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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  The Sport is the Best - 2005 BMW X3
  By JimCinema - October 11 - 3:40 am

  We went for the 3.0 sport and are very happy. We have heard complaints that the sport rides too stiff and bucks, all I can say is it the most fun I have ever had with an SUV. I have owned two Lexus RX 300s which honestly drive like a minivan compared to the X3. The X3 has a great sporty interior which in my book is of better quality and and design than the new Lexus RX 330 (which was the other car we were considering). With the deal we got from BMW we received much more car for our money than with a Lexus.

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  328I Options - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Cari - October 10 - 6:23 pm

  This is my third BMW and all of the new features are very disappointing. The navigation system is a joke, the sales person told me that the reason it is not a touch screen is because it encourages drivers to pay to attention to the road. Try getting anywhere with a big button that controls everything and one mistake will force you to start over. I love BMWs for driving and I love the way they look but if you have recently moved and are looking for assitance in navigating through a city like Los Angeles this is not the car for you. In addition, the new cup holders block the passengers air vents and they are not convenient at all. The new placement of the window controls is not user friendly.

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  Classic rag top - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Russell - October 9 - 5:06 pm

  Great looking with a ride like a true sports car. With the top down you feel like what heaven must be like. Sport package a must if you want to grab the road like no sedan you have ever driven before, except perhaps an M3. 18 inch wheels with low profile tires dont hurt either. Paint job is perfection. Alpine Stereo option awesome. Wish it had a true console storage area...my only complaint. Love, love, love this car!

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  Great... but - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Greg - October 9 - 12:46 pm

  Bought the wagon after waiting till 08 model came out. All good things in it but the seats are not as comfortable as the, for example, old 525 of 2001 (I had one). Seems that seats are now smaller(?). Lines are beautiful, got it in Titanium silver and black interior. really nioce. Got the navigation system. I still have to decide whether I like it or not (it is a bit distracting). Should have a "beep" something to alert about animals, etc. Dont think I would order it again. The iDrive is OK, but quite frankly if it didnt have it, things would be easier. Do not like the run flat tires. MPG is disappointing (highway is a challenge to stay at 24 MPG).

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  what is that light that keeps turning on - 2004 BMW X3
  By m&c - October 9 - 10:00 am

  it is a fun car to drive. this is my first BMW. I had a vw jetta before, it sure rides more like an SUV than a car. the 2.5 has sufficient power without having to spend the extra 6k dollars for the 3.0.

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  My first Beemer, the dream come true ! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By KateE - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I thought I would never get into a luxury car, but the BMW 325, although pricey, it well worth the presitge, fun to drive and comfort. The car is amazing...I have bought Hondas up until this car and I am absolutely sure I will stick with BMW for a long time based on my impression of the car so far.

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  LOVE IT - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Teon - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in March (a 2004) and I am excited to get in it everyday. Ignore the mileage I wrote down I dont know what it is yet as its new.It drives like a performance car. VERY fast and hugs the road like no other. This car is loaded with new features that make it even more enjoyable. ITs worth every dime...

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  Outstanding ride - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Sandra White - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Second experience with a BMW and will never purchase anything else. Fabulous to drive, great handling, fun, makes a statement. Go figure, those Germans, really know how to build cars.

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  Wish I had More. - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By bmhamlet - October 8 - 10:21 pm

  Overall a great car. Smooth ride, quiet and comfortable. The engine in the 525 seems underpowered for the vehicle size which causes the transmission to shift strangely in gears 1 and 2. Very little road noise, great handling and gas mileage. Contrary to many comments the iDrive is not that difficult to learn.

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  Great Car - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Michael - October 8 - 6:49 am

  I have owned this car for 4 months. The only problem being that the power steering fluid has a bad hose. I have taken it to a repair shop that told me the problem while not charging me a dime. You are supposed to fill the power steering fluid with the car running. 10/10 would buy again.