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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  Best value in the BMW line - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By OC dude - February 24 - 4:47 pm

  Got this car as a demo with 7000 miles on it. Paid $37000 for a fully loaded car w/ every possible option. The 2.5 engine surprise me with its get up and go, especially if its put in Sport Mode. Ive had 4 adults in this car and still drive great with wonderful acceleration on the on-ramp. Build-quality is much better compared to my 2004 330Ci definitely a step up from the 3-series. This cars interior is timeless compared to the spartan design of the new 5 series quality of material and leather seeems to be of better quality compare it for yourself and save yourself a whole lotta money by buying the previous generation 5.

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  X3 almost the Ultimate - 2005 BMW X3
  By Rusel - February 24 - 2:31 pm

  Before my X3 (3.0) Ive had Audis and Volvos. The ride of the X3 is firmer and definitely more responsive--and as advertised, fun to drive. It seems to perform every bit as well as my wifes 325. The interior may not be quite as refined as an Audi but it is designed well and has a fairly decent audio system. The all-wheel drive works great. I found it to be much more comfortable in size compared to the X-5 and other of the larger SUVs. So far a real winner.

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  i love this car - 2005 BMW X5
  By btombraidergold - February 24 - 10:06 am

  this is a car that is comfortable, and not too big or not too small. exterior is good looking as well as the interior.

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  a purist drives the basic 2.5 - 2003 BMW Z4
  By 1of2cyclists - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Im a cyclist and a bit of a purist. I wanted the basic 2.5, no fat, no options or packages--- the pure car. The standard car has a zenlike simplicity and ergonomic design. Manual operation of the soft top is an elegant operation that compares in speed and smoothness with the automatic. The manual seat adjustments are light as a feather. The "leatherette" seats have an athletic, textured ruggedness that I prefer to the creamy- looking leather. Without any distracting electronics, you focus on the driving. What an athletic, agile, road- gripping drive! You cant help smiling as you accelerate on the curves and enjoy the sky meeting the mountains. Pure joy.

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  Good, Stressful 14 months of Ownership - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Zachtank - February 23 - 7:39 pm

  Buying this car was a big step up from my 92 Honda Civic and as far as vehicular performance, I have no complaints. The fuel mileage is unparalleled for a 2.5L 6-cyl. The handling is taut, and the power is more than sufficient. There is so much fun gadgetry that you discover a new "favorite feature" every day for the first two months of ownership. When I show the car it takes an hour to cover the wonderful bits and pieces and I always forget a couple favorites. HOWEVER, I am selling it. If youre a tightwad like I am, the expensive maintenance, and more exhorbitant repairs will induce a coronary with every squeak and rattle, and in spite of its solid feel, there are many. Too much $.

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  Excellent! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Tippy - February 22 - 8:55 pm

  This car is not only fun to drive, its safe and reliable, too! BMW will also conduct all routine maintenance free of charge.

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  My 525i - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Connie - February 22 - 6:50 pm

  I bought a base 525i with the "leatherette" interior and very few add ons. What a car. I travel long distances in my job and this baby consistently gets 35+ mpg on the highway!

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  My 745Li - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Kevin Lenihan - February 22 - 6:42 pm

  The "noise" about iDrive is just that - noise! If you have a desktop or laptop, iDrive is childs play. It takes a little while to become accustomed, but I would not want to be without it now.

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  Truly Worth It!!! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Morwal - February 22 - 1:43 pm

  Ordered the car and waited and then - oh my, oh my! WOW!! The engine is so smooth. The leather seats are divine. The iDrive system is easy to use, so I dont know why Ive read so many complaints. Step on the gas and it goes... as fast as you want, and faster than you realize. The sound system is much nicer than in my previous car. After 20 years, I gave up driving a manual transmission, and I am thrilled. I bought the car just about fully loaded, and I dont have any regrets. This car is a great combination of style, luxury, and power. My husband tried the backseat during our test drive, and said its roomy. (Hes not a small guy either.) Wed do it all again!

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  Theres only one... - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Matt - February 21 - 8:38 pm

  I purchased this car used a little over 2 years ago. Ive had the "usual" repairs reported by most drivers - window motors, control arms and bushings - but this seems to be a standard problem that all owners have to deal with. If youre willing to put up with a high(er) maintenance car you wont ever want to drive anything else. It handles like a dream and holds the road like no other car Ive driven.