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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  Fun Car - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By FTB - February 17 - 12:06 am

  My car has everything except the sports package and HD radio. Everything works very well, even the iDrive that people seem to hate. It could be a bit more intuitive, but it is not useless. Real time traffic information isnt very helpful. Navigation works pretty good, but at some intersections, information didnt come soon enough. RFTs make the steering heavier. When I got a nail in one of them, it took several days to get a replacement. Power top mechanism works very well. With the top up, you get a decent cargo space, I think. With the top down, you still have a space enough for a couple of airplane carry on size bags. No mechanical problem so far at 2000 miles.

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  A car with soul - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By CheapflyfishingSOB - February 16 - 1:16 pm

  Im 41 with two kids. This is the perfect car for me it is fun to drive in any situation. There is plenty of room for all the hockey equipment. I have not had one problem with the car.

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  Utility Sportscar - 2007 BMW X3
  By jy - February 15 - 2:25 pm

  I bought this for my wife who is very difficult to please and was coming out of a 5 series wagon. This vehicle does everything well and even she is impressed. Most vehicles that are this much fun to drive are not at all practical, but this vehicle does it all. Everything about it is top quality. If you drive it, you will want to buy it. Dont bother with the sports package. The standard seats are more comfortable, and the standard front facia is much better looking.

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  Great Value for the Price - 2004 BMW X3
  By tglennon - February 15 - 10:00 am

  The X3 is one of the best luxury SUV-type vehicals Ive ever driven. Great handling along with the performance youd expect from BMW.

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  BMW - 2004 BMW Z4
  By BMWjames - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I have personally owned a BMW for about 30 years. All that I have had have lasted me over 200,000 miles. They are an excellent car, thats starts up every time. My new Z4 is as smooth as ever with very little that I dont enjoy about it.

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  Fun Car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Jeong - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Just got my dream car. Been saving money for 3 years and it is worth it. Great power, ride, and comfort. I got the cold and sport package, with xenon adoptive light, and 18 inch tires. Great car to ride in sunny San Diego.

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  German Quality - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Maximus - February 15 - 9:15 am

  I was shopping for a 4 door sedan for a while. I choose this car over the Saab 9-3 Vector and Audi A6. The first time you drive, you will feel the difference between the cars. The solid interior and precise handling, the deep tone of the 3.0L engine is just music to your ear. This car is way better built than saab or audi. I compared the 530 to the 540 . It is really a catch of badges since the 540 is 340 lb heavier than the 530 you really only gain a minimal performance but instead of getting 21mpg in city you will most likely get around 16-17.For exacly that reason I choose the 530.

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  Dont waste your money! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By steve - February 14 - 8:12 pm

  I bought this vehicle as a certified pre-owned BMW. Let me tell you, at first, I loved it! I liked the feeling of driving a luxury car. Now well get to the bad stuff. We drove 1000 miles away from home to visit family. We made it up there just fine. while we were up there, we had to take the "Bimmer" to the shop four times in three days due to a electrical malfunction. After the first two times of the dealership servicing the car, it overheated because one of the hoses had a hole in it! i expected better from BMWs certification process!

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  LITTLE ROCKET - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By JJ - February 14 - 1:53 pm

  I have been driving Toyotas & Hondas now for about the last 10 years & I can tell you there is no comparison to this 330i. With the cost of those well equipped Japanese cars rising "by all means spend a tad more to get this little rocket!" This BMW is fun to drive, stylish, quick, & has an awesome sound system. My only complaint is the Nav system - a little too complicated for me to use when in a hurry - but I sure like the video display for the radio & CD.

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  New to me X5 - 2005 BMW X5
  By steveo - February 14 - 9:39 am

  Ive owned a couple BMWs before (both M3s)... and have always loved the X5 design. We drove the Volvo XC90 and was pretty close to buying one. After driving the X5, I didnt even have to think again about it. Its still a little pricey for 2 years old... but I think I like this car just as much as my 2003 M3. Crazy.