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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  great road handler - 2004 BMW X3
  By autofan - January 17 - 1:54 am

  This is a great car, it accelerates quickly enough and it follows your intentions effortlessly and its overall dimensions are excellent, it is neither too small nor too big for driving around town or on the freeways. The roof skylight is just awesome because it lets lots of sun in. It is a pleasure to drive.

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  M3 Dream - 2002 BMW M3
  By seasnake - January 16 - 11:37 pm

  The current M3 is a dream for a performance car enthusiast. With few exceptions, it will bury the competition with always blistering accelleration and it will stop in a heartbeat. Handling is second to none, as might be expected with a chassis and mechanics tuned for the Nurburgring. Where else can you buy a world class, track-ready sport coupe that will also seat 4 comfortably - with luggage. Fit, finish and quality of materials is second to none. BMW - form does follow function.

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  AWD BMW Wagon is hard to beat - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By MYBIRD67 - January 16 - 8:21 pm

  I was looking for a small SUV when I found this jewel. I was sold by the combination of the AWD and manual transmission. It handles like you would expect a BMW 3 series would, with the amazing bonus of all-weather traction plus 30 mpg highway. This car takes me and my ski-racing kids to ski areas all winter long and has not let us down. Once the vehicle went out of warranty I turned its service over to an independent BMW mechanic. So long as you stay current on recommended maintenance. Only issue has been a water pump failure requiring a tow - $380 later back on the road with no problems. The sport package is worth it for the bolstered seats. My favorite winter driver ever.

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  95 540 great car - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By jesse - January 15 - 11:27 pm

  Bought with 75K miles on it, nikasil engine block replaced with alusil at 46K mi.. It has incredible power, comfort and highway cruising ability and is extremely well made. You cant beat the classic BMW four round headlights look that these cars have. The V8s do have some problem areas (radiator, intake manifold gasket leaks, valve cover gaskets that leak with age, etc)but any buyer that does his/her homework and buys a solid car wont regret it.

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  7TH HEAVEN - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By 7TH HVN - January 15 - 8:01 pm

  COMFORTABLE, safe, reliable (thus far!) roomy, untouched by Mr. Bangle, almost quiet,and a bigger trunk than the S, but not the dazzling interior or tech goodies of a A8 (we owned one--it saved me form a 55 mph moron). The 7 is more fun to drive than the A.The Ultimate .... you know.

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  STICKS LIKE GLUE TO THE ROAD - 2004 BMW X3
  By Facet88 - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Traded my 525 I for this 3.0 X3. Very roomy inside great visability cruises at 80 mph without feeling the road. Eats thru wet roads look forward to the snow season.Great Brakes. The ulitmate driving machine. You wont be disapointed.

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  Good driver - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Bill - January 15 - 9:52 am

  I love this car, a bit expensive for non-warranty items (expected). Drives VERY well. Acceleration, handling, and braking are the best I have found so far. Got this car at a bargain price, and paid the price for some needed repairs, but since being brought back to specs it has delivered respectable and dependable sevice. Fuel mileage has amazed me in that when driven sanely I average 21-22 in town and 26- 27 on the highway ... all that in a car that will do over 155 mph if you wish.

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  Awesome Wagon - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By moogplayer - January 15 - 2:03 am

  After loads of research, I narrowed the field to a 94 or 95 BMW 525it. Found a white 94 525it from a 2nd owner private party with 117K and newer transmission with receipts and warranty (for 2 1/2 more years or 30K more miles). Bought it for about $6K. This thing is SOLID. I went from an Altima to this. Talk about enormous difference in all aspects of build quality, performance, handling, braking, everything. I have 2 small kids and feel very safe driving this fairly heavy wagon around. I think this series looks better tan the new wagons. And the 2.5L V6 is bulletproof - tried and true. Ive done some preventive maintenance but other than that this thing has been problem-free since I got it.

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  WHAT AN EXPIERENCE - 2005 BMW X5
  By BROOKLYNGUY - January 15 - 12:10 am

  THE CAR IS OVERALL AWESOME THE ONLY DRAWBACK IS BEING A CAR OWNER OF A LEXUS THE FEATURES THAT ARE OFFERED INSIDE ARE NOT AS MODERN AS I WOULD HAVE LIKED. THE CAR RIDES BETTER THAN ANY OTHER CAR I EVER RODE

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  Overall Excellence - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By David WIlhelm - January 14 - 3:38 pm

  The car is a real blast to drive. The iDrive system could be a little easier. I would prefer a simple radio/CD with buttons but the car is beautifully designed on the in side and especially on the outside. It is quick, responsive and really smooth. Front seat could go back just a bit further.