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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  2005 BMW 5 Series 545i 6M - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Joe V - April 19 - 7:46 pm

  Bought used w/ 24K miles. This is a truly amazing car. Ive had it now for 4 months and love it more every day. My only complaint was the REALLY bad OEM Dunlop DSST run-flat tires. BMW should be embarassed by these - LOUD as a truck and extremely jittery due to uneven tread wear all around. Replaced them a month ago with Pirelli P-Zero-Nero MSs and I have a totally different car. Handling & comfort are 100% improved. Trunk is huge. Sat radio & nav are great. Excellent night vision. 18 MPG in town - 28 MPG HWY. No regrets. A great purchase.

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  Best SAV out there! - 2007 BMW X5
  By MattfromNY - April 18 - 9:43 am

  Picked up the X5 this month and put 800 miles on it the first weekend. Car handles great and is not even comparable to the Acura MDX (I have had two MDXs and this is a big step up). Test drove the new MDX and decided to go with the X5 even though it was more money. Car is rock solid.

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  First and Last - 2001 BMW X5
  By German Enginering - April 18 - 1:26 am

  What can I say, besides the typical maintenance which needs to be performed at 60k, this car is a tank. Lots of room, classy look and performance to please any driver. Ive test driven MB, Infiniti, VW, Audi, and even GM. All seem nice but what BMW has done here, no one else has done. Handling is the first you will notice after you drive the rest. Then comes the power and performance this SUV has. You think that BMW states 290 hp. Think again. Ive taken 540s with my eyes closed. Some people just underestimate this SUV. Get this car and do the problematic maintenance that it needs around 60k and you will never regret it.

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  awesome - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Heath Mcfarland - April 16 - 10:00 am

  this is the best vehicle that i have ever owned!!

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  Good car - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By fred - April 15 - 4:32 pm

  The 540i if youre going to buy one is an excellent car. The only draw backs which you should worry about are the brakes and water pump. They go on these cars and will cost to fix. But remember the problem wont arise again for years if even then. So go ahead and purchase one, just have some money on the side for repairs or find someone who works on BMWs for a reasonable price!

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  Finally got my dream car - 1998 BMW M3
  By MARKSS - April 15 - 4:22 pm

  I have wanted an M3 sedan since they came out in 1997. Now that they are about ten years old, I am finally able to afford one. I have had mine now for a little over a year. It had 96000 on it, and now has 107000. It is still solid as a rock. I have driven it in high performance driving schools and autocross races. It is very quick and very stable, yet perfectly comfortable for everyday driving. The only complaints I have are the lack of steering wheel adjustments and a weak air conditioner. If you are sitting in traffic for more than a few minutes on an 85 degree+ day, it starts blowing hot air. Other than that the car is perfect. Most people are surprised when I tell them that it is a 1998.

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  Awesome car - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By frankie - April 15 - 2:04 pm

  This car is one of the best on the market. I love having my comfort access system in the winter because I can turn my car on and have it be warm when I get in it. Or you can just have a smart key, it opens the trunk, locks and unlocks the doors. The only thing it doesnt do that comfort access does is start the engine when you are not in the car. The handling on this car is awesome. My sister has a 525xi and it slips very rarely. The added horespower on the 530xi is worth it if you get stuck. If you have one or two kids then maybe you should get it for your wife but when they want to have friends in the car it gets kind of cramped. But for a working man it is perfect. Bluetooth is great.

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  X5 Sport and Utility - 2007 BMW X5
  By BMW#5 - April 13 - 10:16 am

  Amazing handling, very responsive, particularly for its size, feels smaller and lighter than it is. Interior design, very thoughtful and attractive. Bullet proof on ice and snow, Xdrive, sport package plus all the numerous electronic aids simply work. Over-engineered, takes much study and trial and error to use myiad systems. The iDrive is just plain tedious - flying the F16 was easier! Bottom line: if you like to drive, this is an easy choice over its peers.

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  A great car, with lots of power - 1995 BMW M3
  By Mike - April 12 - 5:54 pm

  The M3 is one of the best cars I have owned. It is tremendous fun to drive, with lots of power and terrific handling. I bought it instead of a Porsche 911 and am very happy I did. A spoiler makes the aesthetics even better. I also have enjoyed the built-in high persormance radar. The trunk holds two sets of golf clubs, so it has been perfect for games with a friend. While it works best as a two person car, the rear seats are big enough to comfortably take children in car seats.

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  Automotive piece of art!! - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By jdo4394 - April 12 - 12:26 pm

  My 2007 530xi is the most beautiful car I have ever owned, the fit and finish is excellent, the interior is clean, roomy and above all its comfortable. The nav system is great, logic 7 sound system is crisp and clear, auto trans is very smooth. Car is loaded with just about everything. Can no longer see myself ever driving any other car ever again.