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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  First BMW - wont be my last - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By txranger - January 11 - 2:30 am

  I test drove several vehicles, but after driving the 530i, I said to myself "I have got to get me one of these!" While I enjoyed driving the 3 series, the 530i has the interior room to make it a great family sedan, but when Im alone it is one sweet ride. The 255 HP engine sets the tone, but the car is so quiet and smooth to ride in. I love the idrive. My dealer did a great job walking me through it and now its second nature. I love all of the other gadgets and settings too. I like having an MP3 CD loaded and getting a display of all songs on the idrive display, so I can play them randomly, or dial up some music with the idrive or use the steering wheel mounted controls.

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  Not impressed AT ALL - 2003 BMW X5
  By naddymutt - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I sure hope people read my review before they think on buying the BMW SUV. Yes, I bought it for the name and I am really regretting it. For the money, it surely isnt worth it. It was MUCH louder inside than my Ford pickup truck and the performance is adequate. I must say...before you buy or lease the BMW, PLEASE take it from me and look at the GMC Denali...there is so much more you will get for your money...the performance alone on the Denali blows away the BMW as well as the fit and finish. Dont be suckered for the BMW name.

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  Smiles, smiles, smiles, repair... - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By gmoney68 - January 10 - 7:39 pm

  You will love this car! I have the 6sp. Fun to drive, great to look at. Youll receive a ton of compliments. Oil changes are only required every 12k. My radiator has gone twice. Its plastic, but was under warranty. I replaced the cupholders with Ultimate Cupholders that mount near the floor in the front and replaced the rears with a CD holder. You will love this car. Just do yourself the favor and DIY maintenance/repairs or find a reliable private non-dealer BMW shop.

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  Great Drive - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By E46 - January 10 - 2:12 am

  This is my second 3 series after my E36, 325i. This car drives like a dream! It is not as powerful as I would have liked but it made up in handling. Ive owned this car for almost a year now and it has had all 4 power windows and the sunroof repaired. The coating on the center console and cup holder had peeled off. The rubberized coating of the interior is very prone to scratches. After the warranty expires, Im selling this baby!

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  Fun car to drive - 2002 BMW M3
  By igal - January 10 - 1:39 am

  This car is amazing in every aspect lots of power great looks and drive like a dream.

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  Dream Car under $50K - 2003 BMW Z4
  By David - January 9 - 3:19 pm

  I traded my Z3 in for this car and what a diffence. I love everything about this car. Everything that I felt could have been improved on the Z3 was greatly improved. The power band is smooth thoughtout the range. Handling is remarkable, it drives thru curves as if on rails. It has a sporty ride but is still not uncorfortable on long trips.

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  great fun - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Tim Farrell - January 9 - 2:26 pm

  I took a road trip this summer through the Rockies and the car was a gas to drive. Very responsive, comfortable for long runs and very quick. Too bad there arent many places to open it up.

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  Looks great, performes well, but ??? - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Rich C - January 9 - 4:27 am

  When it come to repairs, tires, and maintenance, it will cost you a bundle. However, if you want a ride that looks great at 10 years old, gets unexpectedly good mileage on the highway, drive well in the curves, and is nicely appointed, youll like it. You need to have confidence in your dealer and repair shop because you will see them way too often. Also, the run-flat tires are noisy, wear out quickly, and are rough riding. Its too much of a price to pay for not having a spare tire. If you fancy yourself a BMW driver, youll love this car. If its for tooling around town, get something else. It is a highway (autobahn) car!

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  Very Nice - 2006 BMW X3
  By jjluc77 - January 8 - 11:03 pm

  This is my first German car. I have always had Nissan, Toyota, and Honda. Therefore, I love reliability. We got this car on a whim. So far it is outstanding! The drivability is awesome! Handles like a sport sedan and offers plenty of interior space. We love the safety features and secure feeling while driving.

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  I love it (but!!) - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By tom - January 8 - 3:52 pm

  This is the best operating and driving car I have ever owned. My only beef is that BMW forces the iDrive which is at very best dificult to operate. I have been in DP fof 30 years and I struggle with it. The dealers and the consumer service folks are nice but dont understand the iDrive either - I would pay extra to have the car without it!