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:

• 

  BMW X5 - 2008 BMW X5
  By Billy C - July 12 - 6:41 am

  I have owned many American and Foreign SUVs in the past, but the BMW X5 far surpasses my expectations with comfort, technology, gas economy and just plain fun to drive!

• 

  Its all about the ride - 2008 BMW X5
  By Pete S - July 11 - 9:41 am

  I recently upgraded to a X5 4.8 with Sport Package from an 2005 Touareg V8 with the air suspension. The X5 is so flat and stable in corners, even at high speeds its unbelievable. The dash layout is nice, but the VWs MFI/gauge display shames the BMW. The iDrive system is nice, but lack of touch screen entry is SORELY missing and the navigation interface leaves a lot to be desired when I compare it with my wifes Buick Enclave which is simpler to use, more elegantly designed, and is so much more functional. The real time traffic data is nice. The 3rd row space is a waste, Id rather see more legroom in the second row. The comfort seats are great and dont forget - its fun to drive!

• 

  Hot stuff - 1998 BMW Z3
  By les benson - July 10 - 4:33 pm

  This is a jazzy car. It looks more like a cartoon car from Roger Rabbit, than a street vehicle. Lows, fuel economy, tired back window. Highs, ride, look, reliability.

• 

  Awesome! - 2008 BMW X5
  By flwink - July 10 - 1:03 pm

  Ive owned a number of BMWs including two M series & they have been a joy to own. The X5 is big enough to load up & take to the beach & comfortable at highway speeds. It is a truly a joy to drive. I unfortunately only drive 3 miles to & from work so we make it a point to drive to the coast on the weekends. It handles incredibly with go-cart like feel in a 4000lb + vehicle. I highly recommend. My only slightly negative is the gas mileage in the city which is 15 mpg vs 20+ on the highway loaded with people. I have had no problems what so ever since owning.

• 

  550i Sport Package - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By RRudo - July 9 - 8:20 am

  Purchased this car in April and has 3k miles now. With the sport package you get the look of the M5 without the manumatic transmission. Build quality is what is to be expected from BMW. Outstanding engine response, especially in sport mode, great handling and extremely comfortable. The sport suspension rides harder than any dedicated sports car I have driven, but definitely ups the handling from the base suspension. Great car. BMW has hit another homerun with this car.

• 

  After its fifth birthday - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By dmotzev - July 8 - 4:43 pm

  Just recently, I happened to trade in a six months old Japanese coupe for this 5 year old German saloon. What a difference! This is my first personal BMW and although it has almost 60000 miles on it, it feels tight and responsive. In fact, I test drove an E60 530i before I bought this one, but it just did not feel right. The combination of the M Sport package, the Premium package and the manual transmission creates an extremely convenient, yet amazingly looking everyday driver. Navigation is handy, but costs money to keep up-to-date. If you prefer adrenaline pumped driving, better look for a 540i/M5, but if you do not require extreme performance, you are going to love this car!

• 

  The Best Car I ever Owned - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Mark - July 8 - 1:56 pm

  As of 20000 miles there are virtually no negatives other than a minor computer glitch when I first purchased the car. Well worth the price. Excellent in all categories

• 

  5 series trumps 3 - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By hdrag3 - July 8 - 11:47 am

  We bought an arctic white with tan int. 535i and after only 900 miles we have to say we enjoy this vehicle immensely. The 300hp turbo engine is great although the gas mileage of 12 we get in the city doesnt even come close to the window sticker promise of 17. All other reviews are accurate with the cupholders and weirdness of iDrive. Its not that the iDrive is hard to use, but when coupled with nav, and having to scroll and type, it can get tiresome. But other features, such as a/c controls, and awesome bluetooth -- they just changed the laws here in CA, and its already saved me a few tickets -- its really leaps and bounds above the 04 325ci BMW we traded for this one.

• 

  Buy it if you find it - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By fortheloveofbeamer - July 8 - 11:00 am

  This is my third 318i and I Iove them. This car is fun to drive and as well as dependable. This car gets great gas mileage and I usually only fill up once or twice a month. If you find one of these cars pick up. They are expensive to keep up, but as long as you take care of it, it will take care of you.

• 

  Love this SUV - 2008 BMW X5
  By skip0303 - July 8 - 10:30 am

  This is a great automobile. The SUV that handles like a sports car. This is my first BMW and I am a customer for life. The handling and performance are great. Love the technology, iDrive, sound system, navigation and active suspension are all great. It is amazing that a car this size has no body roll. My E63amg has the power but this is even more fun to drive and its technology buries Mercedes. I thought I was going to buy a Range Rover sport but after driving the X5 there was no comparison. I love this car.