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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  X5 outdoes my expectations - 2005 BMW X5
  By Bill - October 29 - 12:33 pm

  I have not been able to find a flaw in the design or structure of the 2005 X5. Everything works and in one year I have not had any problems. The new 4.4 engine is extremely responsive and very smooth. Holds the road like a vette. The price is high but worth it. I traded a 2003 for the 05 and am glad I did.

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  My BMW 325i - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By tlesa - October 29 - 10:06 am

  Sitting in this car is definitely different from my former Volvo 850; my legs occasionally ache while driving, but I shall adjust, otherwise, I love my car! The handling is excellent, it is roomy in the back for a tall gal like myself, the new design turns heads, (including my own), and I love the neat gadgets, such as the cooling device for my drinks. It is awkward to have a drink placed inside while driving; I am used to using that area as an arm rest. My car "beeps" out of the blue; I dont know why; neither does the reps at BMW--its not a seatbelt problem. Does this happen to anyone else? Also, I love checking my oil using the display screen and that BMW will contact me for service.

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  Better then Lexus - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Rob Y - October 29 - 8:46 am

  I previously owned a Chrysler Sebring convertible for ten years. For me to say that this car drives MUCH better would be an understatement. I tested this and the IS 250 and although there is nothing bad about the Lexus, the BMW is just a little better in every way. Exterior look, interior design, and drivability. I am not a track driver and the performance package in my opinion is unnecessary if driving isnt your hobby. The standard suspension and steering is very enjoyable. If you take long trips and have the performance suspension, pray that they just paved the roads. Otherwise youll feel every bump, dip, and stone on the road. All in all, the BMW is just a great car. Worth every penny!

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  A drivers car - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By Leslie - October 28 - 4:10 pm

  Super fun to drive. Extraordinary power surge in overdrive. Road handling second to none, even on wet pavement. Havent had the top down yet due to endless rain in NYC, but cant wait to get to Florida and let her rip.

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  Too Much Technology - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Bret J. Temple - October 28 - 3:47 pm

  This is my 2nd review of the car after having it 5 months now, its been in the shop to completely replace the ingnition system, because the car stalled in the middle of me driving twice. Very dangerous. I love the car, way too much technology, something is bound to go wrong sooner or later with everything in the car being electronic or computerized. BMW needs to get back to basics and just make a nice car without all the tech. Read my last review, and most of it still holds true.

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  step up to a 4.4i - 2006 BMW X5
  By steven k - October 28 - 4:57 am

  Had a 03, 3.0 and loved it. Just bought a 4.4.Sport. Wow what a difference. BMW took out all the kinks from the old model. Real quiet inside, solid ride, agile, great acceleration. Get the sport package. Seats are more comfy. I drive this truck in n.y.c. Handles the roads unbeliveable. Fixed the annoying hatch rattle and now easy to remove rear cover. Expensive, but you get what you pay for. Gas mileage sucks. But what is perfect in life? If money is an issue you dont deserve to drive this truck, sorry...

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  The day I bought my Z3 - 1998 BMW Z3
  By Pete Hadler - October 28 - 3:34 am

  I bought it in 1998. If I had a choice I would without a doubt do it again!!! when I pulled in our drive, my neighbors ran over and ask if I had won the Lottery! I did not tell them That the total price out the door from the dealership tax etc etc was $30,040.00. l loved the car then and I still do. I am am 81 years old and my Z3 is 19 years old. Pete Hadler

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  Back in a 3 series coupe - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Marc - October 27 - 6:58 pm

  My first BMW was a 325is. Now I am back in a 328ci and I love this car. I have all the bells and whistles except Nav. Bought it with 80k miles on it and it now has 98k. No problems as I am meticulous with maintaining the car. Great to drive hwy or in the twistys. Engine could use some more juice but the new cars have addressed this. BMW should drop HK as a vendor and call Bose. Love the car plan on keeping it another 100k miles. No problems and I do much of the work myself so I know when things are going wrong. Dealer is great while under warranty but find a quality local shop that you can depend on to keep cost down on maintenance.

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  BMW Z8 - 2001 BMW Z8
  By Barry Knispel - October 27 - 3:55 pm

  The retro design is fantastic- The interior leathers are soft and always have that new car smell. The navigation map is small therefore the direction are only arrows and voice, this is ok but I happen to like a map on my nav. system The dashboard is also retro and great looking. The power is awesome for a 4.9L .The sound of the exhaust is low and second to none.

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  2001 330i Convertible - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Anjubeto - October 27 - 10:00 am

  This is a well designed and great performing automobile with a convertible top that requires no effort to retract or put up.