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 3.0 - 2005 BMW X3
  By Bob - October 7 - 6:27 pm

  Had a 325 sedan years ago which was perfect but, with family needs, I needed a bigger car (Navigator which I still have and use). But I had to get back to the BMW 3 series. The X3 seems like a perfect marriage of many worlds - its large but its compact, its fun but its safe, its fast but gets decent mileage, its a single passenger vehicle that is also for a family, its well made but not outrageously priced. The car feels like Im glued to a track. The engine sounds are great. I love it.

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  Luv my Bimmer - 1992 BMW 5-Series
  By Kenny - October 7 - 3:23 pm

  This auto has been a joy to own and drive. I am fortunate in that I can do most of my own routine repairs, of which there have been few. Good Luck.

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  Much improved ! - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By ryder - October 7 - 12:06 pm

  The 750 is a very much improved vehicle as compared to the 2002 745Li I owned. The performance and handling is superior and the car just feels better built. I was surprised at the difference in the two models. Feels more like the old 740iL.

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  my review - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Makobimmer - October 7 - 6:48 am

  This is my first roadster ever and I love it! Most verts Ive driven have lots of body shake and feel like they are falling apart. This car is TIGHT! No shakes over the roughest of roads. The performance is top notch. The handling is incredible. I try my hardest to get the rearend to fishtail in safe settings....cant do it! The interior is very teutonic, very German, very luxurious....top notch.

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  SuperWagon! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Edgett - October 7 - 6:36 am

  I was basically looking for a Miata which could also carry bicycles, groceries, etc - the 325 wagon fits this bill perfectly. It is an incredible car to drive (does very well for itself on the track even) and a real pleasure to own. Unfortunately, I have gotten to know my dealers service department a little more intimately than I had expected to, with a couple of computer problems and a dead rear wheel bearing. Still, there is nothing else like it on the market - it is only 2" longe than a Porsche 911 and carries a great deal.

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  2006 - 760i - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By rick - October 7 - 5:21 am

  The car is a most responsive machine. It is comfortable yet able to handle the road very well at any speed. Cornering feels as if the tires have glue on them. In all a fun car to drive.

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  Still going strong with 240K miles - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By C B - October 7 - 2:38 am

  Great car to own and drive. Yes, there will be repairs after 100k miles, but I got past 200K before having to replace the clutch. Most other repairs have been to structural parts - engine is just unbelievably superb. I drive in snow and mud, with pets, groceries, gear, etc. Gas mileage has been a solid combined 25 mpg for the life of the car. If you can find a used one, you could probably get a decade out of it and love every minute of driving it.

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  04 BMW 330 Performance Package - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Bill - October 6 - 11:33 pm

  Im 61" 220. A little small and under powered for me. Matters not, its the wifes car, never was about me. She loves everything about it. No getting rid of her baby. Things that are important to me. No problems mechanically, not even waranty issues. Never had to bring the car in. 12000 miles before oil change as per onboard computer. Tires wearing well, thats a good thing because theyre */- $300.00 each.(Z rated tires). I find it fun to drive on short trips but highway driving, well, give me my suburban or a 540i any day.

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  A dream come to true! - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By anewtry - October 6 - 7:20 pm

  A definite dream to own and drive! I fell in love with the car at first sight, needless to say that was the first time that had happend. A definite must for anyone who requires a sedan but wants the ride and feel of a sports car.

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  Bring on the sun! - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Greg Hansen - October 6 - 5:35 pm

  We got this for my birthday, and it has been exhilirating the whole time. It was really tough to drive through the break-in period, because it showed it had so much more! I have rarely put the top up since then (California has sun from April to November, with little rain), and love the handling, performance (arent those Boxster drivers surprised!), and the sheer feel of luxury. Cornering is amazing -- it can handle much more than I can! I wish Id bought this several years ago ...