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 Beat It! - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By BEST CAR EVER - March 24 - 9:57 am

  Have owned Audi, Jag, and another BMW since about 97, and this in unequivocally the best driving vehicle I have been in. Smooth, solid power, handling is amazing. Snowstorm on 3rd day after buying and tried hard to get it to slip, couldnt do it. Interior is just the right amount of luxury, and the iDrive is easy for anyone who has touched a computer (what was all the fuss?).

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  great choice - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By joshin - March 23 - 11:39 pm

  After reading many reviews and waiting for all wheel drive in the five series we finally bought it last year. 14000 miles later I love it. The performance is perfect in chicago weather.

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  An excellent choice - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By Rajeev - March 23 - 6:11 pm

  Never will you regret buying this model of yr 1994 which was the only model that BMW did not reproduce due to driving force restrictions. You get the speed and power of a 6 cylinder!!!. A reliable car which has never put me into trouble even after I have driven about 35000 in the past 2 yrs

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  323iT Sports Wagon - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By TalkingBodies - March 23 - 12:54 pm

  This is a great car. It drives, handles, and feels like a unique, solid performance sedan should, yet it is smooth and quiet and gets respectable gas mileage. When considering a BMW, please remember that it is not a Japanese car it wont be as reliable and as simple to drive, nor as cheap. Conversely, youll be reminded it isnt Japanese every time you drive it -- its that enjoyable. Maintenance is also more costly: air filters cost $20, it takes synthetic oil, and even special windshield wipers. You should be aware of this before you test drive. My wagon has had only minor problems: door latches and a sunroof drain issue. I love this car -- I wonÂ’t buy another brand.

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  Still the Best Performance Sedan - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By fat penguin - March 22 - 9:14 pm

  I have owned more than 10 BMWs and, with the exception of my 2003 M3 convertible (my baby), this is the best car yet. Its a sports car, luxury sedan, and a practical everyday vehicle all in one.

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  Got To Love a V8 and Manual Transmission - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Robert L. Huser - March 22 - 12:38 pm

  Only thing that sounds better than the DSP stereo is the sound of the engine working its way up through the slick shifting 6spd. Cant beat the low slung looks and accompanying wide tires. Dont complain about the cup holders there is help waiting for you at the parts counter. There are both door mount and center console mount available. The car offers both outstanding comfort and exciting performance and handling. I LOVE THIS CAR.

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  Love My X5(s) - 2006 BMW X5
  By donfromdurham - March 22 - 8:53 am

  This is my second X5. My first one was a 2003 and I loved every second of the three years that I drove it - 36,000 miles. It is quiet, smooth, a ball to drive, and just the right size for my needs. Also, it gets surprisingly good mileage - the on-board computer calculated my three-year mileage at 21.0 MPG! I was so happy with my X5 that I did not even consider another vehicle when my lease was up. I signed another three year lease last December.

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  Love my Beamer baby!! =) - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By ShaQuan Stone - March 22 - 2:28 am

  So far Ive had my car for almost 3 months I have driven a few other cars but the driving of a Bmw omg! This car flies and it feels like youre gliding very good on gas $35 to fill the tank drop top roof and heated leather seats

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  Fun to drive - 2005 BMW X3
  By Rayneman - March 21 - 8:50 pm

  Great car to drive a little bumpy but not bad. Fuel economy isnt as good as I hoped but better then others. Overall like the car funt to drive will probably buy another BMW.

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  Best combination of Luxury/Sport - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By scbsee88 - March 21 - 3:00 pm

  From the solid doors, plush leather and the Automatic Climate controls, the BMW takes car engineering to the next level. If you havent driven a 5-series, I suggest you do and then youll realize why all of the BMW cliches are right-on: Ultimate Driving Machine..."feel one with the road"..., etc. Dont believe the conventional wisdom that Lexus is more luxurious and BMW is more of a drivers car. My 530ia has got enough bells and whistles (sunroof, power seats, Automatic climate controls, stereo) to keep me more than satisfied. As a telecommuter, I have to come up with excuses to drive it out of my garage. Do yourself a favor and get yourself a 2003 while they come back from leases!