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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  Its a Blast! - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Peacefield - January 27 - 5:38 pm

  Its a wonderful drivers car that doesnt ask for many compromises. For a small two seater, leg room is ample and a golf bag plus hand cart fit easily into the trunk, even with the top down! The cars road manners are outstanding and the chassis is wonderfully stiff for a ragtop. I definitely recommend stepping up to the 3.0 engine and 6spd. Im told that the 2.5 and 5spd can seem winded at highway speeds. Definitely not the case with the 3.0/6spd. The looks inside and out are controversial, but they continue to grow on me. Quality to this point has been very good.

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  A Great Surprise - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By HiHoMike - January 27 - 5:24 pm

  After owning Mercedes, Lexus, Infinti, Cadillac, Acura, etc., after driving the 525i, it sold itself. Handling, style, comfort, reliability and service are superior. This is my first bimmer, and it wont be my last

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  BEST BMW IVE OWNED!! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By LEDEAGLE - January 27 - 1:59 pm

  This is a superb machine!! IÂ’ve had 3 other BMWs, Mercedes and a Porsche, and this car kills them all. Fuel economy is astonishing, and performance especially on the road is exhilarating.

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  Dont Worry About Price, Get the 335 - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW4Life - January 27 - 7:16 am

  I originally did not want to spend $46,000 for a car, but the upgrade from the 328 to the 335 is definitly worth it. It is ten times faster, much more agile, and grip to the road is amazing. The Sport Package is also worth the money.

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  wowilovethe X3! - 2004 BMW X3
  By X3summerwntrfall - January 26 - 5:43 pm

  Well I got this car in June, for my 16th birthday. i liked the X5 but my parents thought it was too big so I got this. When I saw it online I was thinking wow, with these options and 5,000.00 more you could have an Escalade. Well the dealers incentives are pretty good so then I got the car. It is black with grey leather and has the Sport pckg., Prem pckg., Prem. Snd, xenon lights, cold weather package, and steptronic plus navigation. WOW I am so impressed. It has adequate power for what I need and feels very safe. It takes corners 50- 55mph like a dime. It seems small on the outside but the inside is great. Spending the summer in this car was awesome! we just had a winter snow storm, was great

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  First BMW - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By jmyers - January 26 - 11:58 am

  This is my first BMW, and I am very pleased. The response is good, gas mileage is around 23 in local driving. I have the optional hard top which is great for the winter months and makes the lines of the car look fantistic. Interior roominess is lacking and rear seat passenger leg room is tight. The car is fun to drive and handling is excellent. I may opt for a 7 series in the near future.

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  Love my Bimmer - But Im a hands-on owner - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By Ken Allewelt - January 26 - 9:21 am

  Unless you have deep (very deep) pockets, or are comfortable doing routine maintenance on a high-tech vehicle, the 645ci probably isnt your best choice unless youre able to purchase an extended warranty. I drove a 1984 633csi for about 20 years -- thoroughly loved the car. When work required more travel, I upgraded to the 2004 645ci. I was able to pick one up a 2-owner with 85,000 miles for right around $13K. Financed through the credit union and added a $3,200 3-yr/36K bumper to bumper warranty; total price $16.5K or so. (warranty paid for itself the first trip to the shop when the transmission started leaking -- $5,300 expense; I had to pay a $100 deductible). The Bimmer is a FANTASTIC touring car on the road and fun to drive around town... Has plenty of power and a beautiful and unmistakable design.

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  X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By Al Ward - January 25 - 2:15 pm

  I am very pleased with my X5. I came from a new Tahoe Z71 which I was lucky to get 13 MPG. The X5 is fun to drive and quite snappy. We drive to Idaho in the summer and find the car very unique.

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  excellent car - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Steve - January 25 - 11:18 am

  Since buying my Z4 in Sept. ( its a 2004), Ive put on 3000 very fun miles. Plenty of power and lots of compliments on the car. The only problem was the auto-darken rear view mirror failed and had to be replaced.

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  The Perfect Car - 2005 BMW M3
  By blueflame - January 25 - 1:29 am

  The best all around car for the money in the world. Handles like a go-kart, but reasonably comfortable ride. Even Subies and Vettes back down. People open their windows and strike up conversations at traffic lights. Children wave, old people smile, young women want you, young men want to be you.