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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  Nearly perfect - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By jimmyd - January 28 - 6:06 pm

  I have stayed away from BMWs for the last 5 years due to dissatisfaction with local dealerships and overall BMW attitude to customers. I was lured back by the 335s promise of M3 like performance with more pleasant manners as a daily driver, for a lot less money. I was initially a bit disappointed as the car is heavier and less responsive than my old E46 328. I have since replaced the stock suspension with PSS9 coilovers and ditched the RFTs and put wider tires on front. Its a completely different car, and handles like a BMW should. Its hard to beat as an all round car with room for four. Most drivers will be happy with the stock performance, but it can be substantially improved.

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  Satisfied, not thrilled - 2003 BMW X5
  By carlover14 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  The X5 was a fun SUV and I enjoyed it. I have no real complaints other than the god awful dashboard layout, hardly intuitive. I just replaced it with a $3000 cheaper but better equipped ML55 AMG Mercedes. Both are identical in performance, so why spend the extra $3000? It was a no hassle SUV that I thoroughly enjoyed though.

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  still love it the 2nd time around - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Charles - January 18 - 4:03 pm

  My 2nd BMW 325i, first is 1993. and I still love it, though performance under "D" shift is sluggish and a bit weak, and Im still not sure if the auto-tilt-downward side mirror when in "R" shift is helpful or not; however, there are no blind spots with these new mirror shapes. Exterior is still elegant and fun, but much more aggressive looking than its predecessors. The Start/Stop button and the remote control are just out-of-this-world cool. Interior Radio console has become hugely sophisticated with an array of A/V entertainment input choices. The new plushy interior covering is soft and gentle to the touch. Overall, this is still a great sports sedan that is also pricey.

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  a great car with many annoyances - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By car person - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive vehicle, if you can ge ur hand on one. Quite, spacious and great to look at. However, drives more like a Japanes care than a BMW. But that could be just the new car feel. Many small issues bother me a lot such as: Compulsory seat betlt usage in the front , or the car keeps on beeping. No storage space Inconvenient cup holders Very badly designed seats - headrest is almost 1/2 foot back. And last, the idrive system. Good luck learning that.

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  The greatest SUV from BMW - 2004 BMW X3
  By Pilotpaul13 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  It is an awsome car you must drive it

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  Not So Hot - 2004 BMW Z4
  By WVSAM - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Sorry to say, but my Z4 performs hot, but is uncomfortable, and rattles like a crib toy. The trunk is so small that literally it wont hold a golf bag. The Z4 looks good, and drives well, but for 45 grand it should be more comfortable and not rattle and squeek.

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  Skips delighted - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Skip - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Im reporting on a 2002 BMW 330ci convertible, that now has 20,000 miles on it. This car has made two round trips to Florida, and is about to embark on a 3rd. It is the finest car that I have ever owned, and the most fun to drive. I have experienced very few problems with the car, and Fields BMW in Northbrook, IL corrected all of those promptly. My next car will unquestionably be a BMW.

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  Worth the money - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Kathleen - January 2 - 1:20 am

  I always wanted a BMW and finally made the purchase. I have the sports package and get about 24 mpg doing a combination of city and highway driving. Probably the biggest treat is being able to quickly merge into commuter traffic. Coming from a Jeep Wrangler, merging into commuter traffic was painful. My BMW is a ton of fun to drive and I am so happy with my purchase.