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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  Love the sporty X3 - 2005 BMW X3
  By Chris - March 19 - 3:10 am

  An incredible machine, expensive for the interior room, but didnt buy it for cargo space. Have put 7,000 miles on it in 6 months, absolutely no trips to the dealer for any issues whatsoever, unlike two of my friends who bought VW Toureags. Mine is fully loaded, including the sport package which does make it stiff, but that really smoothed out at about the 4,000 mile point. It is a joy to drive, especially here in Germany, and pull compliments out of even the most staid Germans for the great design. Again, it was pricey compared to many US models, but compared to the X-5, with the same interior space, etc, I believe this car was a bargain. Would buy another in a heartbeat.

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  Drivers Car - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By JRT - March 16 - 7:10 pm

  Initially I was not a BMW fan, I was a long time MB user. BMWs slogan the ultimate driving machine meant nothing to me. Until I drove one. Ive always heard that BMWs drive like nothing else. This is very true, I have never felt more in-tune with a vehicle before. The responsive and agile handling of the car is excellent. As with most german cars fit, finish, and quality is at its best. The car feels so solid and refined. Every component of the car fits together perfectly. Interior is gorgeous and sporty, very driver oriented. Mercedes Benz is unmatched in luxury and refinement. But BMWs driving dynamics are superb. If you want the car to drive yo,u get an MB, yet if youre a driver, only BMW.

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  The Dragon of SUVs - 2005 BMW X5
  By Bimman - March 16 - 1:47 pm

  I picked up my 4.8is at the BMW performance center what a treat. A must do for all BMW perfomance buyers. Drove back to NJ and Ill say this SAV has the mustard of a M5 and more. With the comfort seats installed an eleven hour drive seemed like 2 hours. Average mpg was 19.2 at 85 mph Awesome performance and handling. The best auto Ive driven in years.

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  x3 - 2004 BMW X3
  By v6saleen - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I love this car it is a great machine the car handles like a champ. It is the ultimate driving machine.

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  The Ultimate Sport Sedan! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By RizMalik - March 15 - 8:49 pm

  I bought this car last evening and was surprised by the handling, comfort and performance of the car... its awesome! I got the fully loaded 545i in titanium silver metallic. Yes, the styling is not perfect... but every car these days has some weak spots... so not a big deal. The interior is perfect, power is always there on demand and the luxury is outstanding.The 18" runflat tires look classy and add to the beauty of the vehicle. The Logic 7 audio system will blow you away (will have to spend 1800 bucks for it). The iDrive is simple and easy to use contrary to the confusing articles about it. It is very easy to use and is practical. If you want to get the ultimate sport sedan, go for it

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  Iron Fist in a velvet glove - 2005 BMW M3
  By Paul - March 15 - 3:52 pm

  After owning eight previous BMWs, I can honestly say this is my favorite. This car is probably too much for the street in most instances, but dont let that stop you from picking one up. Maintaing one of these cars is a bit more expensive (namely the high end tires), but with the maintenance programs that BMW now offers on their new vehicles this is less of an issue. Very quick, amazing handling, and probably the best brakes ever put into a production vehicle add up to a whole lot of fun every time you drive it. In the immortal words of Ferris Bueller "If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up".

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  New Body. New Color. New Car! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Barry - March 14 - 11:33 am

  I thought I wanted the 2006 330i sedan and began the process of selection a year and a half ago. After awaiting the 2006 new model I decided that I would wait awhile longer for the coupe to appear. Am I glad I did! Wow it has proven to be worth the wait. I am thrilled with the style, comfort and performance of my Montego Blue Metallic 2007 335ci. My concern was always comfort with the 3-series which is why I didnt accept in in the early 2000 models but this car is so roomy (I am 6 feet tall and 215 pounds). Everything about it is first class. The interior devices are all within reach, the moving parts work well and the comfort is without flaw. What a great product from BMW.

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  Its a BMW - 2005 BMW X3
  By BMWRICKEYS - March 14 - 2:54 am

  Traded in a 2003 330xi with 37,500 miles on it, for the 2005 X3 cause I needed more room. But still wanted AWD with X-Drive. Its a good safe SAV, but not a sedan. I would like it to have more power. I hope they put the 255hp Eng.in it soon. If you need a SUV thats Fun to Drive "Its a BMW"

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  Very Happy - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By mike2lane - March 13 - 11:59 pm

  Bought this car because of its lower comparable depreciation, and I couldnt be happier. My only problem is that I really would like better drink holders... how American, I know! The drive is impressively smooth to the point where my friends make comments and two have bought one themselves. I recommend this car if for no other reason than the great service I get at most dealerships come time for service.

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  roadster in Germany - 2005 BMW Z4
  By soldier-in-ger - March 13 - 7:31 am

  Wonderful car! Bought it direct from BMW and saved quite a bit. Love the looks it gets and its very quiet at speed. I sometimes forget its a convertible because its so well insulated cant wait for Spring to get here!