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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  Sad to say - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By louis - December 15 - 11:49 pm

  Love the car when it is not in the shop.Purchased an 07 model in May 06. Car has 6000 mi and has been in the shop 40 days. First it had a steering angle sensor problem took 30 days for part to come in. Then a recall for shock absorbers. Then 3 trips for bluetooth problems and sunroof. After that had programming problem with air conditioner. Car is only 5 MONTHS OLD!

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  Lots of fun - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Beemer Mommy - December 15 - 5:24 pm

  Great car for the working mom driving 60 miles a day. Great performance, lots of fun and plenty of room in the back seat for a car seat as well as a booster seat. I plan on being a BMW owner for life!

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  Truly Ultimate - 2003 BMW X5
  By CMPONY - December 15 - 3:02 pm

  Flat out, the best all around sport-performance-luxury vehicle Ive ever driven. Despite minor problems with the door mirror retractor motor and the dash computer display (both replaced under warranty), I am totally in love with this vehicle. The honeymoon still goes on even after eight months of ownership.

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  X5 goodbye - 2007 BMW X3
  By Richard E. Finley - December 15 - 2:33 pm

  Having owned two X5s Im thrilled with the agility and the power response of the X3 - firm ride yes, but smooth and tight. A joy to drive - sporty and more enjoyable than our Z3 and our 325csi.

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  Richard Neft X5 SUV - 2007 BMW X5
  By Richard Neft - December 14 - 12:13 pm

  The X5 is a great SUV. This is my second X5. It is a great car, dependable and comfortable, safe and has many features.

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  great car - 2003 BMW X5
  By snowboardchick - December 14 - 10:00 am

  this is the best car that i have ever had. It rides like a dream

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  Amazing Car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By 330Fan - December 14 - 10:00 am

  This is a truly amazing vehicle. It may sound like a cliche, but it truly is the perfect balance of performance, style, quality and luxury. The best car I have ever owned and one of the best I have ever driven.

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  7 Series Comfort and SUV Convenience - 2007 BMW X5
  By anon3 - December 13 - 8:48 pm

  This is my 5th X5 and its a huge improvement over a vehicle that was already very good. Its quieter, smoother, more comfortable, handles better, has greatly improved interior convenience. The upgraded "contour" seats are outstanding. Sport package, technology package, premium sound system are worth the money. Im one of the few who likes iDrive and this is the best one yet. I wish I had known that you cant see the heads-up display if you wear polarized sunglasses. Ventilated, massaging seats are probably not worth the cost. 3rd row seats add weight to the vehicle and will rarely be used unless you plan to haul elf-sized people or kids. Heads-up windshield display is not worth the money if you live in a sunny climate and wear polarized sunglasses. 350 hp is adequate, but it would be a much more exciting vehicle with an additional 30 - 40 hp.

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  Excellent.. BUT - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By MRF - December 13 - 2:47 pm

  While this is certainly the finest car Ive ever owned, I have been rather disappointed with a few items. Good stuff: This car has an amazing balance of handling prowess and ride quality. Its quiet (except for Dunlops) and feels planted at any speed. The sport seats are incredibly supportive and the controls are well-placed. Silver/black which is a stunning combination. No comparison to my Saab 9-5 in most ways. Main complaint comes from the seriously weak sound system (base system) and the creaks/rattles that come (Im told) from my fold down seats. Hey BMW, dont offer fold downs if you cant build them without resulting in rattles. Rust spots not covered by BMW (still fighting).

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  06 M3 Convertible - 2006 BMW M3
  By Randy - December 13 - 5:07 am

  I have owned many convertible cars in my life (Porsche, Ferrari, Aston) and none are as rewarding as the M3. The engine is a true masterpiece. The SMG is brillant. I almost went with a manual due to a bit of negative press about the SMG but I am glad I got the SMG. It is absolutely outstanding. Auto boxes with shift modes are not even close. The car handles very well for a open top car. I purchased the hardtop and it looks fantastic (even better than the coupe) and adds a bit more rigidity. I highly recommend this car and I believe the 6 cyclinder will become a classic. This is a real crowd pleaser as well and will certainly get you noticed