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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  Great car, just need newer.......... - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Judy Scroggin Updike - May 26 - 1:04 am

  Still love the car, but its getting a bit old and so am I. Think I need a newer model for safety.........

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  Love my M3 - 2002 BMW M3
  By t3knophile - May 25 - 8:59 pm

  I absolutely love my M3. Upgraded suspension, lowered 1.5", and installed 19" ZCP wheels (forged BBS).

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  Recommended - 2003 BMW Z4
  By RedZ4 - May 25 - 8:26 pm

  No regrets! My 2003 2.5i has been a pleasure to own and drive for the past two years. The car remains tight without squeeks and remains trouble free! The manual top can be lowered or raised quickly and easliy with only one hand and glass in the rear window is nice - but why should you care because the top will always be down.

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  Love it! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By anthony Vecchione - May 24 - 9:55 pm

  Maybe I am biased but this is my fifth of my BMW. Three were 3 series (gave my last one to my daughter so the grandchildren were safe), and purchased a Z4 for my wife. I needed a larger sedan than the 3, so the 5 was a natural choice. I happen to like the looks and the I Drive. Yes, it takes some time, but it is worth it. We just got back from a 2000 mile trip and we were comortable and relaxed after doing quite a bit of exploring. It handled wonderfully on the switchbacks of the forest roads, great milage on the highway, and the navagation system was confused only once when new roads had been built. It even found a small hotel we had programmed in in a residental area of town,

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  Great car, I love it! - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By Andrew - May 24 - 5:20 pm

  So far its been a great car to me and I have a lot of plans to make it even better. Really the only thing that has mechanically failed is the Idle Control Valve (ICV) which produced bad bouncing idle... so, clean yours!

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  Excellent choice ! - 1992 BMW 5-Series
  By Serega - May 22 - 6:00 pm

  Straight to the point: 1) Reliable car. Bought the car with 138K miles on it - not a single complaint during the first year. 2) The performance is awesome, just shift AT into S mode and you can outrun most of the cars. Handles corners like its glued to the ground. Definitely a fun to drive. 3) The only competitors at this price lack style and/or performance. 4) Comfort is superb: climate control, noice isolation, power everything. The list is unlimited. 5) Fuel economy: I get 20 mpg in mixed conditions with agressive driving. 6) Interior design: everything is where its supposed to be. 7) Exterior still turns heads. 8) Overall:has 50K$ car feel:)

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  The Truth about the E83 - 2004 BMW X3
  By BMW Fan Forever - May 22 - 12:48 pm

  This is in response to the many people including Edmunds who claim that the interior is "cheap" and the ride is rough. Subjective tripe! If you bought this vehicle and have regrets, I have no sympathy for you. You didnt do your homework. Let me help. THIS IS NOT, NOR WAS IT INTENDED TO BE, AN ELEVATED 330xi! It is a completely unique vehicle by BMW. You will not find a soft, glossy interior. Instead, you are greeted by a rugged dash and a somewhat different look and feel than any other BMW, though there are similarities. It Seems to be very well built. The car follows the road. Rough road=Rough ride! Control is amazing. In short, I cant imagine a car more practical, capable or exciting!

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  BMW X5 is truly the Best! - 2005 BMW X5
  By Tboogie - May 21 - 4:46 pm

  Had my 2002 X5 for 3 years. Never had a mechanic problem with it in the entire time I had it! Most of you must have problems from the new X-Drive. Mine drove like a well oiled machine. No rattles, nothing! Just months into turning her in, I was reended on the highway by a driver who never saw the traffic had come to a full stop. (He was fighting with his wife!) My X5 never moved from the impact which could have easily become a multi-car disaster. In fact, the X5 is so solid I didnt realize how bad it was until I got out to check on the damage. His car was totalled! How much damage did my X5 received? I had a few scratches buffed before turning that baby in.

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  Wow - The new 330XI - What a Car!! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By EDoane - May 21 - 7:33 am

  Does everything well - I am so very impressed with handling and power. Noticeable upgrade in Power from my E46 330i. Went with the ZPP and ZCP - All the options are wonderful and great.

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  Aaah!.. Now I Get It! - 2004 BMW X3
  By Scott Douglas - May 20 - 8:35 pm

  Ive owned Toyotas and Hondas for years for the reliability and resale value. Forget it! What good is a reliable car that you dont enjoy driving? The BMW is what you want. Its the closest thing to perfect Ive ever seen or owned. The handling is AMAZING! The engineering is first class, and Ive owned everything from Ford to Fiat. Ride is not rough, it simply follows the road. It does exactly what you tell it to. I HIGHLY recommend the X3 for the active person or small family. The CPO program is perfect saved $10,000 over new and still have 3 years factory warranty- plus 2 years CPO warranty! AMAZING! WHY would anyone buy anything other than a BMW? Something to ponder.