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:

• 

  I still love it - 2006 BMW X3
  By Scott - November 8 - 1:48 pm

  I purchased this car in Germany and have had it up to 120 mph on the autobahn. even at that speed it handled like a dream. it seems to get its best mileage at around 70 mph on the highway. My last vehicle was a Nissan Pathfinder and I thought I would miss the extra space that it provided. I have had no issues with the cargo room with this car, even with two small children.

• 

  2007 BMW X3 3.0si - 2007 BMW X3
  By Ali - November 8 - 11:22 am

  This X3 rules in the mid size SUV market! I had a 2004 X3 with the 3.0 this 3.0 is upgraded to 260 horses and it runs! I have the manual and it says the 0-60 time is 6.8, with a K&N drop in I say my time is below 6.5! This baby can run!

• 

  Its outta here! - 2005 BMW X5
  By Greg Kurk - November 8 - 9:31 am

  Had a 2001 Acura MDX prior to this BMW X5, loved the MDX but it was approaching 100,000 miles. Didnt want to wait for redesigned MDX, bought the X5, only good thing I can say is it has a sporty handling with zip. Other than this I am EXTREMELY disappointed in the vehicle. It is poorly built and in the 16 months owned has been into the shop 3X for electrical problem that they cant seem to find what is causing vehicle to go dead. I would never buy another BMW, and when this one gets out of the shop in next day or so, will look to get rid of. Probably go back to MDX, as my son has my old one, 125,000 miles and running while my BMW is broke down with 26,000 miles

• 

  Still too complicated - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Ron Brunson - November 7 - 7:56 pm

  You expect a car like this to practically drive itself. The interior controls are too complicated. I have to consult the owners manual far too often. If I spent more time in the car, Im sure I would become more familiar but so far, 3 months is not enough. Performance is fantastic. Far better than my 740.

• 

  Its an OK Vehicle - 2005 BMW X3
  By Tom Cuomo - November 7 - 4:10 pm

  I recently leased a BMW X3. The vehicles is nice. But BMW could give you more standard features. One example is Fog Lights which cheaper SUVs have as standard equipment and cruise control. Come on BMW engineers this is a BMW not a KIA or Hyundai. You even have a space on the bumper that looks like fog lights. I already got stuck with the car it wouldnt start with only 1500 miles on it. The BMW road service had to flat bed the car and bring it back to the dealer. The dealer tried to talk me out of a loaner. I got a loaner finally, a Toyota Camry which was ok. When I got the BMW back they did not replace the little cover on the bumper used for towing and it was dirty. Is that BMW service?

• 

  First Time BMW Owner - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By shardy - November 7 - 12:43 pm

  I love the drive and acceleration in this car. Feels like riding on a cloud when you put this car on the highway. Has good sound insulation and of course that classic, handsome look of the BMW. The standard stereo system is great with good sound quality.

• 

  BMW X3 - 2004 BMW X3
  By Jackie - November 7 - 9:58 am

  I was very pleased with the reliability of this first model year vehicle. It has a lower profile for an SUV allowing for better turns and sports car handling. I have had no mechanical problems and the included service contract is a plus. The only problem is the lip or running board. It is sometimes difficult to get in and out of the vehicle. I would like it to be thinner. Overall I am very satified with the X3.

• 

  Jet Black 525AIT - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By revreowens - November 7 - 12:03 am

  All-in-all the car is wonderful. It very comfortable and very well put together. But in a $45,000 car, you should expect that. I own to other BMWs a 740il and a M3. These two are perfect blends of power, comfort and performanace. The Sport wagon is more for hauling the grand kids, the dog, etc.

• 

  Best car I have ever owned - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Martin330i - November 6 - 8:01 pm

  I purchased this vehicle new in 2002, with the sport package and premium interior. Ive not had a single mechanical problem with it. Just had its 60k mile checkup. They found some minor wear-and-tear issues, nearly all of which were amazingly covered by the extended warranty I purchased. This car has been an absolute joy to own and drive. The performance and handling still put a smile on my face. I never thought I would enjoy an automatic transmission (have always driven stick), but the steptronic works so well, I dont miss the stick at all! I do agree about the tires though - I go through them frequently, especially the rears. Go figure! :-)

• 

  Fun car - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Chete - November 6 - 4:54 pm

  This is a retirees escape to a driving dream. It is a fun car. The optional wind turbulance deflectors allow a newspaper to lie on the passenger seat at 70 mph. The selectronic 6 speed is very smooth. The turn radius is sharp. Handling is tight on turns. A solid runner.