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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  A Change - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By KIM - November 3 - 11:46 pm

  From having a truck or SUV for every car that I have owned, I have to say this is fun to drive. My last vehicle was a Tahoe I needed a more fuel economical vehicle. I researched and test drove several cars and would have to say this is the best one. It could use some more interior room and definitely a useful second cup holder. Still not sure what all the buttons do. Beware of pulling into parking spots that have a curb, you will scrape. Leather seats seems to get a lot hotter than my other leather seats. My brakes seem to leave black residue on them (no I am not hard on the brakes).

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  What took me so long - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Pacific NW Driver - November 2 - 4:46 pm

  Bought my first BMW (530i w/Sport Package and navigation) one month ago to get style plus sporty performance. Had driven Nissan Maximas for prior 12+ years. This car has delivered as Im inventing reasons to take the long way home. Went on a 300+ mile trip and it was extremely comfortable. Interior build quality, mechanical and electronic performance is very solid. The sport package with 18" low profile tires is a must as it really sets off the look and you get added handling.

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  BMW ROCKS WITH AWD - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By TC - November 2 - 10:36 am

  Love it, tested the 5 series and liked it but the cost was not worth the difference in auto. 325 xi handles great in the snow of Wisconsin. Get the power seats!

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  My first bimmer!! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By fastcat - November 1 - 10:00 am

  This car is what dreams are made of! I considered many cars, basically all makes from VW Jetta on up. In the end, BMW got the upper hand (and rightfully so) by delivering the kind of performance I was looking for. Some people might say its overpriced, but I say the its all well worth the bucks. There truly is no comparison to "the ultimate driving machine!" Experience it for yourself!!!

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  Beautiful and Reliable - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By SunnySoCal - October 30 - 10:39 pm

  Very few maintenance needs, even up to 130K miles, when it was totaled in an accident. Interior and exterior still looked like new in 2007. In a severe accident, the car was incredible, and protected the front and rear passengers completely. I am going to purchase another one :-)

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  Grand Slam - 2007 BMW X5
  By Jim - October 30 - 6:28 pm

  Our X5 is a real winner with its good looks, surprising good gas mileage with average of 21+ on our very first trip, great handling and well thought out design. If I cant drive our 530Xi, I want to be behind the wheel of this vehicle. Comfort and heated seats are a must. The iDrive is easy get over it.

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  Fun ride - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By aGermanInUS - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I got the sports package and metallic paint, but no other gimmicks. I take 25mph-turns at 40-45 mph (on dry road, of course), with room to spare. The engine has enough spunk for fun driving, and it has near-maximum torque at almost the entire range. The sport seats, once adjusted, are extremely comfy. If traffic allows you to use cruise control to "take a load of your feet", 3-4 hours nonstop driving does not lead to much fatigue. This is not a luxury vehicle! The suspension is sportily-stiff, the performance tires give you road noise, and you feel the road. The engine is not as "in your face" as in the Z4, but you can enjoy its comforting growl in the cockpit.

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  330i ZHP - a sport sedan for the ages - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By JamesSpot - October 29 - 10:00 am

  This BMW is for someone who wants to drive a sports car on a daily basis but requires the added luxury, convenience, and practicality an upscale sedan provides. The powerful, smooth-revving inline six, tight suspension and performance tire grip, powerful brakes, and feel of the road through the gearshift lever and steering wheel are the zenith of what BMW offers. With the ZHP package, you benefit from an increased sporting feel and minor tweaks to the engine and running gear, without paying the premium in reduced gas mileage, insurance cost, or ride comfort of a single purpose sports car. To me, it is a "best of both worlds" daily ride.

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  Stay away from the X5 go for the MDX - 2007 BMW X5
  By Gordon - October 29 - 8:59 am

  My loaded X5 has 14000 miles . Week 1, faulty oil line, spent 1 week at the dealer. 1 month later computer crash, 4 more days at the dealer. This month transmission failure ,1 more week at dealer. Now I am told that I need new tires for 2500.00. Yes the x5 is fun to drive and great looking but is not worth the price tag. Just bought my wife loaded 2007 MDX for 20000.00 less than the X5. It might not be the high performance machine but it has not been back to the dealer and it really has better options. Stay away from the X5.

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  Awesome car, definitely fun to drive - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By caff - October 27 - 2:50 pm

  This is a very awesome car, since I purchased this vehicle, I definitely get a lot of looks from people who havent recognized the new body style of the coupe and from a lot of car enthusiasts. Previously I drove a 4 cylinder which had plenty of get up, but the increase in horsepower from the inline six as well as the excellent handling gives me more than enough to enjoy my drive.