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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  Cant enjoy my other car - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By bmeehan52 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  The car handles and feels incredible. This is my wifes car, but I get to drive it on occasion. Hard to go back to my car. I do not understand the car presss reaction to the styling. Its aggressive, modern, yet clearly BMW. IDrive is a pain, but as others have pointed out, once things are set, you really dont use it much. Clearly the best car I have ever driven. I had to have the car returned once - the BMW assist didnt work. Still waiting...BMW needs to be careful - the 7 series and MBs had a lots of clitches

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  My new Beemer - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Pdiddy - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I had this car about 4 months now. I thought i would driving it on occasion while using my other car as my primary car. Once i sat in the bmw...lets just say the battery died on the old car from lack of use. I think the 525 has enough power, and cant justify spending $5000 on an engine and only 17inch rims. Car handles smoothly. Love driving it. Only minor disappointment was dealing with the fiance dept which gave a low rate, then tried to raise it over 2.5% the day i came to pick it up. Almost decided to leave the car in the lot...glad i didnt though.

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  debs bmw - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By debbies bmw - June 4 - 10:00 am

  my bmw convertible is just a great car. it is fun and a real eye catcher. people stop to look and ask questions. all my friends want to drive it, i say get your own. i drive about a hr each way to work and i never think will i get there, it is just so reliable, a real pretty workhorse. if anyone is on the fence about buying one get off it and take the plunge, and find out what driving is all about, fun , getting a suntan in the summer, wind blowing thru your hair. get one. my family now owns four bmws

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  Jst another cool comment! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Evan Ledesma - June 4 - 10:00 am

  yep! i agree with the rest who own this very profitable car...who said that car can never be a good investment?

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  325ci Manual is much better than Auto - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By BennyBlancofromBX - June 4 - 2:36 am

  Ive owned this car twice. Once new as a 330ci and now used as a 325ci both manuals. My 325ci is much faster than my 330 was because of the many mods Ive down. CAI,exhaust, intake M3 bumper all cosmetic mods. Performance clutch flywheel,headers, HR springs Billstein shocks,struts,sprint booster, slotted rotors, makes this car much quicker. 0-60 in under 6 seconds and if I add turbo would be 350hp and prolly 4.5 -4.8 sec 0-60. Cars are slow OEM but can get quick pretty easily. Automatica will never be quick tho so dont buy thinking its a muscle car. Also BMWS are meant to outhandle any other cars and this e46 chassis is one of the best of all time. Id take a automatic 320ci vs a 450hp mustang gt on a road track any day. The BMW will run circles around most cars. The handling and weight distribution is perfect. So to summarize: dont buy to drag race although can be quick w few boltons, car is best handling car ever, value is incredible as u can get low mileage manual trans for under $8k and also they still look terrific especially with some 18 inch rims. Also dont bring to mechanic and let them buy your parts. Buy your own parts do your own work when possible and maintainence is cheap. Slightly higher part(s) prices is a very small price to pay to drive one of the GREATEST cars ever made!!!

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  Excellent - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Exper. Car Consumer - June 3 - 9:18 pm

  Have owned for almost two years - should have bought a new one years ago when I had the chance. Excellent reliability, mileage, fun, sport driving, beautiful race car wagon. Feels like it is carved out of one solid piece of metal, I have never owned a car so solid before and I have owned most all high end luxury cars.

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  BMW 740iL - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By Big Bob - June 3 - 4:13 pm

  Mileage per gallon - excellent. In the low country of S.C., highway at 5 mph over the speed limit (usually 75), gets 27.5 mph! Response to accelerator - great! Handling on curves, u-turns - unbelieveable. Wheels have never been out-of-line!

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  95 Alpine White M3 - 1995 BMW M3
  By 95 Alpine white M3 - June 3 - 2:44 pm

  I have owned 6 BMWs and three Porsches, this car has made me fall in love it is beautiful and fast it has many mods such as euro intake, ss exhaust etc. would not trade for anything. The M series is truly the Ultimate Driving Machine.

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  M3 Cab - 2008 BMW M3
  By M3 Cab - June 3 - 12:40 pm

  Ive had an E36 M3 & 00 M5. This car is significantly better. The ride & comfort are the best Ive seen with such performance. Not the fastest car out, but the balance of power, ride and awesome handling make it a fantastic package. Top down motoring is amazingly smooth & wind protected, yet when you want it, the sound from the loud pedal is better than the killer sound system! I love the ride adjustability & being able to cruise smoothly or flog it on a moments notice. Its hard NOT to smile while driving this car!

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  Love the car, hate the tires - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Ringokelly - June 3 - 10:27 am

  I love this car except for 2 things: 1) It is sluggish off the line unless you use sport mode on the tranny. Not that big a deal, but annoying. 2) I HATE the run flat tires. They are noisy, stiff and leave too many uncertanties. If you get a flat, you drive on it and basically trash the tire and have to replace it. I hate these and am looking to replace all of them and buy a spare. Problem is, there is no place to put the spare, except to eat up trunk space. BMW, make these pieces of crap an option, not std. Buy the car, love it, but negotiate for them to swap tires. You will be glad you did.