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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  X3 Enthusiast - 2004 BMW X3
  By 2004X3 - January 5 - 10:00 am

  We have owned our new X3 SAV for almost two months and have logged 4300 miles on this 3.0 6- speed manual. This new introduction into the BMW line-up has more than lived up to our expectations. The X3 is based along BMWs 3-series and stays true to form in its ability to provide a more sports- car like feel to a SUV body. The X3 provides excellent braking, is very agile, nimble, and responsive. The 6-speed manual reinforces BMWs reputation behind their manual transmisions. To those buyers who are looking for an SUV that will offer better handling characteristics, braking and overall performance .. X3 owners will be favorably impressed with BMWs new introduction.

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  2004 325xi - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By cooker - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased from Princeton BMW in New Jersey. Have owned a Mercedes C280 and numerous Honda Accords (most recently an EX-L 2003). This BMW is by far the most fun to drive. I shopped the Acura TL and BMW 325xi and was able to get both vehicles for a little over invoice. The price points were comparable, though I was looking at the BMW with not many extras; automatic, moonroof and heated seats. While the Acura TL comes loaded for the same price. The BMW rode better. The Acura had a nicer interior.I believe you would be happy with either vehicle.It depends on what you want. I really wanted a sedan with AWD.

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  Wait for a later model - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Bavarian Motor Works - January 4 - 8:53 pm

  The sport suspension is too firm for highways and city streets riddled with pot holes and bumps. Too stiff for a daily commute, but not bad for a weekend drive with twists and turns. The interior is plain, cold and somewhat stifled. The cup holders are too small and not deep enough. Turning the corner could knock your coffee onto your leather seats and stain the carpet. Plus, the drivers cup holder is on the passengers side. Simply put, ill interior design. I would expect more luxury from this brand for the price and reliability and longevity.

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  Not happy - 2005 BMW X3
  By Not Happy - January 4 - 7:46 pm

  I had a 528i before this (loved it). I thought I wanted an suv and bought this x3 with both the sport and premium pkg. Not nearly the quality, Interior is cheap looking and black on black peels off. Head lights didnt stay aligned, and having them aligned was not covered by warranty. Keys remote doesnt always work and I have to lock it with key. I have taken the keys back to BMW four times to have them reset. What a pain. Fuse went out on auxiliary outlet and BMW says not covered by warranty (this fuse cost less than $1.00). The car looks ok on the exterior, but the sunroof rattles like it is broken, BMW says it is normal operation. Overall, this is a car.

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  Early review at 1240 miles - 2009 BMW X6
  By Vincento - January 4 - 4:31 pm

  Bought this car 1240 miles ago. Best handling SUV that Ive driven to date. I am 6-2, and having to drive from DC to Richmond VA at least once a week for work makes sedans and other lower riding cars tiring on my legs/back. Thus, was looking for an SUV not for cargo space or off-roading, but for the ride and seat height. With sports package, it is a blast to drive, especially considering its height and weight. It corners better than my 06 TL, though some of it is due to the massive 20" 315 tires on the X6. Suspension is on the firmer side, but supple enough, once again especially for an SUV. Compared against MDX, FX50, FX35, X5, ML550, narrowed down to X5 vs. X6, and picked this.

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  Growing on me - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Mac M - January 3 - 12:59 am

  The dominant item of this car is the V-8 engine. It is nothing but superlatives: extremely powerful, very fuel efficient, wonderful sounding, impossible to operate smoothly in stop and go traffic, incredibly complicated (I hope valvetronic is reliable). The car itself is very modern. Most of it is made of aluminum. The interior (standard seats) is comfortable, though storage space is limited. Brakes, transmission, electronics such as Logic 7 radio and nav are first rate. The latter, of course, is already outdated by todays hard drive systems, but the basic car still remains leading edge. I cannot overemphasize how good the engine is. Dont even consider the 6 cylinder.

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  Fun to drive. - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Danny - January 2 - 10:28 pm

  My 128i coupe is the only one left in this country with red leather & black ext. It is equipped with Premium, Sport, and Cold packages. It is very stable, you cant feel driving over 70 mph. Handling and corning are smooth. Overall of this vehicle is fun to drive with, but too expensive to own it. MBenz C300 sport is worth of buying, theyre nearly the same price.

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  2000 Z3 for me! - 2000 BMW Z3
  By Pong123 - January 2 - 10:41 am

  I purchased my Z3 last year and have loved driving it. The power is just right and the look is sweet. I have had no problems and the dealer takes great care of me. I thought it would cost more to own this car but it is about the same if you add up all the oil changes on a regular car. BMW does whatever it takes to make their owners happy. It has been a pleasure owning this car.

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  Stiff ride - 2005 BMW X3
  By snowgoddess - January 2 - 12:59 am

  It is unbelievably bumpy and you will feel every seam and pebble in the road. The handling is great, though and braking is the best Ive ever experienced. Peppy and plenty of power but at an expense (91 octane fuel) The leatherette seats are just awful, ugly and uncomfortable. Cold in the winter and probably hot in the summer. Get the leather. The wood and aluminum trim provide the only other classy touches to the interior. Its a head turner around town. Black sapphire is gorgeous in the sunlight.

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  Good Car - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Adam - January 2 - 12:49 am

  Purchased as CPO, was a dealer loaner. Drive is generally good and it looks and feels like a BMW. Performance off the line in regular automatic is poor, but sport or manual mode makes it feel much better. Brakes and cornering are very good, but the trade off is a bit of a rough ride, especially over long distances. Fuel economy is about 23 mpg combined city/highway. Interior features are good and feels spacious, except that radio stack cannot be seen with sunglasses on. We also had a random failure of one of the side mirror covers on the highway, when the plastic part just fell off and was replaced under warranty. If you can get a good deal its a good solid car.