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 bmw525 automatic - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Bob - March 12 - 11:13 pm

  I love it and have no regrets, it was expensive but worth it and so was the navigation system

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  Ownership of My 3rd BMW. 2005 525i BMW - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Patricia McCoy - March 12 - 10:07 pm

  The performance of the 525i series is outstanding. I have the sports package on my automobile, the grip to the road as you are going around curves. Hugs the road. Love the rotating lights, especially in the evenings the support back in the drivers seat makes this vehicle an exceptional soothing and comfortable adventure. Storage space in the trunk is excellent. The body style is sleek and classy. Hot Las Vegas weather the silver tones are perfect for desert & evening driving down the strip shows off pure elegance. Safety of this vehicle is at the top of the line of autos. I have received discounts on my auto policy for having lo-jack & side, overhead, front airbags. Proud owner in Las Vegas NV.

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  Great car/Questionable service - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Joe - March 12 - 6:03 pm

  This is my first BMW. I looked carefully at other cars before deciding on this one. I have no complaints with the machine. Its solid, responsive and easy to drive. The "bells and whistles" (iDrive, etc) are actually easy to use and functional. Practical too. The front-end of the car seems a little low and I am distressed to occasionally scrape inclines at low driveways and bumps in the road.

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  Endless Power - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Ken - March 12 - 5:40 pm

  The car is a beautiful head turner with quick acceleration and great braking. That more than makes up for the poorly excuted iDrive. Its the only bad thing about the car. The driving experience is hindered by this awkward, needlessly confusing gizmo. The integrated Bluetooth phone system does not operate smoothly. The sound system is good. Trunk space is adequate. The exhaust note is thrilling. The front seats are supportive and comfortable. The rear seats are for emergency use and should be considered additional storage. Overall, its a gorgeous, fast, sturdy, well built ride that will give you plenty of smiles. Driving this car makes me feel good.

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  My 01 M5 - The LeMans Blue Beast. - 2001 BMW M5
  By DWSMITH - March 12 - 10:44 am

  By far, the best 4 seat, 400 hp car in the world. It is a beast in oxford clothes. Never a squeak inside. The clutch allows me to drive in very slow traffic with minimal effort and the torque allows me to just smoke the tires when I feel like it. As far as handling, Ive never had one moment where I felt like I was going to lose control. Amazing car.

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  I love this car... - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Mary - March 12 - 1:39 am

  Ive only had my BMW 525 for 2 weeks now and I have yet to find anything I dislike about this car. I traded in a 2002 Jaguar, which I enjoyed, but after driving this car I knew I had to make the switch. The overall interior is bigger, my husband, who is a bigger guy fits comfortably in both the front and back seats. The car is quiet and easy to drive. The iDrive is different but after playing with it a bit its not a big problem. I like the way it handles the road and the smooth drive. The trunk space is great. Unless something drastic happens I can see me driving a BMW for a long time

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  Amazing - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Moab - March 11 - 7:18 pm

  This is the finest car I have ever driven. I love the acceleration and handling in addition to the superior comfort of the ride. I can honestly say that I will probably never drive another make other than BMW. I am sold for life on BMWs! the other day, I had a guilty pleasure when I beat a car-full of teenagers in a drag race on the highway. They were amazed!

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  125K and still speeding - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By robert - March 11 - 5:26 pm

  Great car. Ive put 125K miles on in 3 years. Only problem was the AC control unit going bad at 90K miles. Which was a $140 fix at the dealer. If you want a car that is trouble free, low maintenance, and fun to drive this is your car.

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  European Excellence - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By CARNUT - March 10 - 5:10 pm

  If you appreciate European (esp. German) cars and want more than what a Japanese luxury car can deliver, then you will love the BMW 540i series (E39). It has more than enough power to get the job done on the highway. Super comfortable on long drives. The Navigation system is one of the best. Perfect mix of Sport (w/ the sport package) and luxury in a medium sized sedan. At this price point, nothing matches it.

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  SERVES ALL MY NEEDS & MY FAMILYS TOO - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By stephanie M. - March 10 - 1:23 am

  After the birth of our daughter, (3-18-02) My husband said he wanted the safest-best most reliable vehicle we could find for our "new precious cargo" And after much research - we decided on this make & model. And have been extemely HAPPY!!!!! In the past weve owned Porche, audi, Hondas, mercedes.. (all excellent rides!) But this BMW is definetly the ULTIMATE driving machine!!!!! It makes any drive too short, HAHA!