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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  535i - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Rob - March 17 - 3:23 am

  Traded in my 2004 Mercedes E500 for a 2008 535i. I couldnt be happier. Handling is superb for a sedan of this size. Performance is great. There is literally no turbo lag.

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  Used purchase - 2004 BMW X3
  By D Carty - March 15 - 10:33 am

  Was ready to buy either new Rav4 or CRV for wife who requires all wheel drive, but really wanted X3. Found used vehicle at reasonable price with 30K mi. All around better quality (currently own 21 yr old 528e and 33 yr old 2002). Consider to be much better vehicle used than new Rav4 or CRV! X drive is unbelievable!

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  A Great Transition - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By euroman540i - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a Porsche Carrera for my 2003 540iA three weeks ago and it has been a joy! I had owned a BMW 3 and less muscular 5 series in the 80s and was amazed at the brands tremendous qualitative evolution over the past 13 years. The 540iA is simply the best car Ive ever owned - bar none. With its world-class performance, safety features and elegant design, I would ethusiastically recommend this outstanding car to anyone who appreciates combining true value with a great motoring experience.

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  A True Sport Wagon - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Eric D. Koster - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Having traded in my Porsche, I found the 540i wagon with the sport package to be the perfect vehicle for my current needs. It holds my family, as much sailing gear as I reasonably need, cruises comfortably on the highway, handles secondary roads well enough (although the ride is too harsh with the 45 series tires), and, despite BMWs disavowal, hauls a trailer with ease.

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  You will not be disappointed - 2007 BMW 6-Series
  By Mac - March 14 - 8:22 pm

  Went for a drive in the country last weekend and all I can say is WOW! Car was rock solid at 110 and when passing a car it was still pushing me back in the seat at 80. Has all the torque you would ever need. Soft leather seats and a well laid out interior. The exhaust rumble make you want to drive it. This car is a keeper.

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  Love it! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Chicago - March 13 - 10:43 pm

  Hands down the best (luxury class) car Ive ever had. Prem & cold weather pkgs; automatic trans. 6-gear transmission is absolutely seamless. The engine feels more powerful than 215hp and simply sings. In Sport-Drive mode (for auto trans), the trans lags by approx 2 seconds, resulting in an incredibly sporty feel. Turning radius is tight making parking garages a breeze. It corners as if on rails. Interior: Seats are extremely comfortable, especially with the adjustable lumbar support. Quieter (less road/wind noise) than expected given some reviews out there. Bottom line: Perfect combination of power/performance & head-turning looks. BMW says it best: the ultimate driving machine.

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  Impressive Ride and Drive - 2007 BMW X5
  By DRF - March 13 - 10:09 pm

  After in-depth comparisons to Mercedes ML 320 CDI, ML500, Lexus GX 470 and Cadillac Escalade, the BMW X5 won me over quickly in a variety of areas from build and finish to actual ride, drive and handling. Most of the others offered spongy-swaying rides, not the X5. The V8 is a beast and the 6 cylinder is more than adequate and the mileage is much better. Certain option packages are well worth the cost like the Premium package, the Technology package, Sport package and definitely the Active Steering as well as the Comfort Assist. The Active Steering provides an incredible increased handling effect. And 4 yrs/50k mile bumper to bumper INCLUDING maintenance is sweet as well.

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  Cant Say Enough About the New X5 - 2007 BMW X5
  By anon5 - March 12 - 10:52 pm

  BMW has done an outstanding job with this redesign. The old and new X5 both perform well, but the new X5 adds REFINEMENT to the equation. Wind/road noise are hugely reduced. Interior quality is greatly improved. The sport package with active suspension hugs the road, yet gives very smooth ride quality with minimal lean in corners. Contour seats are excellent, although the active "massage" seats are a little weird (like having a python slowly undulate under the seat cushion). No squeaks, rattles. No defects. I tire of the computer-challenged press who constantly complain because they cant learn all iDrive features in a 10-minute test drive. I love the control it gives over vehicle functions.

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  Black Thunder - 2001 BMW M5
  By JJSides - March 12 - 3:49 pm

  This is the best vehicle I have driven or owned. It does it all well, and is a pleasure to drive. The engine is responsive, the gears intuitive, the controls easy to use, and the displays easy to understand.

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  Almost Perfect - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Edward - March 10 - 9:44 pm

  Ive had the 2007 530i with manual transmission for about a month. What a great car! Test drove the automatic but it wasnt quite as fun to drive. The handling, ride quality, and acceleration simply brings a huge smile on my face. Like other reviewers, I always take the long way home. I have owned Lexus and Volvo and there is no comparison. This is truly a drivers car. If you really enjoy driving, this is your car. Also, I am averaging 28.5 mpg combined driving (another plus for getting the manual transmission).