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 - 2005 BMW X5
  By beverly5534 - December 26 - 10:33 am

  I can see why this is considered the ultimate driving machine. I LOVE my X5. It Handles, rides, and perfoms wonderfully. The amenities are exactly what and where I would expect them to be. Could use X3 cup holder configs though. GREAT on the long (12 hr) drives. Carries my little dog crate and ALL my stuff! Quick enough to get me out into traffic easily and safely. Fun and comfortable to drive. Compared ALL the competition... Really Glad I bought this one! Just LOVE this car!

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  BMW 325ci - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By bmw21212 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Simply the best BMW Ive ever had. Hands down beat the Mercedes,Volvo,Lexus alternatives when I was shopping.

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  Happy Beemer driver - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By sergek - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I have been very happy with my BMW sport wagon. The pickup is healthy, handling and suspension is a dream, service is fantastic, and the interior is very functional and well thought out.

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  Unreliable, Buy Japanese - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By mnfsto - December 25 - 2:00 am

  This car has been in the shop for numerous problems. The most extensive was when the car was in the shop for two full weeks. Serious transmission problems(electrical), air bag problems. It doesnt run smooth but the dealer says there is nothing wrong. 6 months of research with reviews to back me up all wrong. CR did rate it correctly. Average reliability. Mine has been less than average. Buyers remorse.

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  Cant go anywhere with out it - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By 540 single gal - December 24 - 6:18 pm

  Love this car...sold my 911 for something bigger but just as fun to drive. Now in 12/07 with over 120,000 miles (6 years and 90,000 miles later) it still looks and drives great. Stevens Creek, a San Jose dealership takes great care of me and my 540, although parts and labor can get pretty pricey, this dealership does help me out quite often, even out of warrranty. I have kept it garaged and well maintained, has second set of after market wheels and tires, just so I can stand out even more :)

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  Nice Sporty Car - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By wcc - December 24 - 6:46 am

  I just got my new bimmer 4 days ago and I love it. I just need to find the most comfortable driving position setting. First time I drove it, I suffered back pain (not when driving my M-Benz C230 Sedan). Feels like Ive found my best seating/seat setup this morning.

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  In a Class All Its Own! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By 1 Happy Boy - December 23 - 11:27 am

  Love this car! Period!! Is it the fastest? No. Is it the most attractive? No. Is it inexpensive? No. Is it the most luxurious? No. Thats a lot of nos, yes? Ah, but wait! Is the 3 Series the most overall well-balanced, interactive, inutuitive, and fun car to drive? Resoundingly, yes! Ive owned a lot of cars over the years an Acura TL, Audi A4, BMW Z4, Honda Accords, Ford Mustang, Toyota Camry, Lexus SC400, and Mini Cooper, and they all do at least one thing very well, maybe even best in class! But overall, the sum of their parts only equal their total. Remarkably, with the 3 Series, its total exceeds the sum of its parts. But you wont find it on paper. You have to drive it to know it.

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  Too Much Fun - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Nancy Lawson - December 22 - 5:07 pm

  I purchased my 330ci in November 2006. It drives like a dream and because I am a rather short individual, the seats fit better and are more comfortable than any other vehicle I have ever owned. BMW must have listened because my car does not have run flat tires and I have a very quiet ride. I didnt think I would enjoy the convertible as much as I have. It is so easy to use that I take the top down every opportunity I get. I also have the interface for wireless blue tooth that provides total hands free driving. I am so spoiled, I will never have another car without it. Likewise, the heated seats are such a pleasure! Yes, I love my car.

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  330xi - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By DJB - December 22 - 4:53 am

  This is my second 3. There seems to be some similarities with the run flat issues, My dealer had to replace them at 8500 miles. Having no spare is a bit concerning but have not heard of anyone getting stranded due to this. The new design and controls are excellent. Peformance is far superior than the previous 3. Car rides extremely smooth. You really need to experience the ride; it is worth the extra $$. BMW really is the Ultimate Driving Machine. this does come with a price and if you need a budget car then this is not for you but if you want to drive as you have never driven before then buy the bimmer. It will not disappoint.

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  BMW X5 Review - 2000 BMW X5
  By Bpruett - December 21 - 8:10 pm

  This has been a very good car. It now has 120000 miles. The only thing other than reg maint was the transfer case/transaxle was replaced at about 75000 miles. This wasnt under complete warr. BMW shared the cost even though strict maint had been documented. At 117000, I installed a new alternator . It cost 350.00 which was a deal compared to the 750.00 that BMW wanted. I did the labor myself. I repair cars for a living so I keep very good maint schedules on my stuff.