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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  It is almost perfect for me. - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Edmond - April 2 - 3:02 am

  Solid car. No major problems. The following items have been repaired or fixed so far: 1. cam position sensor. 2. Water pump. 3. thermostat. 4. Seatbelt harness cause the SRS light on. Almost all the parts you can order from the internet for very cheap price.

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  04 530i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Jimb - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car to lok at and drive. The interior could us a little more luxury and the simplified i-drive works extremely well. The exterior is a welcome change to the boring look of the previous exterior and the drive is much improved.

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  Good driving machine - 2004 BMW X5
  By Scott of Southern Ca - April 2 - 2:00 am

  It drives like BMW; steeper but accurate.

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  Alva review - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Gregory Alvarez - April 1 - 7:42 pm

  A real fun to drive car, kids love it for a downtown cruise car . Or just to drive around town ,many compliments from neighbors and citizens.

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  Z4 roadster - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Daniel Har - April 1 - 7:20 pm

  Although this is by far the best car Ive ever owned, there are a few kinks... The drivers side cup holder is not in the best place. Not exactly maintenance free. High gas guzzler on street driving. Even with wind blocker, there is still a high draft. The number of accessories for the car is great. Ive had to dye my leather seat 3 times since i bought the car 9 months ago.

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  The Best Auto Ive Ever Driven - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Nickys BMW - April 1 - 12:48 pm

  This vehicle is beautiful to look at, fun to drive and very reliable. BMW Service is second to none and we would never think of puchasing another make of vehicle. My husband used to be a Cadillac Man, but not anymore!

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  Best 30 Grand Sedan - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Bond - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the price.

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  Sport package w/ 17" rims - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By jdiehl - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Getting ready to turn in my 3yr lease vehicle and Im not wanting to give it back! This car gave me zero problems in the 3yrs that Ive driven it. This is my 2nd bimmer and will not be my last. When I first picked it up, everyone thought it was the new M3 (in 99) because of the sport package (really glad I got that option). :-)

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  look out open road - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By bigb - March 31 - 6:13 am

  Bought it recently and car was well cared for. What a car-like going on vacation every time behind the wheel- just pure pleasure. I know it will eventually cost me but who cares-you cant take it with you. If you have the desire-try one used and you will see what I mean.

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  BMW 323i - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By mnbiker - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely rock-solid. No reliability issues of any kind. If I had it to do again, I would have purchased the Sport package. Otherwise no regrets.