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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  Nice vehicle, but not worth the +$40k - 2004 BMW X3
  By Carl Freitas - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I just love the way the X3 handles and its compact young look. It is fairly spacious inside and provides a sporty, if sometimes somewhat rough ride.

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  Id buy one again - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Pam - February 26 - 8:36 am

  I am the original owner, ordered it new. I love the performance, handling and the way it it can make a u-turn in such a small space. With the 42k that I have on it I have had to replace the radiator, and 2 of the sensors. The last time, BMW did not charge me because of the low miles on the car. That I appreciated. Living in NJ where there is a lot of traffic, pulling onto the Parkway is very easy with the power of this car. People are amazed at the speed and pickup that it has.It still does, after owning it for 6 yrs. This car came standard with everything one needs. I would buy another one.

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  The best BMW I have owned - 2005 BMW X5
  By Rick - February 26 - 3:20 am

  It does not get any better than the X5 4.4. Pleanty of power, handles great. I have the sports package with 19 inch wheels. It is a wonderfully handling car. I have had absolutely no problems with it. It even gets better mileage than my 02 X5 3.0.

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  BMW 330CIC - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Robert - February 25 - 7:47 pm

  Good looking. Handles excellent and has plenty of horsepower.

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  Fun to drive, room to spare - 2005 BMW X3
  By jaaX3 - February 25 - 1:48 pm

  Buy the X3 if you are looking for utility and fun! I haul my dog and my wifes shopping bags almost daily. It is also my daily driver to work. I can get there in style and have fun with it. It has AMAZING handling. This SAV has good punch to it, too. The only bad thing I would say is the gas mileage.

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  Superb driving dynamics - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Tom - February 25 - 12:43 pm

  Excellent handling dynamics. Very planted and balanced at all speeds and very stable 75-85 Mph. Highway fuel economy 31-33 mpg. I have owned this vehicle for over a year with 30K miles on it. Buying a 2007 model with sport package. Keep options limited to premium package and automatic transmission. Xenon not a required option. Struggles with full load, fine with up to 2 occupants.

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  the dream machine ? - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By orcave - February 25 - 9:29 am

  After years of owning Mercedes I decided to go for the bmw based on the good reviews and a very favorable test drive. I bought mine with the sport package. What was I thinking buying mercedes? This is so far the best driving experience I ever had. I regret not buying one before. Build quality and performance are outstanding, as well as confort. Once you get the hang og it, the I drive is actually helpfull. My first taste of BMW has left me already wondering about the M models. If you are thinking about a car in this price range.... think no more, this is it.

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  New 2005 - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Deebers - February 23 - 8:26 pm

  We wanted a car that felt sporty and had luxury at the same time. BMW delivers with tight steering and yet a smooth ride. Interior room is major selling point for my 511 frame! I have tons of head room and leg room (in back too!!) very impressive! Love the warranty on the vehicle as well! I also love the step-tronic transmission, switching from auto to manual and sport - is FUN!

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  Buy Smart , Buy CPO - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Neil Barker - February 23 - 6:48 pm

  I bought a 2003 540 Sport/Automatic from the BMW CPO program. No regrets so far, car has functioned flawlessly. The 540 is manufactured in BMWs premium factory, hence high quality. This car handles like a sports car, fits 5 people fairly well...though I only allow 4 max due to the factory lowered suspension. The Automatic is a dream to drive,its like a personal business jet for the road. The E39 has classic looks, its a good investment, it will look good years from now. New 5 Series ? Horrible!! I could design a better car. Chris Bangle, the new designer for BMW, has done me a favor.He saved me $30000. I bought a clean used CPO BMW. Thanks Mr. Bangle. Get one while you can.

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  Incredible Handling--Run Flats Stink - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By socalh2oskier - February 23 - 11:13 am

  This car has fantastic handling. It is well-balanced, and the steering reacts almost immediately. The interior is well-designed, although iDrive is still a pain. I have the convertible, and, if I had to do it over again, I would not buy this car. The miniscule trunk with the top down makes it impossible to run even minor errands. I cannot even remove my tennis racket without going through the machinations of putting the top up. Even more frustrating is the harsh ride inflicted by the run-flat tires. I changed mine to regular go-flat tires one week after purchase, and the ride improved immeasurably. Overall, a nice car, but the trunk space and run-flats ruin the experience.