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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  Z-4 - 2003 BMW Z4
  By angiemph - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I am a long time BMW driver, absolutely fell in love with this vehicle. I bought the vehicle fully loaded: The premium sound system is terrific, the push button top is a breeze (but who would EVER put it up in good weather) -- the seating is better than my 3-series for tall drivers/passengers ... and, the larger trunk space in the Z-4 as compared to the Z-3 made it possible for me to purchase since I travel a lot for business.Makes you look for excuses to drive. I purchased from Chad Barton [cbarton@autobahnmotorcars.com] via internet. The vehicle is a great value, the service was terrific and they even picked me up at the airport to deliver the vehicle. Wow!!

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  Revive the x5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By jogg - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Driveability is excellent. Build quality is poor. Too many options and few standard features for the price. For a status vehicle it should live up to its name and save the owner so many trips to the service dept.

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  Truly "The Ultimate driving machine" - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By uflash - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I went around driving cars like WRX, IS300, G35 Coupe, Audi A4, and the VW GTI. Nothing compares in overall performance+quality+comfort to the BMW 3 series. Trust me you wont go wrong with this car. Advice: Shop around for better pricing of the car.

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  2004 BMW 325 Ci (Coupe) - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Thalamus3 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  While Ive only had this car a few days, it is proves a wonderfully fun, yet comfortable and secure driving experience that I have not been privy to for many years. The quality of workmanship, both inside and outside, is exceptional.

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  Like it after a year, minor issues - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By ttroglio - October 7 - 2:39 pm

  Overall the car is great. This was our first BMW. Nice looks, nice interior comforts. Very nice leather. My only complaint so far is with the brakes. An annoying squeak develops when the front brakes get the slightest amount of dust on them. I did not expect this from a $50K car. Also, when I have the steering wheel and seat in a position I like, I cannot see the upper portion of the speedometer We are happy with the car. The ride is amazing. At high speeds in the rain it handles very well. Recently got a road force balance on the tires and that made the ride much better We purchased the car in black. I would not own another in black. Hard to keep clean.

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  Oh My... - 2008 BMW M5
  By FMINUS - October 5 - 4:53 pm

  I have owned an NSX, S2000, E46 M3, Porsche TT, and F360, however nothing compares to the new M5. Simply amazing. Power everwhere, handling like no other, and space for 5. Simply amazing.

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  Luxury at its finest - 2007 BMW 7-Series
  By John Palmer - October 5 - 8:24 am

  Make sure you have service history before buying. Good car when pampered

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  It is all in the engineering! No frills - 2006 BMW X3
  By Cecilia Dowd - October 4 - 12:53 am

  I have owned this car for 14 months. One trip to the dealership for leaking oil was quickly resolved. Driving this car over 80 mph, winding roads or bad weather is where you really appreciate and enjoy this car and its capabilities. It handles extremely well. I feel very safe driving this car.

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  Performance with a touch of luxury - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Jabo - October 3 - 8:46 am

  Great car, has the performance to wow anyone that rides in the passenger seat and the luxury that BMW is known.

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  Porsche in a Tuxedo - 2007 BMW M5
  By drr - October 2 - 12:07 pm

  This is a 4 door race car. Performance and handling are as good as the Porsche I used to own. The difference is that this is an everyday driver. I dont understand the complaints about the iDrive. With a little effort, I find it very intuitive. The SMG is the same - with some experience, it becomes second nature.