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:

• 

  Electrical gremlins - 2001 BMW X5
  By BrittB - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Our 2001 4.4 X5 is the "Ultimate driving machine". We love everything about it except... It has electrical gremlins in it. The dash warning lights come on and off all the time, indicating the need to check rear and brake lights. We take it to the dealership, they replace what is broken, if the check lights are actually still on when we get to the dealership and we go home. Some time a few days later, it happens again.. Check rear lights etc... Consumer reports rates the 2001s electrical system very poor. Newer models are much improved.

• 

  Great Car! - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By SLW - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car with 47,000 obviously well cared for miles on it. Great speed and handling with nearly every conceivable luxury. As previously mentioned cupholder are nearly worthless but not that important to me. Service light has a mind of its own and I wish it would burn out. Why there is a gas economy gage and no oil pressure gauge is a mystery to me. You dont buy this model for great fuel economy. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a sports sedan. You probably better buy the extended warranty though just to be safe.

• 

  This car is years ahead of all brands. - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Minnow - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Whats all the hype over I-Drive. Its a great device to set-up your car the way you want it. How many other cars allow this type of programming? 6 & 7 series. It only takes a few minutes to learn. Its wonderful once you master it. A blast to drive with a quiet compliant ride. This is my 3rd BMW in 5 years.

• 

  zippy mom mobile - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By nicksmom - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I love the tight suspension and steering. I can have my cake and eat it too. I can take the kids to and from school and zip my way to work in style.

• 

  Best Car Ive Ever Had! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Michael In Memphis - February 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is great. Excellent styling (both interior and exterior) and great performance. The sports package is a must.

• 

  92 325i - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By trini - February 14 - 2:00 am

  Its truly the ultimate driving machine this car is not for laid back people if u want luxury go buy a lincoln ,If u truly want to live (bmw)

• 

  I love this car - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By jamesdchang - February 14 - 2:00 am

  The 2001 BMW 740i I purchased in August 2001 changed my life. Driving anywhere is a sensual experience. I deliberately take a longer route to work in the morning. Whenever I have to drive any other car I feel like I am driving dead weight, not to mention that I feel very uncool in it. The Sport Package is an absolute MUST!!! The 18" M-parallel spoke wheels are gorgeous, and the lowered front suspension gives the car an aggressive, athletic posture. Sport mode transmission option makes this car a rocket.

• 

  BMW X5 3.0i - 2004 BMW X5
  By Patti Pietronrio - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Great pickup for an in-line 6. Fun to switch from auto to stick. Great sound system and is very comfortable to drive. Terrific on long trips, smooth, sound-proof, and very secure on the roadways.

• 

  Speed, fun and comfort !! - 2001 BMW X5
  By tonymontana - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Yes they have electrical glitches, but the car has to be good for all of us to still keep it eventhough that fact. Rides and drives almost like a 540i with cargo room for the 6 lumber I bought at Home Depot. Plus it pulls my 20 Boat with no problem. Build quality is execelent. These vehicles are used on the road, and if thats your case this is an excelent SUV. Speed, fun and comfort!

• 

  I love this car....!!!! - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Stefano Vranca - February 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a really amzing machine. Fun to drive, responsive, incredibly agile for its size. I really do not understand all the criticism related to the idrive. It took me about an hour to learn it! No manual needed. What also can I say...you cannot beat a Bimmer!