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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  Awesome - 2005 BMW X5
  By Lorne - November 14 - 3:57 pm

  This vehicle has style, class, and enough horses under the engine to do what ever you would like. Its very versatile. One day Im going to business meeting and next Im pulling a 6600lbs boat to go fishing.

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  My dream car - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Jim S - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I was all ready to buy the 330i auto with no fold down seat on a Sunday, but dealership would not take personal check. I told them I would be back next day with cashiers check. On Monday I shopped 5 Bay Area dealers and got the car I wanted for $1300 over! Message: Dont settle! Get exactly what you want. The car now has 1000 miles on it and I cant wait until 1250 when I can redline! What a joy to drive!

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  Fun to drive but...... - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By autobahn - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned Janese cars in the past, shouldve stuck with them...Ive had my 325i for about 5 months now and it had been in the shop 3 times. The car is fun to drive and very responsive, but it keeps breaking down. The dealership tells me its all "electrical" problems. As much as I like the looks of the car, I wont buy another BMW.

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  A Rocket Ship at the Right Price - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Miami Vice - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Purchased a 540i with Nav in June 2003. My 4th BMW and what a delight to drive the 38 miles R/T to work. No problems so far. The best part was the deal...paid invoice with a trade. You can do better now with an under invoice deal. The time to buy is now.......but its your $$$

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  The 2006 BMW X3 - wow - 2006 BMW X3
  By drakec1 - November 13 - 3:12 am

  Wow!!! I love this vehicle. I have the silver gray metallic with the black and terra cotta interior. It drives like a sport sedan, but with a higher view like a SUV. The interior is very well done and easy to clean. I have the auxillary input for my iPod, and with the upgraded stereo, the sound is fantastic. I had a 2004 Acura TL, but this summer I hydroplaned and wanted to replace it with something all-wheel drive and more like a SUV without giving up the sportier/more luxurious side of driving. I could not have asked for anything better. The only...and I repeat, only downside is the fuel economy.

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  Awesome car - - delighted with it - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Abbas - November 12 - 7:55 pm

  My first BMW but certainly not last. Excellent car with superb looks inside and out. Very fun to drive and extremley reliable. Buy the extended service - - well worth the money.

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  X3 Rebuttal - 2006 BMW X3
  By Tanya - November 12 - 1:20 am

  Previous car - 1998 4-door BMW M3. Though this car cant compare, its a fun vehicle to drive. Its roomier than the M3, handles fairly well, has a higher ground clearance. Has Luxury yet not overly done, clean lines. Havent had it long enough to experience any problems, but I had my M3 for 6 years before problems started popping up. I expect to have this one just as long. 4-years maintenance was too attractive to pass up. Test drove many SUVs (at least 10 cars) the rides were close, but BMW had the maintenance and the tighter steering. I dont mind a stiffer ride if I can feel the road. This isnt a smooth-car ride.

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  One of the Best Cars on the Road - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Mamish - November 11 - 12:40 pm

  The 740i - sports package 00 or 01 is "the" car to drive. Speed, handling, cornering and road grip is unmatched. No other 4 door car can come close to the 740i - none. Too bad BMW ruined the 7 series and soon all series with that bulky, ugly, bubbly design. Shame on BMW for pulling such a stupid move. If youre looking for a great vehicle try to find a 00 or 01 740i - sports package miles 40K to 60K in the $28K range You will love it. Again, 740i not the IL

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  another great 3 series - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Richard Aust - November 11 - 10:45 am

  I bought this car as certified pre-owned. Only way to go as i paid 28K for a 46K vehicle. This is NOT a sports car but a fabulous driving vehicle. Plenty of power and very comfortable. Decent fuel mileage on the highway but not so much around town. I am not tired of driving this vehicle.

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  As good as it gets - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Lee - November 11 - 8:26 am

  This is a 2nd BMW we have. We have a X3. I have this new 2006 325xi for about 1 month now. It has exceed my expectation in many ways. The combination of power and handling is just about perfect. I thought X3 was great until I brought the 325xi. The handling is so precise and fun to drive. I am very glad that I chose the 325xi instead of the Lexus 250 or Acura TL. I read many negative comments about run flat tire. So far, I did not have any problem or complain about them. They are doing just fine.