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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  BMW530i - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By PCH530 - December 8 - 11:00 pm

  I recently purchased the 530i. I spent a lot of time comparing the BWM to other cars in its class. Simply put, the BMW takes the driving experience to another level. I enjoy every minute I spend driving this car. I highly recommend that anyone looking for a first class ride seriously concider a BMW.

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  Love my seven! - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Tony - December 8 - 6:10 pm

  Ive owned this car for 18 months. I LOVE it. It drives like a dream and I have had no problems at all. I have the all-way adjustable seats with a/c, heating and a massage. They are the 2nd most comfortable seats Ive ever driven in (next to a Toyota Land Cruiser, believe it or not). The iDrive gets loads of bad press, but its fine. I even like it. If you are not totally tech-averse, you will not have any trouble with it. Contrary to whats written, the most frequently used controls are still available on knobs on the dash. Sound system is great, but the two CD players (one changer, one in-dash single) is perhaps a bit of overkill.

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  I love it!!! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By BobAnge - December 8 - 4:54 pm

  This has to be one of the most exciting cars to drive today. I love it!!! A bonus that I didnt even expect was the great mileage I get when driving on the highway... 36MPG!!

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  Awesome - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Jerry - December 7 - 4:46 pm

  My first BMW. What was I waiting for? It is unbelievable. It performs incredibly. The power, the roar of the engine. It gets lots of looks and compliments. It handles well and is really comfortable for a sport compact.

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  2006 BMW X3 - 2006 BMW X3
  By Tanya - December 5 - 8:32 pm

  Previous car: 1998 M3 (manual trans). Its not in the same league but I had to slow down anyway. The car still gives me a good feel of the road, handles very well, is stylish, and is well appointed. A definitely classy SUV compared with all others on the road. Ive had it for 30 days and put 3400 miles on it. Drives great and I can only assume Ill love it for the next 6 years as I did my M3. And I like the 4- year no-maintenance costs. I bought it off the lot with the ZPP Premium package, cold-weather package, xenon headlights, and automatic transmission. Had to buy a bluetooth-capable phone, but its worth it! Phone calls are very clear through the speaker system. No complaints.

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  Very fast Love Corners!!! - 2005 BMW M3
  By Rev king - December 5 - 4:10 am

  I got my M3 with competition pack. and I am in love. Build quality is good but not overly amazing. If you get an M3 do yourself a favor and get six-speed, my friends SMG is sluggish and real drivers know it just can never compare to the manual Trans. Real fast takes most other cars with ease, not close to an AMG but without the $100K price tag the M3 can put anything else on all 4s

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  Hot Car But With A Lil Annoyance - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By SLIMQT614@AOL.COM - December 5 - 3:12 am

  Though this has been my dream car since I was a child, i must say its been a little disappointing, why, I had a gas leak after 8 months of owning this car with all door windows vibrating not making the cabin as quiet as I thought (now fixed). . But with the adjustments, I now have a ding noise in the gas tank when I hit bumps and start the engine after a 2 day storage! Not a good thing. As for smooth ride, I think it has its moments!! But the all wheel drive is exquisite, horsepower is just right and amenities are awesome, I have it all installed from the auto/tranny, the nav to the prem package to the pdc and xenon lights/heated seats. Love the car but will upgrade once my lease is up!

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  It rocks, but fix the climate control - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By BMW Lover - December 4 - 8:33 pm

  I bought this one with 17k miles on it - for $10K under book. What a deal!!! I replaced the noisy Yokohamas with Bridgestone SO2s (Pole Positions) and could actually hear the beautiful engine sounds. Handles like a dream - loves the rainy roads almost better than the dry. Always ready to go as fast as I dare and never balks. I bought an extended warranty to 7 years/100K miles - great idea. Ive gotten more than I paid for the warranty in paid repairs - some are right expensive. Biggest complaint is that BMW Service cant seem to find out why it is blowing A/C in my face when its 45 degrees outside and Ive got both thermostats set on 78-80 degrees. It makes me crazy !!!!!!!!!!!!

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  no comparison - 2006 BMW M3
  By dtm3 - December 4 - 4:30 pm

  After driving everything from an audi S4 to a porsche 911, this car has it all and makes few compromises. From a handling perspective, it is truly sporting asking the most from its driver, not unlike a 911. It is everyday livable with out smacking of too practical like the S4. My only complaint is the lack of satellite radio with NAV. The motor is incedibly willing and feels like it is made for the chassis, instead of the other way around. I am still under 1200 miles so I have only let it rip once or twice, but what a thrill. I have forgotten about my dream to sometime buy a new 911, if you are a sportscar enthusiast with a family, this might do it for you. Worth every penny!

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  Better than MB S-Class? - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By J McAfee - December 4 - 3:58 pm

  The review is from the perspective of a former MB S-Class owner (92 & 00), new to BMW and how the 2 compare. The BMW is a great vehicle and Im very happy with the purchase (and you will be, too). The two are very similar, yet significantly different. Buy the BMW for performance, handling, interior ergonomics, and interior comfort. Buy the MB for looks, snob appeal, heavy vault-like feel, and smooth ride. They even out in technical innovation, each with features superior to the other. The BMWs ride is amazingly good with 19" wheels, vastly better than my MB with 19", but inferior to MB with 16". BMW with much bigger trunk better interior finish & matierial vs new MB (92 MB the best).