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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  BMW M3 - 2003 BMW M3
  By Paul - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I was on the wait list for the Porsche 997 and decided to get the M3 instead. I would love to own both but do not regret my decision to get the M3. I have been in or owned and/or driven Audi S4, Ferrari 550, Porsche 911T, Corvette Z06. All are outstanding in their own way. Bottom line is that there is no comprable car for the money. Corvette Z06 is a fantastic performance machine but still in essence a Chevy. The C6 may be different. The S4 (2001) was a great car and easier to modify for more horsepower but had severe understeer and turbo lag. I would rather have the 911 turbo or Ferrari but obviously both are in a different price class.

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  740il review - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By hornbeck1 - January 6 - 10:29 pm

  I just bought the car about a week ago. The car is awsome. It has features I never knew existed on an automobile. The last car I bought was an Acura Legend. Great car, but the BMW is head and shoulders above my Acura. The fit and finish is a 10. It drives like a sports car, not at all like a big car. It is extremely responsive. It feels like the car has a lot bigger engine than a mere 4.4 L and 282 horsepower. The rear passengers go in style as well -- heated seats, separate heater outlets, ski pass through, on-board navigation, you name it. Im a happy guy!

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  2004 X5 Review - 2004 BMW X5
  By henry.mcdonald@cbre. - January 6 - 7:39 pm

  Great performance and handling very practical. Good to go out to dinner or to Home Depot super sound system simple, stylish interior only inconvenience is that front seat window controls are in a less convenient location under the door handle.

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  Love It - 2005 BMW X5
  By WIM - January 6 - 4:47 pm

  I compared it with the XC90 and preferred the X5 -- love it.

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  One happy M3 owner - 2003 BMW M3
  By JohnM3 - January 6 - 4:36 pm

  My car is a late 03 and its been nothing but a wonderful driving experience so far. Ive put nearly 30,000 miles on it in 18 months and its been perfectly reliable as a daily driver...no warranty issues. Ive even driven in light snow with it, thanks to the abilities of DSC. The best thing you can do for yourself is to take the one day M-school course offered by BMW at their performance delivery center in Greenville, South Carolina. Youll learn all about how to properly use the M3s capabilities. Its cheap insurance!

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  My Z4 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Moe - January 6 - 8:05 am

  It is a great car indeed but some improvements have to be done!

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  My 2nd X5 - 2005 BMW X5
  By Joan Dibble - January 6 - 3:31 am

  Ive now owned 2 of these wonderful SUVs back to back. I cant begin to tell you how safe and comfortable I feel when driving. The V8 gives me the power to get moving. Ive owned only one other car I was this crazy about and it was a 1977 630 BMW. I drove it for 12 years and put 228,000 miles on it. I guess Im just a big fan of Bimmers.

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  ultimate - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By gra - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Ultimate driving machine is no Joke. Love making sharp turns. And driving winding roads. Simply the best.

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  Great Car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Skevas - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. I wish that I had known about the difficulty of driving it in snow given that I live in New England. I have to change my tires every season, but its worth it.

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  BMW 330ci - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By John Owens - January 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my second BMW. Awesome to drive and built to last.