. But, didnt have that extra factor that makes a car unique. The X6 has that factor. Incredible road manners, great aspect from all seating positions, incredible comfort and the best build quality in years for BMW.

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  lovin it - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By michael rundle - July 29 - 10:00 am

  This is actually my wifes car. The only time she lets me drive it is when she is with me and it is daytime. At night I always drive. I have to think up excuses to go out. Dont we need some bread-or something! The car handles like a dream. It would have been nice to have had a little more room in the trunk, but is ok for us. Test drive it without the salesman!

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  Simply The Best - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By beemer lover - July 29 - 10:00 am

  The best handling, most fun car to drive, period! stick, sports, premium, xenon, cold weather. Purrfect! Goes where you point it. Great performance and gas mileage. Had big ass muscle cars with more ponies but nothing beats this TOTAL package. I look forward to driving to work. This is my second 5 series and before buying my first, I said "overpriced, not worth it, not reliable..." To all the naysayers, go out and drive one!

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  Its worth it - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By markt - July 28 - 9:58 pm

  Wow - what fun to drive. I wish I had the extra power of the 550 or the 535, but this car has it when you need it. I like to drive it in Drive Sport as it really hugs the road, and gives me the extra boost of speed.

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  Bimmer Family - 2004 BMW X3
  By Bimmer Family - July 28 - 8:10 pm

  My husband bought this car for me for X-mas. I have been driving it for a couple years now and we are very pleased. We have made several long trips in it, in sun, rain and snow and had no problems. We have the six speed manual and the only thing I dont like is that its so slow in 1st gear, but once into 2nd, its very zippy and handles great. Even though the gas mileage could be better, we average 22-23 mpgs which I think is great for a 4-wheel drive vehicle. The navigation system is great! It always projects correct travel times.