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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  The 5 is Awesome - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Kevin - August 22 - 12:42 pm

  It is impossible to find a flaw in this car! The bigger 6 cylinder seems to kick more than 255 ponies - great acceleration. Build and fit are perfect so far. Tired of hearing about iDrive!

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  Have to drive it to believe it! - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By 1989 bmw 325is - August 22 - 4:04 am

  I bought the 325is used with 170k for $2.5k and spent another $4k to recondition the BMW. Guess what? It worth every single penny! The 325is has great interior features, reliable German engine, excellent handling on highway and street.

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  Loving the 330 sport sedan - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By dan hartman - August 21 - 3:18 pm

  Bought the car new 6 years ago. Only had one problem: drivers window came off track. Fixed at no charge. Very satisfied. To have this level of performance (~6 second 0-60mph) and still get 30+ mpg on the highway at 75 mph is outstanding.

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  Making Time for Fun - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Z4Convert - August 21 - 11:45 am

  I leased my Z4 and I am very happy that I was able to keep my other car. My Z4 is for my pleasure excursions. Since I dont drive it every day, it is always a treat when I lower myself into the drivers seat. The SMG is the best feature. California is full of stop and go traffic so I dont have to deal with a manual transmission until I want to. When I hit the open highway, I really enjoy the ability to shift gears on my own. Not quite the same as having a clutch, but its the closest thing to the best of both worlds. My car has made me look forward to long weekends. Im already looking forward to the end of my lease and the ability to get a Z4 M.

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  X-3 - 2004 BMW X3
  By trifc - August 21 - 10:00 am

  The X-3 is just what we were looking for in the SUV class. It actually is considered an SAV(Sports Activity Vehicle). We recently had a baby and found the X-3 convenient for transporting all the necesities. We like the smaller size than the X-5 with better handling. The style is sleek and interior is roomy.

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  Cool Car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Josh - August 20 - 10:55 am

  I just bought this car 3 days ago and so far it has been a dream to drive. The only thing that Im having a problem with right now is my engine coolant. Its a little low so water had to be added until the dealer can look at it on Monday. Called him yesterday and he said he knows its not a major problem, probably just that somebody didnt put enough coolant in the car. Other than that, the car handles great in the curves and has good acceleration for an 184 hp car. I love the way it sounds when you give it a little more gas when accelerating.

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  One mans garbage is anothers pot of gold - 2008 BMW X5
  By Juan - August 20 - 9:34 am

  Wanted to write my own review of this machine. I got a hold of this truck at eight years old with 56500 miles on it. For being that old with two previous drivers, this truck still looks like new, and it seems to have been built with quality exterior paint and strong leather that also looks new. After reading a few of these reviews I can see why people complain about the third row seating, its really meant for kids under 5 feet. The rear view camera doesnt function well at night. The transmission is a beast but when going through first and second gear it doesnt seem to sync right after that its all down hill. I enjoy the 350 hp, the panoramic sunroof, all accessible controls, quit ride, bright led lights, the onboard diagnostic feature. I hope my review doesnt change in the next year.

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  Best Ive ever bought/owned - 2003 BMW X5
  By LarryGF - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my X5 for 3 weeks and 1,600 miles. It is my 5th BMW. Even measured against previous cars Ive owned like an M3 and a 540i, this is simply the best vehicle Ive ever purchased. It has EVERYTHING - performance, luxury, roominess, all weather capability (stable and tenaciously grippy on wet roads - you have to drive it in the rain to believe it), goes anywhere anytime in any conditions. Ive heard all the reliability complaints and maybe Ill have some problems down the road but so far, its absolutely problem free - not a rattle or squeak. The build quality is so far beyond anything else out there its just ridiculous.

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  2007 550i evaluation - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By robert nicolais - August 18 - 7:27 pm

  Car is as described. It is a drivers car with power, performance and luxury amenities. It is more than I expected.

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  3rd row seat coming - 2006 BMW X5
  By Doug - August 17 - 8:16 pm

  We just bought a 2006 X5. Looked at others in this class. One of the most important reasons we decided on the BMW was the missing 3rd row seat. They are virtually inaccesible in the other SUVs we looked at. I know people want this 3rd. seat, but be realistic, they are worthless for humans older than 6. If BMW had this seat, we would have gotten an Audi A6.