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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  1st 1,000 miles - 2006 BMW Z4
  By skiboth - June 3 - 8:04 am

  This car really makes you want to find a longer way home. It makes it difficult to work, when your mind keeps wandering to the car waiting outside. Be careful, it is hard to drive anywhere close to the speed limit no matter what kind of roads you are on. In normal mode the suspension is the perfect balance between comfort and handling (even my wife is comfortable riding in it), sport mode is just WOW! I am sure that my less than advertised fuel economy is attributable to the fun factor. This car was designed to go fast, and make you feel good doing it. I have owned roadsters for the last 30 years and the 2006 Z4 is by far the best one so far.

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  Little Awesome - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By RegalReggie - June 3 - 7:54 am

  I owned a 2003 525i and thought it was perfect. Then I got my 2006 525xi and fell in love all over again. What a car. I thought it was impossible to improve on perfection but I was wrong. This car is roomier and has a much bigger trunk. I was concerned that the all wheel drive would really suck up the gas but so far I am getting 20 to 25 miles to the gallon and I can live with that to drive this awesome car. The handling of the all wheel drive is so terrific that when I drove a 2005 525i this past week, I felt a little out of control. I know it was my imagination but that is the assurance level I have in my car.

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  Fantastic Five - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Robert Nance - June 2 - 5:43 am

  We love our new 525i. It has great pickup and spectacular fuel economy. On a recent trip we averaged over 31 miles to the gallon and went almost 500 on one tank of gas. We recommend the Navigation with voice activation. It is great.

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  Not all Wonderful at BMW - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Nancy G - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Had 600 miles on the car and the transmission had to be replaced. Had several small problems with automatic windows.

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  some criticisms/some praise - 2004 BMW X3
  By Bob464 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  2.5L slightly underpowered. A/C problems. Ride very harsh. However, still fun to drive.

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  major headache - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By kataklyzm - June 2 - 2:00 am

  31 technical service bulletins after spending $3000 in repairs, 2 days later the check engine light comes on ultimate driving machine my a$$..i have NEVER had a car with so many problems..one car was a 1990 mitsu eclipe turbo AWD with 240,000 miles and it was more reliable than this thing they call a car!!!

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  My Baby - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Ed Womble - June 1 - 7:06 pm

  Driving this car is even more exhilarating that I imagined. The smooth powerful feeling of driving the Z4 reminds me of my earlier days with my old 280Z and 300ZX. I love the power top which is controllable from either the front panel, the door lock, or externally from the key via blue tooth. Shifting through the 6 forward gears is a dream. Beyond my expectations, my golf clubs do fit in the trunk, although I have to carefully arrange them. The run flat tires have already bailed me out of a tight situation -- thanks BMW, great idea.

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  Great car... but - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By JpAus - May 31 - 6:22 pm

  Car is a great blend of luxury and performance. It is really a great drivers car able to do the commute as well as the weekend get away. Trunk is small with top down, but still fits golf bags. Dont get this car if you dont like to draw attention to yourself. Am always having people come over and talk to me about how the car looks.

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  Worth Every Dime - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By MotoMook - May 31 - 5:54 pm

  Having put 6-figures on both Hondas and Acuras, I was a "reluctant adopter" of the blue propeller. After my first 160,000 miles I cannot say enough about the fabled BMW experience. Not a rattle, timeless looks (IMHO) and the standard suspension splits the difference between firm and comfy brilliantly. The 6- banger is the smoothest ever and the "mere" 175 hp feels like a lot more. Durable? I hit a cow at 60 mph and drove my car home UNINJURED without ANY leaky fluids ($8000 damage). I swear by the 3 platform...

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  Is this really a BMW - 2006 BMW X5
  By Jack Bruce - May 31 - 12:42 pm

  This 06 X-5 was a replacement for a "Lemon" 05 of exact color, type and equipment,I think they just swapped plates on the vehicle. The 05 had a bad transmission and sunroof both of which were finally replaced after five months of disgusting arguments. The 06 still had the same problems, those being transmission that didnt know what gear it wanted to be in and a sunroof that leaked and would not close as it was designed to. I have owned seven BMWs and generally thought they were some of the best cars built, this was also my third X-5, but definitely my last. I could go on and on with the problems but there is not enough room in this review. Stay away from this vehicle it is not worth it.