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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  My big, beautiful beast - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Greg J - June 20 - 11:06 am

  I bought the 2003 540i with the 6-speed manual transmission, which automatically gets you the sport package and, for 2003 models only (in the US), also gets you the M-sport package, which includes front and rear fascia, 18" M-parallel rims with staggered tire sizes, along with a host of ///M badged goodies, such as shift knob, steering wheel, doorsills, etc. This is the closest thing you can get to an M5, and is in fact more rare less than 1000 6-speed 540s were imported in 2003. My car is black on black and is absolutely beautiful. It has a lot of "presence" and gets a lot of thumbs up! Fast, comfortable, but "mature"...no boy-racer junk. Hope to keep it forever.

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  This is a classy car - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By JHawk Mike - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Since BMW is getting ready to change the style of the 5-series, I got a sweet deal on a lease... and I feel like a thief. Im getting this awesome car and paying this little? Its got power and style and its very fun to drive.

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  Z4 3.0i Does it get any better? - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Beach fun in Florida - June 20 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Z4 3.0i w/sport package/button for approximately 7 months. I traded my Mercedes SLK Sport. If you dont want to talk to people at stop lights then dont buy this car! This is not a car for shy people. Overall, a great handling car in all aspects. I commute 1 hour each way to work and the Z4 is fairly comfortable. The trunk space is pretty good and realistically holds one set of golf clubs and a few small bags while still allowing the top to come down. If you are getting the 3.0i, be sure to spend the extra $$$ on the sport package. The button really makes the car even more fun to drive.

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  The Best Alternative To A Range Rover - 2003 BMW X5
  By Rny330 - June 20 - 10:00 am

  If youre in the market for a new SUV and you want something classy, swanky, and very fun to drive, but want to save bucks instead of getting a Range Rover, so you can afford a seven series, this is the way to go...

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  My new BMW Z4 Roadster - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Jim The Eagle - June 19 - 7:41 pm

  The Z4 has exceeded my expectations. It is fun to drive and goes where you point it. The quality of workmanship is evident clearly in every respect. It is quiet, with wind noise the largest sound factor. Even the gas mileage is better than I had expected. A small negative is that the display is a bit hard to see in bright daylight with the top down. It is hard to graceful when entering and exiting the car. This is common with roadsters. With the top in place there is a feeling of spaciousness. The trunk is big enough for traveling. Worth the price.

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  Good-looking & fun, breaks a lot - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By averykc - June 19 - 12:01 am

  Overall, I enjoy this car. I like the wagons look, that it feels solid, & that it isnt too common. My complaints are that it doesnt have much power for accelerating, Im replacing brakes every 20k miles, all 4 windows have broken, and the lower control arms have been replaced twice (in 57k miles). Oh yeah, the sunroof is toast, too. It makes me miss my Honda, but I like the feel of the BMW so much that Im not sure I can go back. Ive spent $.04-.08/mile maintaining Hondas & Nissans this BMW is costing me $.16/mile.

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  Great SAV - BUT...... - 2006 BMW X3
  By Andrew - June 18 - 3:21 pm

  Bought my 2006 BMW X3 3.0i AWD here in Germany - beautiful vehicle with surprisingly useful amenities - (i.e. partial opening sun-roof shade for ventilation when closed). Drives wonderfully, handles well & looks great (blue)... however BMW makes you purchase almost EVERY option they make. The only exception are the options finally included from previous years. I drove my SAV 2,000 miles in 10 days around Germany, Italy & France through the Alps & even hit snow in June! It drove great, but only averaged about 20 MPG. My 1989 BMW 735i with 120,000 miles on it averaged 21 MPG. Youd think they would make an engine with better MPG in 17 years! NAV is slow and easily confused - Road noise is LOUD. Autobahn speeds of 120 MPH - you had to almost YELL in the car!! Windy, forget talking!

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  Wonderful - 2006 BMW X3
  By swyner - June 17 - 8:37 pm

  I owned a 325xi which was a great car but this is more fun to drive. For a small SUV it is great to own and drive. I would buy one again.

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  BMW 04 530 I comments - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By silber - June 16 - 10:35 am

  Best car we have ever driven performance, economy, style

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  Love Love Love Love It.... - 2005 BMW X3
  By bmwgirl - June 16 - 8:27 am

  I looked at the X3 on the advice of a friend who had one. I will never buy another car again. This is a fun, reliable car that is a blast to drive. It handles like any other BMW I have had the pleasure of driving. It is truly the Ultimate Driving Machine... the X3 is meant to be driven. I love the blue tooth option, hands free cell phone with my son in the car. Its great. An excellent choice for moms on the go.