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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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2006 BMW X5
  By V - December 28 - 10:35 am

  We LOVE this car! When we first bought it, I was creating errands and reasons to drive! Two years later, I still get excited every time I get into it! Our teenagers and toddler are all comfortable in the backseat as well! Weve packed and moved things one would hardly believe! It even tows our 26 foot sailboat! This is a purchase well never regret other than wed like the optional 7 seats. A trade in may be in the near future! A repeat buy is a sure way to define exceptional quality and experiences!

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  There are better values out there - 2005 BMW X3
  By clydesdalecm - December 27 - 2:15 pm

  This X3 is a sharp car and drives like a 3 series sedan...this is a blast to drive. Outside of that, it gets less attractive. It isnt very big for an SUV (ie Doesnt carry a lot of stuff or people). The fuel economy for a V6 is horrible (maybe 17-18MPG?) Four passengers in this thing feels like too many. The trunk is tiny (cant fit 1 set of golf clubs across). And the interior features arent stellar for a $40K vehicle.

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  BMW DEALER SHOULD DO MORE RESEARCH - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By ET - December 27 - 11:33 am

  I have the same problem like other Bmw 325xi owner. The Run-flat tires. I had similar problems like everyone with the tires, but I replaced with dealer-recommended Continental which are run-flat as well. The dealer charged me around 1095 dollars to replaced the Bridgestone tires. The dealer said normally charge $75.00 per tire. Run flat tire is cost more money. $110.00 per dollars. Labor cost is too much. Bmw should pay for tires and labor. Bmw put the wrong tires on this car. Please do more research. The performance of this car is very good. The price is cost more than other car.

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  I love this car - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Tarzan - December 27 - 9:16 am

  Fabulous car. Replaced a (blown) 97 Miata STO which was a spectacular car--but the Z has everything my beloved Miata did not (legroom, to name only one example!). Ive had it for a couple of months now and just flat love this car. Performance is wonderful, build quality is stellar and chicks dig it. Only suggestion for improvement would be to increase interior storage space a bit. Very happy to have this car and would recommend it without hesitation.

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  Very Impresses - 2004 BMW X5
  By ssabripo - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car after test driving the VW Touraeg, Infinty FX45, and the Acura MDX. It is not as luxurious as the Tourage on the inside, is not quite as fast in the straight line as the FX45, but it is the best all-around SUV Ive ever driven! it handles like a 3-series sedan, and the new Valvetronic just hums as you go 100mph.

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  A great automobile - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Chifo Jr - December 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my third BMW. After an 850CSI and 740IL I didnt think BMW could improve things so much. I evaluated both the 745LI and the Benz S500. I found for my tastes the 745LI to be far more appealing. It took some time for the styling to grow on me as I wasnt real impressed with the first few I saw. Im now a convert with the aggressive lines. The iDrive is a bit more complicated than it could be but not that difficult to master the features you will actually use.

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  Super Car - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Red Dog - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Having driven Corvettes, Merdedes, and even an Infinity for the last 30 years, I decided to try the new 2004 530i and I am impressed. It has superb handling qualities and surprising acceleration for 235 HP. I was first attracted to the car because of the new styling. I have read numderous compaints about the new look, and I cant understand it. I have received numerous complements on the looks and my wife called me yesterday to say she had received 3 separate "thumbs up" while at stoplights yesterday. Common folks, even Volvo got rid of their "boxy" look.

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  Delightful driving with the wind blowing - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By basilmerlot - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Second BMW 330 ragtop owned. Delightful to drive but has two weaknesses. Underpowered even with the 225 HP six and engine sound is so flat you feel you are in a Yugo. Missing the muscular engine of previous 3 series. Has some body roll but is very tight for a convertible. Well built, few problems within first six months of ownership. Upgraded 18" wheels are beautiful and get compliments wherever I drive. Little wind noise at high speeds.

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  Bavarian Headache - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Kline47 - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful, graceful, hard charging people mover. Ergonomics are perfect and interior finish superb. Most comfortable and fun BMW Ive owned.....when it isnt in the shop. Replaced auxillary fan twice, bearings in rear wheel, front control arm, and I have to bring it in now for a faulty rear brake caliper and a loud suspension rattle. The car just broke 30000 miles. The car gets a higher overall rating from me due to fit, finish, and fun factor but reliability just is not what I know from BMW. Unfortunatley my third will be my last.

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  Great, even 5 years after manufacture! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Pat - December 26 - 2:50 pm

  I fell in love with the Z4 while looking for a sports car. Had a rough start though since I have the sport package a deep pothole ate the passenger side and forced a repair. Then the convertible top refused to work. Then an electrical failure forced another round of work. In all though, Ive taken this to the track and on road trips-and its been sheer joy. Even driving to work is fun! Its gotten nice looks from passerby too. A few nits: tire roar is deafening even with top up, rattles galore on rough roads, and auto top suffers from finicky electrical shortages. But dont let those stop you from buying this wonderful machine.