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 First BMW - 2006 BMW X3
  By Keith - April 13 - 8:53 pm

  I originally was looking at the Mercedes ML350 but, I wanted a German made automobile. Im very glad I chose the BMW X3. Man, is this car fun to drive. This car handles the road extremely well. Is very comfortable inside and also has plenty room. The quality of the leather interior is amazing. When sitting inside you know you are in a luxury car. Hats off to BMW - this is a top notch automobile.

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  Best BMW Ever - 2006 BMW M5
  By M5Racer - April 13 - 3:42 pm

  I recently purchased a 2006 M5 after retiring an Infiniti G35 and 2001 525i. In a nutshell, this car rocks! It has all the features and benefits of a luxury car, yet when asked immediately this performs like a Formula 1 racecar. Two thumbs up for BMW!! If you can afford one, get one. I promise you wont regret it.

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  Finally got my 545i!!!! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By ab - April 13 - 1:59 pm

  After much debate, I decided to let go of my 2006 330i for a 2005 545i. So far, the car does not disappoint. The iDrive is by far one of the best gadgets the car has to offer. You have to be computer illiterate not to know how to use the iDrive. These are the gadgets that make the car exciting!! As far as performance, the engine delivers!!! I could only image how the 550i performs. In addition, the car is very spacious and the seats are very comfortable. I cant wait to drive the car because it is that exciting!!

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  Most comfortable car ever - 1996 BMW 7-Series
  By bmwdvr - April 12 - 9:48 pm

  I bought my 740 used with 65k mi. Have had two years and have loved car. Amazing comfort on highway. Huge back seat. Good handler. Amazing ride. Great seats, precise steering. Engine is quiet and smooth but could deliver more power. Car still looks great after 11 years. However if you buy one of these, be pepared to spend a lot of money to repair and keep it going. Ive spent $3000 on maintainance and repairs in the past 30 months. Ive purchased 2004 Lincoln LS V8 to replace BMW because tired of the big repair bills. Even though my BMW is 11 years old, it still is in many ways a nicer car to drive than the almost-new Lincoln.

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  My first bmw - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By victorrrq - April 12 - 8:37 pm

  The car is fantastic...when its fixed. When I first bought the car it was all right, but when the warrantee ended, I was forced to go fix the car. Cooling problems, electrical problems, I probably spent over 10gs of repairs and upgrades to the car. I love the car but the repairs for it are a...you know what. And the car is awful in winter, but that could be fixed with newer winter tires.

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  among the best in the world - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By A - April 12 - 5:26 pm

  Completely different car from my previous Honda Accord. Its superior to just about any car out there overall - smooth, elegant, comfortable, reliable, and the performance is amazing. Even after 16 years, if I go to a new car dealership and test drive some high-end model, I drive back home and think to myself how much better this one is. I was initially hesitant about it due to its age and mileage (and reports of subpar BMW reliability), but its held up as well as my Honda, looks way better and is far more comfortable. What really sold me was feeling like I was driving 40-50mph, and seeing that the speedometer showed about 95. Too easy to get speeding tickets.

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  One Great Used Car! - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By 78280z - April 12 - 3:57 pm

  I bought this car on eBay with 82k miles. I have changed belts, spark plugs, oils. At 100k I changed the valve cover gasket (piece of cake) at 105k I had the tie rods change. I have done some little things to keep it looking and operating like new. The car is easy for the "DIY" to work on. This is the finest car I have driven. Im a car salesman and this is not the brand I sell. It will be the brand I drive from now on. A Car To Be Proud Of!!

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  Ultimate Driving/Trouble machine - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By lobo - April 12 - 2:19 pm

  I purchased 06 BMW 530i in 08/2005. When the car works, it is really fun to drive. It does fit you like a glove. The acceleration and brake are two of my favorites. Exterior looks so cool. My complain is that it nees too many trips to the dealership. So far, I got power window motor replaced, high battery drain that require re- programming, trip computer mal- function. The engine stalled couple of times on me at low speed. The dealer can never figure out what is wrong. The execuses I got include low on gas (the computer shows 100 miles range left), bad gas (Shell is bad according to dealer, I am only using Chevron now)

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  Fast, Great Handling, Reliable Car - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Orange County Driver - April 11 - 11:07 pm

  This 750i with sports package is my fourth BMW. Compared to my past 2001 540i with sports package, this car has a better ride, handling, acceleration, comfort, and features. The comfort sports seats are firm, but not too constraining, with a highly adjustable back rest. The Bluetooth phone with docking cradle works extremely well, with clients believing that I am in the office when talking hands free. Logic 7 stereo with Sirius satellite radio is the best sound system I have had in a car. The 750i handles great, with very good steering wheel/road feel, and near level cornering. The car has been very reliable so far (6000 miles), with only one problem, a creaky windshield that was fixed

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  Fun overshadows nagging problems - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By blueguydotcom - April 10 - 9:42 am

  My 330i with performance package and 6 speed manual is without a doubt the most entertaining vehicle Ive ever ownned. The tight suspension, growl from the exhaust and the eager to rev inline 6 make driving far more interesting than it should be. Bumper-to-bumper, fine. Open roads, even better. Curvy open roads, Im in Nirvana. The cars been plagued with problems from day one. From the factory my e-brake arrived broken. The engine developed a stutter at wide-open-throttle and BMW cant fix it. Often my electric locks refuse to work - again BMW cant fix this. My ignition coils went out at 25k miles. Ive had a long list of problems in the end, Ill miss it though.