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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  Good commuter so far - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Eric - March 6 - 8:16 pm

  Ive always liked this body style- more so than the new 5 series. I found this grey one in fine shape at 88K miles. It handles very nicely and is so sneaky quiet Ive got to be careful not to speed too much. I got 29.5 mpg going to Florida over holidays and was so shocked I checked it again for 2 more tanks of gas. Same, over 29 mpg each time. Wow. Ive had to replace 2 power steering hoses and oil filter manifold gasket for $800. All else is good so far at 91,000 miles. Car alarm goes off sometimes needlessly which is annoying. Id like to to disable it. Motor on.

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  Great little SUV - 2008 BMW X3
  By amie klemmer - March 6 - 3:26 am

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  I wanted more! - 2008 BMW M6
  By M6 Lady - March 3 - 10:38 pm

  After several BMWs I got my first 6 series in the form of a 2004 645 coupe. I loved that car, the way it handled, the performance etc. Then I decided to drop the top and got a 2007 650 convertible which was even nicer than the 645s engine. After trying M5s and M6s at the BMW Performance Center in SC I was immediately sold. Thats when I knew my next car would be an M6. I didnt think there would be that much difference, but its just amazing! The V10 engine is a dream and SMG is very smooth and responsive. iDrive is even more user friendly than its earlier versions and its worth the couple of hours it may take you to get fully acquainted with it. Performance lovers, rejoice!

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  The best 3 series ever - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Classic 3 series - March 2 - 5:39 pm

  We bought this car when it was 10 years old and with 62k miles and cannot believe how tight it is. Steering is awesome and power is impressive. It also gets about 29MPG on the highway. This model has all of the power options unlike the late 90s and early 00s where they started to option these features. The sport mode gives it a real edge and is great in traffic. We hope to have it for the next 150k miles.

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  Love my new 05 X5 3.0 - 2005 BMW X5
  By Laurenxesq - March 2 - 1:53 pm

  Just traded in my 04 X3 for 05 X5. Roomier, better handling, better safety rating then the X3. Love the xenon lights. Went for the base model with all the bare minimums. It was the only black 05 X5 on the lot.

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  Truely the Ultrimate Driving Machine! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By WakeUpAlone - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Very responsive and fun to drive -- especially on the highways. The best coupe I have ever driven.

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  Four Door Sports Car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By The Barvarian - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I would say this 325I is truly a four door sports car! It drives and acts like a two seater. I had a 91 Maxima that had 4DSC(four door sports car) sticker from the factory. I must say that it wasnt anything close to the perfomance of this 325I. The build quality is great. It just looks so cool sitting in the parking lot. My red 325I will still look good ten years from now. It actually looks more expensive than it was. Take a test drive, then you will understand why the automotive press sings its praises.

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  Worth it!!! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By avenge69 - March 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car and worth the money. You feel great when driving it, and the quality is outstanding....

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  UNRELIABLE VEHICLE - 2003 BMW X5
  By CHINA - March 2 - 2:00 am

  THE X5 IS THE NINTH BMW I HAVE OWNED.SINCE NEW,I HAVE HAD THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS.BOTH STEERING CONTROL ARMS HAD TO BE REPLACED,DEAD BATTERY,VEHICLE WILL LOCK YOU OUT AND ALARM CANNOT BE TURNED OFF,MULTIPLE SOFTWARS PROBLEMS WHICH MAKE THE X5 UNDRIVABLE.XEON AND FOGLAMPS BURN OUT OFTEN,AND ARE TIME CONSUMING TO REPLACE,ASSUMING THE DEALERSHIP CAN FIT YOU IN AT ALL. EXTREEMLY DISSAPOINTING VEHICLE AND UNRELIABLE.

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  PeRfEcTiOn - 2003 BMW X5
  By ke;yyan - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Nice ride, nice everything else.b Interior is full of nice things.