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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  Intimedated by the i Drive ? - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By elicojt - February 26 - 2:00 am

  As my first entry into the BMW line-up its hard to beat. I was looking at the new 5 but found its size may not meet the needs for a family of 5 (even though the kids dont see much of the back). A perfect match of perfomace (19" wheels, 325HP) and Luxury. i Drive should take about 1 week to master (going through each menu screen) and loading some favorites then its a matter of how much you want to know while your drivig. If you have trouble with Windows XP maybe maybe you should think about a Lexus & touch screen.

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  great car - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By bernie - February 25 - 6:33 pm

  Ive owned many high end sporty cars and this is clearly the best. Fun to drive, solidly built, classy, and gets compliments all the time.

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  you - 2004 BMW M3
  By jimo - February 25 - 2:00 am

  great car to drive any time. Best car built end of story. It needs a bit more power to keep up with supercars.

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  Cant wait to drive it - 2004 BMW M3
  By X-Man - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Everytime you sit in the seat...you cant wait it hit it and zoom to full speed. When I am out of town and driving some rental...I cant wait to get back into the seat of my M.

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  I love the car! - 2004 BMW X5
  By Rebeka - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I changed my ML 320 to an X5 and Im happy I did. The X5 is fun to drive and has a very sporty feel to it. Everything is easily accessable. Overall, I am very happy with the car.

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  Experience with BMW X-5 - 2000 BMW X5
  By bjam - February 25 - 2:00 am

  In 4 years and 49000 miles this car has been in the shop for a repair just twice, both under warranty. The car is as tight and fun to drive as the day I bought it. I never keep cars after the warranty has expired, but in this case I am making an exception. I cant find another car I like any better, and it is so good I figure maybe to save a little money and stay with it for another year or so.

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  The best car ever - 2004 BMW X5
  By Johnny Walker - February 24 - 2:00 am

  The X5 is an exceptional SUV. It has great handeling in any conditions. It also has great pick up. I find that it is very confertable and the heated seats and steering wheel are heavenly.

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  CPO 2001 X5 for the wife - 2001 BMW X5
  By swsms - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought it for Valentines Day and she loves it!! A little rougher ride coming from a 97 Acura RL but the handling, acceleration, and sound system are awesome. This is the only SUV my wife liked that doesnt make her feel like soccor mom! So far, Ive just noticed a rattle in the drivers door and in the rear climate control unit, but overall I am inpressed with the solid feel of the X5. Weve test driven multiple MDXs and have not felt as secure. With the CPO warranty and lots of prayer, I hope to limit my trips to the dealer for service.

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  Its Not Perfect, but close - 2003 BMW M3
  By M3ITSFUN - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Driving over a year now, I can say its a awesome sports car, truly special in everyway. Its unique and has very few faults, it will make you want to drive more. Obvious but... Can be tricky to drive in bad weather but mostly due to driver behavior, dont turn off saftey systems.

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  Best Sports Sedan Ever - 2002 BMW M5
  By Amazingmed - February 24 - 2:00 am

  The 2002 BMW M5 is perfect for the family person in need of 5 seats but who quitely longs for a 2 seat screamer like an 911 turbo. The only knock I have on the car is that it does things almost two effortlessly. The steering is a touch light and you are insulated to some degree from its raw power by its size. Simply the best of the best sedans.