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:

• 

  Fun With A 2002 BMW 325 cic - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Marias2002BMW325cic - December 20 - 2:00 am

  What a fun little car! Its simple and stylish. Comfortable and classy. Great to take a drive to the beach in or to an elegant restaurant and night on the town. Quick and agile, a pleasure to drive!

• 

  Love My 750 - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By bigd - December 20 - 12:13 am

  This is the ultimate driving experience! After having researched and tested many cars none came close to the 750Li. It is luxury sedan and sports car in one. I highly recommend this car.

• 

  650i BMW Convertible - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By TERRY C - December 19 - 7:43 pm

  I have been used to Mercedes since 1985 and fine this a fun car to drive. Needs some help in the rear seat area. Also needs touch screen when using your bluetooth phone. Passenger side needs memory seats. The "I" (information) button and screen are a little confusing and you have to be careful using it when driving. I did not get the head up option and that would be helpful using the navigation screen and the "I" system

• 

  Hit to the wallet - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Larry - December 19 - 1:59 pm

  I was in love with this car for almost two months. This 528i was a previous lease and then a BMW certified used car. I put 2500 miles on it and the transmission completely ate itself. Transmission (not dealer replaced) and two control units (dealer replaced) my wallet is now $5500 lighter. This after 78500 total miles on the car. I hope my letter to BMW falls on sympathetic ears.

• 

  Nothing to get excited about - 2005 BMW X3
  By H. Gleeksman - December 18 - 3:19 pm

  This is a noisy, uncomfortable vehicle with nothing to recommend it except for sitting up high. Its power is ordinary its ride is noisy and rough. It has a strange rattle in the sunroof. After all is said and done it is over-priced, too.

• 

  Awesome wheels - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By ManhattanBch650 - December 18 - 5:08 am

  In spite of Chris Bangle, this car rocks. It just oozes,"Move over, Im here." Great looks, performance, comfort. It says, "Ive arrived."

• 

  Astounding - 2006 BMW M5
  By pelican - December 18 - 4:43 am

  The M5s technology enables virtually infinite adjustments to suit the driver and the driving conditions. It is like having a bespoke car: the driver can adjust transmission, suspension and horsepower settings to your liking. And there is a lot to choose from given this cars great capabilities. It handles beautifully, with precise steering and road feel. The M5 has ample power, with up to 500 hp. I owned the previous generation M5, and the 2006 is a tremendous improvement in terms of both performance and comfort. And I like the fact that the car is a "sleeper". Unless they know their cars, most people wont know that the M5 is one of the best performing cars on the road.

• 

  The Ultimate "7" driving machine - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Alex - December 17 - 10:07 pm

  My last car was a 1995 Jaguar XJ6, it was wonderful, however trunk space was an issue. Having owned 6 BMWs in the past I bought a 1998 740il on eBay. Drove the car to California from Texas, and on the way achieved between 25-29 mpg, Incredible! Both cats replaced for Calif Smog laws $2400 yikes! The car is an absolute pleasure to own, and drive. In essence its a "Sports car Limo". Fast, luxurious, smooth, powerful, addictive are just a few superlatives to descibe the car. Take care of your 740, dont abuse it, get your maintenance done when required and it will give you immense pleasure. As a side note, I later found out, my 740il was previously owned by Troy Aikman of the Dallas Cowboys.

• 

  Love isnt blind - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Roadster - December 17 - 2:13 pm

  Love the car overall and cannot find anything comparable. Outstanding gas mileage & performance. Smooth quiet and responsive ride and handling. Accessories are light weight... cup holders replaced twice, dont work well anyway, sunroof replaced twice after falling from tilt mode. Bought it certified so have the extended warranty and bought extended maint... so far well worth it. The parking sensors are fantastic, all cars should have them.

• 

  Better have deep pockets and patience. - 2008 BMW X5
  By Matthew eichmann - December 16 - 11:21 pm

  My 2008 X5 3.0 is a love hate relationship. One of my absolute favorite cars...the styling is amazing, the interior is simple but extremely well built. Power is smooth from the inline 6 engine, and the handling is like a sports car. But.....the least reliable car I have ever owned, by a long shot. Bought the car new, and at 90,000 miles Ive had ...Radiator replaced ...coolant expansion tank ...valve cover gasket, twice! ...I drive controller ...water pump ...various gaskets that always amount to $1k each in labor ...Hydraulic sway bar ($2k just for the part alone) ...Valve cover ...Vanos solenoids Even after all that, I still enjoyed the car and did all the repairs. Til it developed a well known flaw of the 3.0 engine. Camshaft bearing failure. Which requires 25 hrs labor and a whole new cylinder head. Minimum $5k at a independent shop. More like $7k at the dealer. Suffice it to say that ended my love affair with the X5, and I traded it in. Great cars, but dont own one without a warranty, and better yet, another car to drive while its in the shop. Youll need it.