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 Greatest Car Ive owned - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Pedro - July 6 - 10:23 am

  This has been one of the best vehicles Ive ever owned. I can rely on it, I can take it to its max, I can be a family man but I can also be a sports car driver.

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  The Ultimate Drivng Machine - 2006 BMW X5
  By Butterfly - July 6 - 3:58 am

  This vehicle REALLY is the ultimate driving machine. Ive enjoyed driving it every time! This car even makes going to the grocery store fun. Its the little things I appreciate!! I can hardly wait for the seven passenger!

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  Red Hot and Fun - 2006 BMW Z4
  By JJMac - July 5 - 9:56 pm

  I now just turned 1000 miles on this car. The sound of the straight 6 is so sweet. The motor pulls so nicely downshifting is not required to pass. I ordered with the sport supension love the wheels but hate the way the car jumps from rut to rut on the freeway the dealer told me thats caused by the low profile tires. The mileage is great, love the power top passed on the M sports seat way too tight.

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  Unbelievable - 2005 BMW M3
  By Mladenovic - July 4 - 9:57 am

  I got an M3 a little over a year ago & loved every minute of it. Recently, I traded it for one of the new E60 M5s. I thought I made a great deal. but I immediately knew I made a horrendous mistake after driving off the lot. The M5 is quick, but is nowhere near as fun or involving as the M3. It felt like what it is: a big, oafy family sedan with a powerful engine. I never thought I would be so disappointed. After 2 days of owning it, I returned it back to the dealership, took a hit & got my M3 back. Now I could not be happier. Im just more comfortable with these smaller, quicker coupes. Only a new 911 Turbo could replace it (in my opinion).

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  Great Driving Car ; In the shop too much - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By bluebeemer21 - July 4 - 8:20 am

  This was my new BMW purchased just a 8 months ago. I can not believe all the problems I have had. Just recently sold it for Acura TL. Yes it was still under warranty but do you like spending your weekends in the repair shop or taking days off from work? I really liked the car but I just dont have time for all the problems: dead battery, battery replaced, air bag repaired three times, three different trips to the dealer, power steering fluid container broken, replaced unit, paint came off bmw emblem (perfect - shows the quality of the car!!), sun roof sun shield came off tracks – had to be fixed at dealer, right side passenger window came off tracks – dealer fixed.

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  Typically BMW - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Sam Christianson - July 3 - 11:14 pm

  When I bought my 750Li I was very excited about it. The styling has grown on me over the years and the interior was very comfortable. Now that the car is almost a year old I kind of regret buying it, though. It performs like a dream and certainly has all of the features I wanted, but the quality of interior materials is well below that of its competitors and reliability problems have been unending. So far everything has been covered by warranty but I am afraid of what will happen when that ends. All in all, it has been just like all my other BMWs, very satisfying to drive but not to own. I think I might make the switch to Mercedes-Benz or Audi after this.

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  Best car Ive ever had - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By jek1601 - July 3 - 3:48 pm

  After driving Honda Accords for many years, I finally decided to step it up and get a faster car. But was wary of rear wheel drive so went with the sedan AWD due to Chicagos snow. I have a 5 speed, which was ordered from Germany since the dealership didnt have one in stock. Ive had the car three years now and dont regret my decision, even with gas prices so high. I get 25-27 MPG and with 38,000, Ive had no problems with the car, other than occasional alignments. The car is fast, exp. with the 5 speed and cruises at 70-80 effortlessly. Id recommend it to anyone who loves to drive.

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  BMW - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Gabriele Moison - July 3 - 2:36 pm

  We purchased this beauty and love the car. The only problem we have is that the convertible top is not working like it suppose to. It has been in the shop 4 times since we purchased the vehicle. The first time it was a computer chip where they literally had to take out the back seat. Then it was another computer glitch and now the top when it is closed makes noises. The runflats I am not impressed, the ride is rough when you hit a bump and then the tire light comes on. Other then that we love the car.

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  2006 BMW 330i - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By fastdriver123 - July 2 - 3:46 pm

  Bought a 2001 330i and modified the suspension slightly. This was the best handling car I ever owned. Traded that in to get the 2006 330i. Better looking, more sophisticated and refined, and just as fun. These cars are the most fun you can have in the under 50k price range. BMW is the only automaker that tests every single model at the Nurburgring racetrack in Germany. If it handles that track well, it will handle anything well.

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  BMW 530i from RLA - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By RLA - July 2 - 3:24 pm

  This car makes me feel good to drive. I love it! For about the first year, we had some software problems -- nothing that affected performance, but created a nuisance (e.g., couldnt sense CDs in CD changer, difficulty recognizing voice commands). BMW found the problem and upgraded software. Since then, its problem free. Inside styling is chic, but its a bit cramped. Little storage room.