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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  Couldnt be happier - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Howard - July 23 - 2:22 pm

  The car was delivered 3 weeks ago and then I took my wife and son on a trip to Maine, covering 3,000 miles. We spent a lot of time in the car and it was worth every penny we paid for it. Its a dream on the highway and a pleasure in the mountains. The handling was classic BMW and driving was a pleasure. I recommend the navigation system for anyone who travels much away from home. It was very useful and easy to use. Ive heard complaints about the iDrive but after a very short time it became very easy to use. Ive had two 3 series cars and I enjoyed them. This is a great step up.

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  Best car I ever drove (so far) - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By melvin - July 23 - 1:51 pm

  Note: I own a 2005 Chrysler Town and Country, 1991 Patherfinder, 1993 Ford Escort and there are no comparisons to any of them. I bought this 10 year old BMW with 91000 miles on it. I must say that this car is the best car I ever drove. The car makes me feel that I have full control of every inch to the car. It gives me the feeling for ESP, because the response time is incredible.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By mikehd - July 22 - 11:10 am

  We ordered our 325i to our specs and have put every mile on it since new. In the 11 years of ownership, the reliability has been outstanding. Regular oil changes at 9K miles or so with high quality synthetic oil and she still doesnt use oil between changes. We replaced the sport package shocks/struts & springs with Bilstein Sport shocks/struts and H&R Sport springs, which lowered the car a bit more. This is the agressive stance that the factory sport package should have provided.

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  Best by far - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By waxahach - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I tested every other make in its class including Audi, Mercedes, Jaguar, Lexus, Infiniti and Cadillac. While all the others were very good cars, the 530i is a in class by itself. Truly the Ultimate driving machine, its new styling and outstanding engineering coupled with an unequaled performance makes it the buy of the decade. You have done it again BMW and thanks.

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  #1 again - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By ezzie - July 21 - 2:00 am

  bmw again is the ultimate car...must get sport pkg. to get proper performance..the road handling is approaching my porsche and the variable steering is greatttt..even the i drive is easy and im not the gadget type....

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  x5 bmw - 2004 BMW X5
  By stoneycook - July 21 - 2:00 am

  my experince has been excellent. However a frined of Minds mother does not like hers, says she cant see her blind spot

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  Even better than hoped! - 2004 BMW X5
  By chrisg - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Love it! Handles great, good power, sturdy feel, plenty of leg room. I do agree with the Editors review in that its not a great utiliterian vehicle, but who buys a BMW to haul lumber. Drives like a car, not a truck.

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  BMW X5 4.4 - 2004 BMW X5
  By gussy - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Great, the pick up is out of this world. This truck is smarter than most people I know.

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  Z4 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By joed - July 21 - 2:00 am

  wonderful driving machine, i wish i had heated seats with the lumbar option, i love the handling of the car it is fun fun fun

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  4th BMW Ragtop - 2004 BMW Z4
  By wayne holu - July 21 - 2:00 am

  We have owned three BMWs in the 300 series all convertibles, in the last 10 years. With each model, improvements were significant, as far as comfort, design, driving ease. The last model was a 330 csi which to us was the best of the lot.After driving the 330csi for the last three years, it was time for a new Beamer. After much family discussion, we decided to try the Z4. It is truly a finely made roadster. The Z4 drives and handles just fantastic, and the auto/manual transmission is a blast. Its a fun car to operate. Test drive this spirited Z4, and youll know why we have fallen in love with it.