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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  Solid Fun - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Chuck W - December 1 - 8:53 am

  Leased new - still really enjoy the vehicle - anticipate buying at the end of the 3 years. Drives smoothly w/more than enough motor to go when and where you need it. Commutes easily, highway powerful and back road perfect. X is nice in the snow - confident handling. Love the look. Feel is solid and comfortable the "leatherette" manual seats are actually quite nice and worry free. Two repairs [windshield stone at dealer and rear end collision out sourced] both done well. BMW dealer maintenance convenient w/nice loaners - and we use the free car wash Saturday AM at our dealer] Perfect two-person vehicle - back seat room larger than appears, but not expansive. Runs on premium.

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  Fabulous Car - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By smeagol - November 30 - 3:19 am

  I always wanted to own one of these babies even after having a Mercedes E320. A ride in a 2004 X5 got me really thinking about it, so when I needed to give my college age daughter a car, I gave her my 4 year old Acura and picked up a used 525i with 16k. What a fabulous purchase. Without a doubt, the most civil road hugging vehicle I have ever owned and tastefully, impeccably appointed inside to boot. And NO iDrive!!!

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  Bmw X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By pt dds - November 30 - 2:00 am

  The X5 has the greatest handling amongst all the SUV that I had test drive. The design is the nicest of all SUV on the market.

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  BMW X5 UNRELIABLE - 2003 BMW X5
  By DETCORD - November 30 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS THE NINTH BMW THAT I HAVE PURCHASED.ALTHOUGH BMW HAS A GOOD WARRANTY,THE VEHICLE SPENDS TO MUCH TIME NEEDING IT. MY VEHICLE HAS 36,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS HAD THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS.BOTH STEERING CONTROLL ARMS REPLACED,BRAKE PEDAL ALMOST FELL OFF,NINE BURNT OUT HEADLIGHTS/FOGLAMPS, WHICH ARE TIME CONSUMING TO CHANGE.ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELLS ETC..WILL MOST LIKELY NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER X5

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  I love my 545! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Juneblooms - November 30 - 1:38 am

  This is my second BMW. My first was a 3 Series which I also enjoyed. The only reason I traded in my 3 series was due the pressure from my husband to upgrade. Once I drove my 545 just a few times I fell in love. I have never loved a car until I drove this car. Im a mom and this car was my compromise to Momhood. I have room for three kids in back. Tons of trunk room and a sports car to drive. Yippee. The only bad part is I dont get to play with it very often because Im usually hauling kids.

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  A real enthusiast car - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By mikeygervais - November 30 - 12:52 am

  This car handles better than my Mini cooper. If you love to drive, this is a really fun car, especially if you install an aftermarket sport suspension. With the right tires, this car is almost impossible to spin out of control. The downsides are: the cost of the replacement parts are twice a regular E30 fuel economy drops to about 20 city, 23 hwy, and its a bit heavier (3000 lbs) compared to a regular E30 (2840 lb), hince a little slower. The 1988 was the best year, had all the best options, fender flares, Recaro seats, power everything.

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  Best Luxury Sports Sedan on the Market - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Richard - November 29 - 6:12 pm

  I picked up my 750i 2 weeks ago. The handling and performance is beyond belief. I considered the Mercedes CLS-500 but the CLS cannot hold a candle to the 7-series BMW. The interior is roomy and comfortable. My kids love it. I love the new styling especially the back of the car. The iDrive is straight-forward to control. (I dont know what all the fuss is about with regard to the iDrive.) I ordered my black 750i with natural brown leather which looks and feels great. I had the premium sound, luxury seating, and satellite radio options. My only regret is that I wished that I went with the 19-inch wheels. This car blows away anything comparable on the market.

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  X3 could be better - 2004 BMW X3
  By RussoX3 - November 28 - 5:27 pm

  With 18k miles, this car rattles from a few areas, and there is a water leak soaking the back seat floor. Car handles great and is fun to drive - the 6 speed helps! Overall car is comfortable and handles like a BMW. Quality of materials is a problem.

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  Alabama Review - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Peri - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy the vehicle overall. I experience some problems with the transmission that revs up when going down a hill which bother me. I understand there is a recall for the exhaust system so will have to take it in for that also.

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  UDM no - be careful selecting a dealer - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By FoggyDew - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Its always being a dream of mine to own a BMW. I guess the moral of the story is be careful what you wish for... it might come true. It is a nice car to drive, good handling, performance is somewhat lacking with the manual transmission, but Ive brought it back to the shop almost every month since it was 3months old with one problem or another. Tulley BMW of Nashua are terrible, guess their a known problem in BMW circles. BMW have put me in touch with another dealer who hopefully resolve the problems you wouldnt expect in a car that costs this much.