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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  Not disappointed!!! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Tennesseean - February 18 - 4:06 pm

  Just had my Beemer for a week now. I am totally satisfied so far. Great ride...compared to Jaguar S-type, Lexus 300, Mercedes E-class. No Comparison for price. I drove a 1998 525-i and it was good. This care is awesome!!!!I cant wait to put it onto open highway!!!

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  2003 BMW 325xi - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By dave k - February 18 - 2:00 am

  As an 18 yr. old this is the first car i have bought in my life. The pennies that i saved as a child have now given me one of the best cars on the road (the only cars better on the road are other bmws). The car works seamlessly as one entity, precisely navigating every turn with a simple nudge in the right direction.

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  awesome! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By vicsta - February 18 - 2:00 am

  The most fun to drive car out there for the money... highly recommended.

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  Superb - 2006 BMW X3
  By dharods - February 13 - 6:12 pm

  Its surely the Ultimate Driving Machine. It has a very quiet ride even at high speeds. All the controls, switches, cup-holders are very thoughtfully placed throughout the interior of the vehicle. I get 21 MPG on highways which is comparable to any other of its class.

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  Best 4 Door Performance Car on the Marke - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Bill Tabalo - February 12 - 11:29 pm

  This car is truly a blast to drive. Fast, nimble, all the cool toys inside- -THe Ultimate Driving Machinge without question. The engine sounds great, feels smooth and never seems to hit the end of the power band. Interestingly, I get 26-27 mpg on the highway and combined of about 20--not much less than my 325. All in all, this is the best 4 door performance car on the market. After driving it, all the complaints about the I-Drive, styling or other small stuff sounds more like sour grapes from those that do not get to drive one to work each day.

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  Dream Car - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Donald Kohn - February 12 - 8:13 pm

  This replaced an 04 E500 AWD Mercedes. This car has far better ride, is more responsive and much more fun to drive. Fit and finish are impeccable. Got the comfort seats which are worth every penny. I Drive is actually fun and easy once you get the hang of it. Big tip: Take delivery at the BMW Performance Center. Dealers rarely share this information with buyers. Its the only way to go, and free. A great experience, and you will learn more about your car and have more fun with it. Once youve done this its unlikely youll ever buy any car other than a BMW.

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  E60 verses E39 - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Brandon Boles - February 12 - 7:09 pm

  I purchased my 04, 530i a little over a month ago. So far I am very pleased with the car. Overall it is a dream to drive. It has the sports package and it feels like its on rails. I also own a 98 540i Sport. The overall compfort and flat out performance is a bit better on the 540 but it should be. Its a v8 car. I believe time will tell, that the 04, 530i will be a more reliable car. Believe it or not, the 540i fuel economy is a little better than the 530i. That may be due to driving habits. My 530 has a 6 speed manual, the 540 has the automatic steptronic transmission.

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  The very nice "T" as Touring - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By CNJ31 - February 12 - 3:36 pm

  Had worked in the Old world for many years so 5 doors with AWD are my only interest once return to the New world. There were few models met the criteria in the local market. We finally chose the 530xiT because it is a good example of demonstrating what a car should be like when a car has the right combination of performance, handling, quality, safety and utility. Although the 530xiT does not perform #1 in each category, it is so well balanced!! This is very important for people who are shopping in this market segment. Time to call it correctly: Touring, not Wagon.

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  Blue Water~~ - 2005 BMW X3
  By Betsey - February 12 - 1:22 pm

  I so love my x3~~had an x5 and felt it was bigger, slower and boxier. This is a fun car for everyone!

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  SUV like a sedan - 2005 BMW X3
  By Greg - February 12 - 1:39 am

  If somebody doesnt need a roomy SUV X3 is a great choice. Very good performance and handling. Nice exterior design. Fantastic x-drive system makes it really safe on every road. Driving feels like being behind a sedan wheel.