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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  The New X-3 - 2004 BMW X3
  By oscar maren - October 27 - 10:00 am

  We have been driving this new automobile for a month now and it is a superb SAV! The only negative comment I can make is the GPS Map is located on top of the dash board and in bright sunlight it is not very visable. If this could be located lower on the dash board it would be much better. Other than that it is a fun car to drive and is an eye opener to look at! BMW should be proud of this auto.

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  Good, cheap way to join the BMW set... - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By QuikCash - October 26 - 5:41 am

  Bought this car on the cheap for basic transportation and have been pleasantly surprised. While the acceleration will not excite, the handling is outstanding. Stops and turns on a dime. Not a good highway cruiser in my opinion, but great around town. Car is simple enough that maintenance is a do- it-yourself affair, and parts are not too expensive. Looks great, and in my opinion has a "classic" ambiance not present in the more modern E36 3- series.

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  BMW Z-4 3.0i - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Dan Fox - October 25 - 2:53 pm

  This car is perfect for a fun car. Not practical for everyday driving to and from work. It has been a very reliable and solid car to drive.

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  Glad I Waited For 05 - 2005 BMW X3
  By DurangoDoug - October 25 - 1:46 am

  The 05 X3 3.0 comes in at around $2,500 less than the 04 version. Because the MSRP stayed the same, but the moonroof is now standard and the auto tranny is now a no cost option. In 04 those 2 cost about $2,500 combined. Yea, the ride is a bit stiff, but no worse than the truck I traded. Yet with the X3 there is no body lean in turns. Cornering is so much fun now, not like my wallowing truck. Gas mileage is already better (only 500 miles so far) than my old V8 truck and should get better as the engine loosens up. Even in regular drive mode it is spirited, in sport mode WOW, really quick! Great in the snow as well. I negotiated $1,750 off vs an Edmunds target price of around $400 off. Sweet!

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  Performance and Practicality in one car! - 1995 BMW M3
  By jsburkhart - October 24 - 9:12 pm

  Not only is this car still fast in todays high horespower world, handle like nothing else, and stop on a dime, it has given me 50,000 miles of trouble free service and gets in the mid twenties economy. What more can you ask from in a car? No matter how hard I drive the car, including occasional track events, it refuses to give me any real trouble, even at 165,000 miles on the odometer! I would recommend this car to anyone in a second.

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  X3 - 2006 BMW X3
  By Mrs. Kimbrough - October 23 - 10:19 pm

  There a too many malfunctions with the X3 1) doors do not unlock and lock - intermittent. 2) Sunroof does not close completely - intermittent 3) Flat tire light stays on when tires have been checked by the dealer. 4) Jerks in 3rd gear. 5) Not roomy enough. 6) Does not give the BMW feel/lacks quality overall.

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  WOW - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By Tom - October 22 - 1:43 pm

  It does not get any better than this. I traded a SL500 as I felt it was all name but poor mechanically. What a shock to drive this 650! I am sort of a car nut and buy lots of cars - I have never owned anything this much fun to drive, this comfortable as a sporty car should be. In short, If a converitble is in your future, this is the one - comfortable in the back, plenty of trunk space and no lack on driving thrill. I am a tough critic and this is the best.

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  330i ZHP in price of 40K range BEST - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Yevgeni Yun - October 21 - 3:02 pm

  Simply awesome car, Im sure reliability-wise itll never be like a Japanese car but man, for things this car gives me in every day driving I wouldnt consider anything else. Ultimate Driving Machine cant argue with that. Ohh and make sure you get Factory Warranty when you buy this car otherwise stay out.

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  Squeaks Like a 2 Horse Wagon - 2004 BMW X3
  By Yard Dog - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought the X3 to replace an aging 328i, which stayed in the shop most of the time. Unfortunately, after a week the squeaks and rattles in the X3 were so bad, I had the dealer pick up the car. Now, 2 weeks later I still dont have it back because the dealer is waiting for some kind of part from Germany. To be fair, they have given me a loaner, but that is not the point. I wish I had bought the 4Runner.

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  Great Car!! - 2004 BMW X3
  By mtcpe - October 21 - 10:00 am

  My friend has a 2002 330 ci convertable, and after driving my new X3 asked if the dealer had any more outfitted the same! (I had to pry him out of the drivers seat. Love the performance and features. Much nicer size and performance than X5, retains the 3.0 liter 3 series performance. Easy to forget its a SUV when driving. Great $$program thru BMW financial.