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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  BMW Designed This One Exactly Right! - 2007 BMW X5
  By Greg - May 9 - 11:16 am

  This is my second BMW and my new X5 supports my previous statements about BMW being the best ownership Ive ever had. This X5 does everything right. The computer controlled transmission operates exactly the same as if I was making the decisions myself. The X5 drives amazingly like the Porsche 911 I recently owned, probably because of the Sports Package and 20" wheels that I insisted on having. This SAV is as close to perfect as any of my previous vehicles.

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  Costly Repairs - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By AJBAKER - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Driving the BMW328i is a pleasure, but my driving pleasure is overshawdowed by the times my car has been in the shop for repairs. In 2001 with 24,000 miles on the car, I replaced the front brakes, pads and rotors for $1500. While on business travel in September, my husband called to tell me he was at the dealers with my car and all it needed (smile :() was front and rear brakes, pads, rotors and a new suspension system to the tune of $3,000. My previous car, 94 Honda never went in the shop for suspension problems, and it had over 85,000 miles on the odometer when I gave it to my son

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  Little Red Wagon - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Harrison - May 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. Looks, performance, handling, good resale value, all at a reasonable price. Compare the resale value of this car when its four years old to an American- made compact SUV and youll see what a great value the Bimmer is.

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  My BMW 7 Series - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By reviewer - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE my car. The exterior is a love/hate thing, but I love it. If your good with video game conrollers you will not have any problems with the iDrive, if not call my 17 year-old son. I looked at the Lexus LS 430 and liked the 7 Series better. I do not like Mercedes-Benz so the S430 was not even an option. But I test drove the S430 after I bought the 7 Series, and that just reconfirmed that I had made the right choice going with BMW. If your wondering why the build quality rating is so low, thats because the 7 Series price is such a hurdle. Is the 7 Series worth 2 3 Series?

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  My BMW 7 Series - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Reviewer - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE my car. The exterior is a love/hate thing, but I love it. If your good with video game conrollers you will not have any problems with the iDrive, if not call my 17 year-old son. I looked at the Lexus LS 430 and liked the 7 Series better. I do not like Mercedes-Benz so the S430 was not even an option. But I test drove the S430 after I bought the 7 Series, and that just reconfirmed that I had made the right choice going with BMW. If your wondering why the build quality rating is so low, thats because the 7 Series price is such a hurdle. Is the 7 Series worth 2 3 Series?

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  dont buy anything else - 2003 BMW X5
  By bmwlover/ forever - May 9 - 10:00 am

  i love this car tried many oyher cars but this far exceeds other makes. buy this car now. not one regret LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  2002 BMW 330xi - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By BeemerFan - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Its an absolute "drivers car" for the enthusiast. Its fun to drive and repond to every drivers input. If an M3 is out of your range this is the car to buy. Its silky smooth V6 coupled with AWD is hard to beat on an entry luxury segment.

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  Ultimate Driving Machine - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By BenL - May 9 - 10:00 am

  This is by far one of the best vehicles to drive. It does it all well. This is the most fun you can have with your clothes on.

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  A4 = 325xi ?! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By beckernj - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I was interested in a compact all-wheel drive sports sedan and test drove both Audi A4s (1.8 and 3.0) and the BMW 325xi. I do not understand how people can say these cars are equivalent. There is no comparison! I may have been biased by the enthusiasm of the BMW salesperson as compared to the Audi salesperson for their respective vehicles, but in my opinion the BMW blew the Audi away. I thought the BMW handled better, accelerated more smoothly, was more solidly constructed, and overall was more fun to drive. Even after driving the 3.0 A4 I still preferred the 325xi.

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  The 330i and others in its class - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By reviewer - May 9 - 10:00 am

  The BMW 330i (RWD 4dr sedan ((3.0L I-6 5M))is almost a perfect balance of luxury and sport. This car has excellent fuel economy it this Near- Luxury car segment. The Audi A4 Quattro has a better interior and exterior than the BMW 330i. The Infiniti G35, a big competitor to the 330 has a better looking interior also. The G35 sedan is about $7,000 cheaper than the BMW 330i sedan and is as good if not a better of a performer than the 3-series. So get out and take a test drive to see which one you like better. My wife is in line to get a new G35 coupe! So Ill tell you later which one I like better.