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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  If the next ones better? - 2006 BMW M3
  By doug t - December 3 - 6:07 pm

  I picked up my car yesterday and cant stay out of it.The handling, power delivery, and brakes are completely dialed in without being too harsh. I considered the S4 and like 911s, the M3 should make me forget about those. I dont think Id need a 400 HP v8 that the next one has, after all, Itll take some time to learn all that this model has to offer. Looking forward to some track days.

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  Envy of all - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By livlif525 - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my 525i w/sport/premium pkg since 4/04. This is probably the best handling sedan ive driven to date. Lux but sporty. Expected gas mileage to be better around town. Avg 35mpg on the highway. Couldnt justify spending the cheese for the 530. The extra hp is only noticably missing at low speeds. Not a factor on the highway. Finally getting used to the stares at stop lights. If youre thinking of purchasing - stop 2nd guessing and get it. Youll be glad you did.

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  X3 X-cellent - 2004 BMW X3
  By Rtuchol2 - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased the X3, and couldnt be more pleased. I believe that BMW may have some future design changes, but the ultimate perk to the X3 or any BMW is the service plan. You may pay the higher price, and compromise the luxury, but you wont have to do a thing for the life of the car. BMW takes good care of its owners.

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  This car is great - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By pweese23 - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for almost a year now and its the best car I have ever owned. Without any doubt this is the ultimate driving machine. Ive really pushed the limits of this car and it runs as strong as the day I bought it. The car is smooth from 10mph to 130mph. The hardest thing to do while driving this machine is to obey the posted speed limits.

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  Performance - 2002 BMW M3
  By 2drstdcoupe - December 2 - 8:01 pm

  Purchased with performance in mind. Received one from Germany without a governor. Excellent car would highly recomend.

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  Bang for the Buck - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By chris - December 2 - 12:08 pm

  Had this car for over 10 years and 180,000 miles and the car is still going strong. Body is sturdy and still no creaks or rattles whatsoever. Maintenance is cheaper than my Honda since parts dont break down or rust as much. Excellent fuel mileage and very practical due to the folding seats. Excellent handling. This car can take curves and corners at high speeds. Ive almost run off roads with rental cars since Im used to how this car handles. It would have been better if this had a 6 cylinder engine, but it holds up more than repectably when pushed at higher rpms. Torque is strong at all rpms. Too bad they stopped making this model. Europe still has it with 6 cylinder models.

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  Solid Fun - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Chuck W - December 1 - 8:53 am

  Leased new - still really enjoy the vehicle - anticipate buying at the end of the 3 years. Drives smoothly w/more than enough motor to go when and where you need it. Commutes easily, highway powerful and back road perfect. X is nice in the snow - confident handling. Love the look. Feel is solid and comfortable the "leatherette" manual seats are actually quite nice and worry free. Two repairs [windshield stone at dealer and rear end collision out sourced] both done well. BMW dealer maintenance convenient w/nice loaners - and we use the free car wash Saturday AM at our dealer] Perfect two-person vehicle - back seat room larger than appears, but not expansive. Runs on premium.

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  Fabulous Car - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By smeagol - November 30 - 3:19 am

  I always wanted to own one of these babies even after having a Mercedes E320. A ride in a 2004 X5 got me really thinking about it, so when I needed to give my college age daughter a car, I gave her my 4 year old Acura and picked up a used 525i with 16k. What a fabulous purchase. Without a doubt, the most civil road hugging vehicle I have ever owned and tastefully, impeccably appointed inside to boot. And NO iDrive!!!

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  Bmw X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By pt dds - November 30 - 2:00 am

  The X5 has the greatest handling amongst all the SUV that I had test drive. The design is the nicest of all SUV on the market.

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  I love my 545! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Juneblooms - November 30 - 1:38 am

  This is my second BMW. My first was a 3 Series which I also enjoyed. The only reason I traded in my 3 series was due the pressure from my husband to upgrade. Once I drove my 545 just a few times I fell in love. I have never loved a car until I drove this car. Im a mom and this car was my compromise to Momhood. I have room for three kids in back. Tons of trunk room and a sports car to drive. Yippee. The only bad part is I dont get to play with it very often because Im usually hauling kids.