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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  Ultimate driving machine! Buy it ! - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By robotech - October 5 - 1:10 am

  I absolutely love this car. I find myself making excuses just to go for a drive in this car. This car will truely put a smile on your face every time you take it out. I drove the 525, 528, 530 and 540 as well as MB E320, Lexus GS300 & GS400 and even Volvo S80 models before settling on the 530i. In my opinion the 530i is the best choice in this series for power and fuel economy. Regular maintenance is expensive but I expected that with BMW. No problems, except for the lousy cup holders. They break easily and are practically useless. Trunk could be bigger (height wise). Buy a good used 530i and you will never look back! By far the best car that I have ever driven.

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  Very happy - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By BPTBOB - October 4 - 2:06 am

  My previous car was a 2001 AUDI A6 4.2 pearl color. I loved it and thought there was no match. I was wrong. The BMW 335xi is a great car with plenty of power and looks. I settled for a Titanium Silver with all of the trimmings. (Premium, Sport, etc.) Good MPG 26-27 highway will be saving me a little cash too. For those shopping, dont short change yourself, be sure to get the premium package at minimum, youll want to sleep in your car.

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  Good- net yet great! - 2006 BMW X5
  By boop in SI - October 3 - 11:38 pm

  This vehicle could use a bigger trani. In 2000 when the 1st one rolled off the floor there was a different and better transmission used. However, BMW still has not yet learned to LISTEN to their consumers. And, hense, will not be great, until such time that they do!!! BMW still has not figured out how to provide an in dash CD player with the navigation system... Who needs a cd player in their trunk anyway? Sure--we traveled 11 hrs to NC and loved emptying the car to change disks... WAKE UP BMW AND LISTEN TO US WOMEN AND WHAT WE WANT ...WE HAVE BEGUN DRIVING THE GREAT CARS AND THEY DRIVE THE CRUMMY CAR TO THE TRAIN OR BUS EACH DAY!!!!!

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  Best value on the used market - 1992 BMW 7-Series
  By pdxg - October 3 - 2:18 pm

  Ive owned the 750 for over 5 years. Its been an exceptional car. The v-12 power and handling is awsome. Around town I get 16mpg 23 highway. This is great highway car. Fully loaded it climbs hills and passes with no effort. Ive had minor repairs such as brakes, radiator belts. If you do your own repairs there is a lot of informaiton on the web and an extensive manual by Bentley.

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  sporty suv - 2005 BMW X3
  By vic leb - October 2 - 11:44 pm

  I traded in my Trailblazer for a more fuel efficient car. I love the stiff handling. Almost as if I am in my own personal roller coaster. The leather seats hug the driver and the simple yet classy interior make the driver feel like he is in the cock pit of a sports car. Love my new ride and find the engine to be quite responsive with decent gas milage

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  The Best of The Cutting Edge - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Qais Hroub - October 2 - 10:00 am

  The Best of The Cutting Edge

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  BMW Z4 - 2003 BMW Z4
  By PLW - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Just moved to the Z4 from the 740IL. Quite a change, but a wonderful one. Still feel the sturdiness and responsiveness of a BMW, but a lot more fun to drive.

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  MY first BMW - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Daniel Dimashkieh - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Well I got my 330ci coupe in febuary 2003, it is silver wil the 18 inch stock bmw rims, i also put a win on it to give it that sporty look , pluse i tinted the windows. . And it it is a big step up from a Toyata truck lol. Since this is my first BMW it has tacken a while to get used to. But all in all I love it. rides great , corners like a champ. I have had the bmw now for about 6 months and I like it more by the day. I kinda was getting a feel for it at first, now I am really starting to see whAt this car can do. And living in Los Angeles its always a plus to be seen in Beemer.

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  BMW M3 - Hype from Reality - 2003 BMW M3
  By gravis8000 - October 1 - 5:16 pm

  I previously owned a 2000 M Roadster. Loved the car - a beast. Tight handling, throaty exhaust, a rocket launcher. My buddy owns a 2002 330Ci - refined car, snappy, loved the top. I thought the 2003 M3 w/SMG would marry the best of both. It does - in a way - but after owning it, I still find myself longing for the purity of the M Roadster. Its just as fast (01-02s would actually smoke the E46 M3), handles better, and its way lighter. The M3 outputs 333HP but it weighs 3780lb. The SMG trans screams at high RPM/track driving, but it takes getting used to around town. For an awesome daily driver for the fam, save the $ and get the 330Ci & buy the M Roadster for the weekend.

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  What are they talking about - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By bimmerman375 - October 1 - 2:24 pm

  After driving this car for the last few weeks, I cant imagine what troubles critics initally had with it. First and foremost, this machine drives beautifully though it is large, the steering is incredibly light, especially at parking lot speeds. It has great interior and exterior designs and the comfort features (for example, ventilated seats and automatic closing trunk) are, though unnecessary, quite amazing. Idrive is also not very complicated - after 3 hours or so, I was able to master most features. Additionally, BMW still gives you the option of controlling most things (like the radio) from dedicated buttons on the wheel or center stack. This is a great car, indeed.