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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  My First BMW! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Suzanne - December 15 - 10:53 am

  I thoroughly enjoy my first BMW! I have a 2006 330i. Not only is it absolutely beautiful, but it drives like a dream and its very fast! I really have to keep watch on the speedometer! I was impressed with all the safety features. BMW went beyond what is necessary to make this a very safe car. Im short, so I fit in it fine. However, I can see how a larger person might find it a "small" car. Also, the rim around the bottom of the car is only a few inches from the road, so this part of the car stays dirty. I wish it was a bit higher. The tires are incredibly expensive, so I purchased wheel and tire insurance.

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  Wonderful car but too many problems! - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By A & M - December 14 - 10:16 pm

  We loved everything about our 2005 645I convertible. Talk about a car that catchs everyones eye and is a blast to drive! But....we had so many problems with ours we regretfully ended up giving it back under the lemon law. It was in the BMW service dept 32 days between July 6 and Oct 1, 2006 - not counting weekends! We were told it had 19 computers by 15 manufacturers and the glitchs werent worked out yet. We expected more from an $80,000 car but agree wed buy another one if we were promised it wouldnt have so many problems!

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  No complaints! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By rokeru - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Before purchasing I checked out every other competing make out there including the Mercedes C320, Lexus IS300, Audi A4, & Acura TL. I bought the 330i manual w/sport package. The connection you feel driving a BMW is like no other. The build quality is exquisite and the overall stance of the car is aggressive yet classy. You could drive this car 10+ years and it will still look great. Cant say that about the Audi, Lexus or Acura. The car comes complete with a 4 year/50k warranty that covers EVERYTHING including a loaner for the day. Add to that a free BMW performance driving class that rocked & I couldnt be more completely satisfied.

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  Z man - 2004 BMW Z4
  By the king - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Agile. Flat cornering. The best thing about the car is the engine. Great torque at any speed. Effortlessly accelerates from any speed. I have the sport package and the ride is mildy bumpy due to the 18" tires but the aesthics are awesome.

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  BMW 911 - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By dasjr64 - December 13 - 9:22 pm

  My first BMW is my 99-528 that I drive daily and cant say enough about so I was destined for another. I was between a 645 and 745. I chose the 645 and have not been disappointed. I do miss the ability to take the 3rd or 4th passenger on occasion, however the ride, handling and looks far outweigh that. I also own a 911 and am considering getting rid of that to upgrade the 528 to a 745. The 645 gives me eveything I was getting from the 911. The only problem I have had is the navigation has been occasionally acting up, saying "cant read disc" Im scheduled to take it in next week so hope its an easy correction.

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  The new 7 - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By GA - December 13 - 7:06 pm

  Incredible car....I owned a 745 previously. This car seems so much quicker and responsive. Beside better acceleration this car seems tighter and begs to be driven harder. If they could only figure out how to make the I- drive more intuitive, and do away with the 30 second chime for the seat belt, I would be hard pressed to find any flaws with the new 7.

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  The truly Ultimately Driving Machine - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By luckyguyinla - December 13 - 4:49 pm

  I have this car no more than 2 months old. I took a spin everywhere i go .. Everything about this car is awesome beside. the miles. BMW allow you to drive at your own speed. The gas mile meter is not correctly because it depend how fast you are accert your car. I m going to keep this car until the 2008 car model come out. its fun car and attention grabber. Great car for age 18-40.. Save up your money. and wait for the 2008 new design. I loving it right now.

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  Own it till it stops - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By ritzcook - December 13 - 1:41 pm

  Have owned 5 series since 85 - 528e, 535is, M5, u name it. This car has been the best of the lot. Beautiful classic exterior and interior lines - 2.8L is BMWs most reliable in-line 6 with plenty o power (yes the M5 clearly is the pocket rocket, but 2.8 can get up and go and is easier on the gas guzzling.) The E39 is also the last 5 model without the ridiculous iDrive computer, which is completely unneccessary for driving, a safety hazard and blight on the dashboard. No major repair issues to date. When this stops running, Ill buy another used E39.

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  BMW 528xi - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Steve - December 13 - 2:13 am

  This car is great! A very comfortable ride. I have owned a 3 series, 740i, two X5s and now this. The comfort is great, performance is great and it has good gadgets. The iPod adapter and navigation system are fun and work very well.

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  Sexy, Sporty, Sleek - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By CV - December 12 - 10:30 am

  This is my 1st BMW - Jet Black with Terra int, except it didnt have the navigation system. I have to say, I will never go back to any other vehicle again. This car screams with style and class. I did a lot of research before purchasing the 330i. Theres just no comparison. I am truly impressed with every detail of this car, from the self adjusting xenon lights, to the start/stop button. And the stereo system is amazing. It is truly a driving machine and handles the road impeccably. My patience for a new vehicle was definitely worth the wait.