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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  Lexington KY 325xi Driver - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By RWS - June 16 - 1:28 am

  Ive owned my BMW a year and have put 20,000 miles on it. The car is very enjoyable to drive. In fact, I keep volunteering to drive it even on days where its my car pool partners turn. I drive 25 miles each way to work through pretty countryside and its probably my favorite portion of my day. The 5-speed automatic is very smooth shifting. I also feel secure in the car due to the great handling and braking as well as the sturdy construction. I do wish the car were a bit lighter I believe its 3,400 pounds contribute to so-so gas mileage (particularly poor in-town mpg) and overtaxes the engine a bit. Rear seat room is minimal, but I believe typical for a sport compact.

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  Awesome Coupe - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By 645 DS - June 16 - 1:22 am

  What an excellent ride! This is my 3rd BMW and I most recently has a Lexus GS430 which was not fun to drive at all.The 645 CI has great power and it just keeps going faster and faster. Fuel economy is much better than I expected. I average 19-20 miles between city and freeway driving. Learned the whole iDrive system in a week. This is a good way to keep the dash clean.

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  It is just right - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By KimberlyM - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my first BMW and I am very pleased with the overall performance and looks of the car. I can navigate on a curvy road and still maintain intregity and speed.

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  MY THIRD X-5 - 2005 BMW X5
  By Ron Johnson - June 15 - 7:27 am

  This is my third X-5. I just could not justify buiying any other kind of vehicle. It is comfortable, conservative and performs well in all weather. It provides class without being opulent. BMWs refined I-6 represents a combination of smoothness, performance and durability. I get as high as 25 MPG on the highway. Sirius Radio is excellent as is Bluetooth and navigation system. Even after being on the market for six years, the model still gets looks. I find cargo space adequate for my use. Seats are best in class. Dont look just at specs...this car is a "driver." If you spend a day with the X-5, you will fall in love. It becomes like a comfortable shoe. You never want to get out of it.

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  Great car to drive - 2005 BMW X3
  By JB - June 14 - 10:27 pm

  I used to drive an Audi A4 and was unsure how the transition to a SUV would be but the X3 has not let me down! It is wonderful, fun, comfortable and handles well. For those of you looking for a truck that drives like a car, this is the one for you!

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  My M roadster - 1998 BMW Z3
  By Kevin - June 14 - 4:35 pm

  This car is awesome! I purchased the M Roadster version of the Z3 which includes more horsepower(240hp) with a slightly larger 6 cyl. engine and a sportier suspension. The car drives and handles amazingly as if you are glued to the road. The performance is excellent with one flaw being the fast reving when your hard on the gas.the gas milage is decent when your not hard on the driving. The only problem I have had is the amount of room in the cockpit area. Movement is limited but thats what you expect with a 2 seat roadster. The two-tone black and blue leather interior is beautiful and goes very well with the silver paint. If youre looking for a Z3 but want a little more, check out the M!

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  My X5 exceeded my expectations! - 2005 BMW X5
  By Lori - June 13 - 12:57 pm

  I love my X5! It is a great truck to drive! It has the ability of a truck with great power and capacity but it has the comfort of a car. The engine is quiet, but it has get-up-and-go! Fuel econmy isnt the greatest, but not bad for a truck! I love that I can listen to cds... but cassettes sound just as good with the stereo system! Im amazed by the X5!

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  Back and better then before - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By blue/dark brown inti - June 12 - 11:21 pm

  I had the very first 2004 545i in NYC and it looked great but the computer was never working correctly and car was always in the shop. So my dealership worked with BMW and got me into an brand new M3 convertible leaving my 545i to BMW for further evaluation. Needless to say I loved my M3 but I needed a bigger car but did not want to lose the M3 drive so I returned my M3 and am back in a new 2005 545i and BMW fixed everything that was wrong with the 2004. The car is as fun to drive as my M3 but has the best sound system (Logic 7) great handling (sports pkg) and enough room for anything that life throws at you. The GPS/voice/bluetooth all work great GET A 545 TODAY- BEST 4dr on the road!

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  Ultimate Convertible - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Velocity - June 12 - 10:46 pm

  Simply put, for me and should be for you, this is the best convertible in its class. Most fun to drive. Gets all the looks, has plenty of power and handles like a pure sports car. It is stiff, but I expected it. If you want a soft Lexus type of ride this is not for you. I love the ride and feel very confident turning the car at high speeds. If you are looking for a sports convertible and you dont test ride this you are making a mistake. Its great to build the one you want as well. Your options, your colors, but the option packages can put you in the range of of a 5 or 6 series in price.

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  What a Ride! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Jim Seeberger - June 12 - 4:09 pm

  I was in the market for a Honda or Toyota product (was leaning towards the Avalon) until I took the wheel of a 2005 BMW 325i. There was just no comparison! The 325i was far superior in drive, ride, and comfort (to say nothing of its sharp look!) to any of the Honda and Toyota products I drove - - and I have great admiration for Honda & Toyota (my previous car was a Toyota). If you want to step up into a whole new realm of driving, do yourself a favor and take a look at the 325i. Youll be glad you did!