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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  X3 Rating - 2005 BMW X3
  By Kenneth Lowrie - November 8 - 1:57 pm

  The only objection I have to this vehicle is the need to use premium fuel. However, maybe thats necessary because of the outstanding engineering.

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  BMW X3 - 2006 BMW X3
  By njp62 - November 8 - 12:21 pm

  This is my first BMW and I love it, comfortable, fun to drive.

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  Almost perfect - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Sean Craft - November 7 - 3:03 am

  I am a huge BMW fan. Once you get them into your blood, they are impossible to get out of your system. This model is small with very limited rear seat room and a tiny, shallow trunk, so try it on for size. While very sophisticated technically and engineered to perfection the interior is looking dated. The 325s smaller inline 6 is a little weak down low, but is fine for passing and highway work. Very smooth powertrain, great ride, smooth in every way. The last two years models have much more standard equipment then older models. They had standard sunroof and rain sensing wipers, CD and full power. They could use standard drivers power seat at least for this pr

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  Great SUV - 2005 BMW X3
  By Steve - November 6 - 7:29 pm

  The BMW X3 has great styling and sporty ride. I cant wait to drive it in the snow.

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  Couldnt Be Any Better! - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By KathyO - November 6 - 4:37 pm

  Best vehicle Ive ever owned. This one has it all: performance, sporty, luxury. Great combination of mastering the road and pampering the driver. Ill probably get another one when my lease is up. This one turns heads and gets lots of compliments all the time - and is still exclusive enough that I rarely see another one on the road.

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  Really the Ultimate Drive - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Guitarguy - November 5 - 10:13 pm

  I bought this over the competion for a 4 door AWD sedan. I will have to get winter run-flat booties, but that is a minor inconvenience. My daughter runs iDrive like a pro, without reading the manual. It is not nearly as bad as most of the auto rags make it out to be. the cup holders are kinda wonky, but there really is nowhere else to put em. Keyless entry is the way to go. I have the sports package and the seats are great. The engine is a piece of art. The gas mileage is about the same as was my former AWD Volvo, and more that 80hp more power. Fit and finish is top shelf. The stereo is great, and quite flat in audio response. Car is very quiet, except when you boot it, and hear that engine!

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  2006 BMW X3 (purchased 10/22/2006) - 2006 BMW X3
  By Pierce - November 5 - 2:31 pm

  With the 2006 iteration of the X3, the gray cladding is gone from the front end. A matching painted from end with repositioned fog lights has dramatically improved the aesthetics of the vehicle. Our X3 has been driven some 800 miles, and over these miles the vehicle has performed flawlessly. The quality and finish on this factory ordered X3 is first class. The handling is superb. The X-Drive works to make driving in water-filled pitted lanes far less demanding of the driver. The X3 isnt an M3 when it comes to handling, but is IMHO handily superior to the offerings by other SUV marques. Overall, the X3 is quality and value under $50k.

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  BMW 330 Ci - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By trrbo - November 5 - 2:07 pm

  I like the 330 Ci, its fun to drive and gets lots of looks. The car rattles and you have to slam the doors to get them to shut. The interior trim has fallen off several times, and the check coolant light wont go off, even after 3 trips to the dealer. The car also pulls to the left since new, and the dealer says it is normal.

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  Now if only there were an M version... - 2003 BMW Z4
  By ervul - November 5 - 1:23 am

  This car is a pleasure to drive, even around town. I have the Steptronic automatic version as my wife doesnt drive a manual transmission. Overall gas mileage is about 24 mpg with a couple of long, mostly interstate driving, trips coming in over 30 mpg. We have taken this car down the Blue Ridge parkway from end to end and around Cape Breton Island, top down. Pure pleasure!

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  1999 528i i love it! - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By pauljr - November 4 - 5:09 pm

  Bought this car used with 117,000 miles on it. Ive put almost 5000 on it since august. I love it! Ive had a Mercedes E420 a 1997, a 1992 911 carrera 2, 1997 911 C4S. This BMW drives like a cross between the others. The interior is by far the best of all the other cars. The 2.8 inline 6 gives just enough power to have a great time without the tickets you get in a Porsche.