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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  Awesome - 2001 BMW M5
  By MALEXCAB - April 25 - 6:57 am

  M5 is an amazing car to drive. I always wanted to have one... now Im driving it. Great handling, very comfortable, and not too "show off" unlike other sportcars. Wanted to get a 911 but the M5 is an all around vehicle that can accommodate the whole family. Cupholders are terrrible but I should not be drinking in the car anyways. I find myself turning off the radio and just listening to the exhaust. What a wonderful beast!!!

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  Superb Alll Rounder - 2007 BMW M6
  By RAF - April 24 - 5:35 pm

  Great GT because it can do 95% of what a pure sports car can do on a track. On the road no sports car will leave the M6 behind. Furthermore it is very comfortable, well made and huge fun. iDrive is easy, and SMG faultless. What is the problem with all you testers. If you need help in learning how to drive SMG smoothly let me know. Ill gladly show you!

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  Land Shark - 2004 BMW Z4
  By DarkApprentice - April 24 - 5:04 pm

  This thing is sleek, corners well, good turning radius, punchy 0-60 for the amount of money spent, the stereo system is decent for a stock set-up. A little awkward getting out of the vehicle but this is nothing new for a sporty vehicle / roadster. All in all its a great car!

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  Great Small SUV - 2007 BMW X3
  By Barx1316 - April 22 - 8:28 pm

  I just bought the X3 after months of research. Ive been very happy with it. Great engine, nice interior, good interior storage space for vehicle size.

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  Read before you buy - 2001 BMW X5
  By CRJ Driver - April 22 - 2:05 pm

  I do not own this car any more. This was the car that made me switch brands for good. I am like most of you. I dont mind paying as long as I get my moneys worth. I did not. Reliability is a big issue with me. I have had it until it went out of warranty, only owner, always kept up with the services, 11 pages of records from day one. Little things, dead battery, window regulators, Nav screen, abs sensors, vacuum leaks (intake manifold) MAF sensor, self leveling rear suspension sensors, A/C sensor, oil separator, among other things. Other than that, fun car to drive when not in shop. Well built, smooth engine but the fear of something going wrong anytime overshadows the driving experience.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2006 BMW X5
  By MelissaC398 - April 22 - 11:29 am

  I really like this vehicle. It handles well, comfortable ride, great sound system, and lots of extra goodies. Fuel efficiency is not the best 14.8 around town but considering the V6, its not bad. The only thing is the narrowness of the front windshield. Creates a blindspot when going around curves. Also, the back window does not open at all. MINOR items considering the overall performance, handling, and satisfaction of this ride!!

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  Fun and luxury - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By jrutledge - April 21 - 1:12 pm

  I wanted a performance car and a luxury car. I got both from one car with the 540i. With very slight mods it is even better.

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  Good News and Bad News - 2003 BMW X5
  By lnesq - April 21 - 10:00 am

  Handles like a dream, real performance vehicle. Gives you the pick up you need at stop lights and when you need to pass. Interior center console is useless,does it ever occur to designers that people might have different uses for these? Forget the cup holders, or at least allow me to remove them if I wish. The manual AC is a mystery. There is no way to figure out the controls, something about blue dots and red dots and several little dials need to be lined up in some sort of order. Who knows.

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  Great little coupe - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Hellrot - April 20 - 10:18 am

  Very comfortable highway car. Im 63" 220 lbs. and I have plenty of room. It has plenty of power for the highway and is very agile in city traffic. The central locking system these Germans designed is a tough one to figure out. Thats my only beef. The car is very tight, solid. At high speeds it is quiet and smooth. You definitely have to pay attention to your speed or set the cruise control otherwise youll be traveling 80+ mph and not realize it. It handles like it is on rails but still maintains a smooth ride quality. This is my first BMW. I have owned 30 different cars over the last 30+ years. This car impressed me so much that Ill be adding another BMW to my collection very soon.

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  Just got it, love it. - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By evan - April 20 - 3:26 am

  This is a great car so far. I did a lot of research and although the price is high, this cars design and technology sold me. I think people who always buy sedans are missing out. This is as good as the sedan plus you get a lot more utility for a bit more weight.