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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  Better than MB S-Class? - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By J McAfee - December 4 - 3:58 pm

  The review is from the perspective of a former MB S-Class owner (92 & 00), new to BMW and how the 2 compare. The BMW is a great vehicle and Im very happy with the purchase (and you will be, too). The two are very similar, yet significantly different. Buy the BMW for performance, handling, interior ergonomics, and interior comfort. Buy the MB for looks, snob appeal, heavy vault-like feel, and smooth ride. They even out in technical innovation, each with features superior to the other. The BMWs ride is amazingly good with 19" wheels, vastly better than my MB with 19", but inferior to MB with 16". BMW with much bigger trunk better interior finish & matierial vs new MB (92 MB the best).

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  If the next ones better? - 2006 BMW M3
  By doug t - December 3 - 6:07 pm

  I picked up my car yesterday and cant stay out of it.The handling, power delivery, and brakes are completely dialed in without being too harsh. I considered the S4 and like 911s, the M3 should make me forget about those. I dont think Id need a 400 HP v8 that the next one has, after all, Itll take some time to learn all that this model has to offer. Looking forward to some track days.

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  06 BMW 750Li - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By woodwrkr2 - December 3 - 3:49 pm

  Have had more service visits for this car in the first six months of ownership than I have with my Olds Silhouette minivan in the 5-1/2 years Ive owned it. Frankly I expected better from a expensive luxury car. Granted it has a ton more bells and whistles and rides, handles, and performs better (except in snow) but its dash is noisy and its only got 4100 miles.

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  X3 X-cellent - 2004 BMW X3
  By Rtuchol2 - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased the X3, and couldnt be more pleased. I believe that BMW may have some future design changes, but the ultimate perk to the X3 or any BMW is the service plan. You may pay the higher price, and compromise the luxury, but you wont have to do a thing for the life of the car. BMW takes good care of its owners.

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  Great Car - 2004 BMW X3
  By baddog123 - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Overall, love the vehicle. The safety features are incredible. After driving a Jeep cherokee with nothing for safety this is great. Weird quirk-cant open the rear hatch from inside car; must use key. The xenon lights are amazing and truly increase visibility at nite. The dash area wouldnt win any beauty contests, its a bit rustic.

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  Envy of all - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By livlif525 - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my 525i w/sport/premium pkg since 4/04. This is probably the best handling sedan ive driven to date. Lux but sporty. Expected gas mileage to be better around town. Avg 35mpg on the highway. Couldnt justify spending the cheese for the 530. The extra hp is only noticably missing at low speeds. Not a factor on the highway. Finally getting used to the stares at stop lights. If youre thinking of purchasing - stop 2nd guessing and get it. Youll be glad you did.

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  This car is great - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By pweese23 - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for almost a year now and its the best car I have ever owned. Without any doubt this is the ultimate driving machine. Ive really pushed the limits of this car and it runs as strong as the day I bought it. The car is smooth from 10mph to 130mph. The hardest thing to do while driving this machine is to obey the posted speed limits.

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  Performance - 2002 BMW M3
  By 2drstdcoupe - December 2 - 8:01 pm

  Purchased with performance in mind. Received one from Germany without a governor. Excellent car would highly recomend.

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  Bang for the Buck - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By chris - December 2 - 12:08 pm

  Had this car for over 10 years and 180,000 miles and the car is still going strong. Body is sturdy and still no creaks or rattles whatsoever. Maintenance is cheaper than my Honda since parts dont break down or rust as much. Excellent fuel mileage and very practical due to the folding seats. Excellent handling. This car can take curves and corners at high speeds. Ive almost run off roads with rental cars since Im used to how this car handles. It would have been better if this had a 6 cylinder engine, but it holds up more than repectably when pushed at higher rpms. Torque is strong at all rpms. Too bad they stopped making this model. Europe still has it with 6 cylinder models.

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  BMW - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By jambo - December 2 - 12:25 am

  Great looks. Power is decent. The only issues I have are the tire wear (sport package) and way too many rattles in the interior. Prefer standard dash contols over the iDrive.