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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  Total Experience - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By unix2me - August 9 - 12:24 am

  I fall into the "always wanted one" category. I finally succumbed to my desire in Sept 04. I only wish I had bought one long before. I opted for the 330 because i wanted the additonal power and creature comforts standard on the 330. The minute I test drove the car I was grinning from ear to ear as the smooth acceleration pushed me into the seat. Stylish, fast with great brakes. Expensive to maintain. Dont buy this model if your not a serious driving enthusiast. Save yourself a few bucks and opt for the 325. But for those of you who love to drive and have the $$$... then this is the car for you.

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  Excellent performance - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW enthusiast - August 8 - 5:10 pm

  1 month review for a 2006 330i 6spd manual. I have driven it 1500 miles and its been a very pleasurable experience. Excellent acceleration, braking, stability, handling, and manuevering. The car never seems out of breath or underpowered in any gear. Delivers good torque even at the lower speed range of a gear - simply amazing. The interior is quite plain & simple compared to other cars at the same price, but thats certainly not enough reason to decide against buying the car. Looks very beautiful from the outside. Turns a lot a heads and commands attention on the road.

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  New family add on - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By ced - August 8 - 11:01 am

  We now are driving bmw since 7 years and yes it is the ultimate driving machine. For nothibg in the world i will stop driving one. Performance, reliability, confort....so much to add...The series 7 is the concorde of automobile... :)

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  Pretty close to perfect - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By panderse - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This is just an awesome vehicle. I drove other japanese cars claiming to be in the same class, and while they had impressive specs, none could come close to the driving experience of the 5. Plenty of power, flawless transmission with sport and manual modes, and impecible handling. I found immediately that i need to work on my driving skills because this car does exactly what you tell it to. I know people are complaining about iDrive, but I find it pretty easy to use. Althought i work with computers all day.

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  bmw545 is a fantastic car - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By hotbasketball - August 8 - 2:00 am

  fantastic power, fantastic handling, corners like a dream,,very good pickup, I recommend the upgraded seats,,very comfortable with side electronic bolsters, and articulating upper half of back seat,,,cup holders are poorly positioned as usual, and the moon roof makes alot of wind noise due to the poorly designed wind dam that has teeth that howel,,im getting the new M5 in 05

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  BMW owner for life - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Upstater - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This is an extraordinary car: Ive driven it across the country twice, and Im ready to go again. Tight suspension, beautiful interior, and amazing mileage (about 29 mpg with a combination of city and highway) considering its a sports sedan. This is my first BMW, and I expect it to own it for many more years...and when its finally time to upgrade, Im going back to BMW. How about a hydrogen-powered model? BMW is the kind of company that could pull it off.

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  How can they improve on this?! - 2001 BMW M3
  By Mario Andretti - August 7 - 11:51 pm

  The year I had to wait after ordering this car was well worth it. After 4 years I still absolutely love my M3. This is the best car Ive ever driven. I only hope BMW doesnt ruin the M3 when they finally update to match the new 3 series body style.

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  BMW 330i 2005 - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Milad - August 7 - 10:01 pm

  This car is expensive, but the more you pay the better car you get!!! I could tell that this car is made for youth and its classy. Its superb and its outstanding specification ( spe. when it comes with SMG gearbox ) can make everyone to be proud of the expense. Overall I love this car, way much more than an old Mercedes.

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  Fun but costly - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By not a beemer fan - August 7 - 4:10 pm

  My wife and I purchased this vehicle without knowing a lot about bmws. Several things have just somehow broken on us over the past year and for no reason at all. We have had 2 window regulators go out, 1 that needs to be replaced, and the entire "Brain" of the vehicle has malfunctioned. This is basically the computer system. No big deal, just $3k dollars. For the past 3 months it seems like its just one thing after another. Not to mention vapor shields, a new master key ($200) and the sun roof breaking. Like the title of this review says, It is a fun car to drive, and it looks great, but have some money saved up, cause itll cost you.

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  The Best BMW Convertible Yet...... - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By VERHOFF - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I ordered my 330CI 3 months before it went into production to replace my 1997 328 convertible. My new ride made my 97 feel like a go-cart. Huge improvement and they both had the maximum options except for the hard top, which would be a waste of money. This time around I got the Automatic Steptronic. It is the best of both worlds and worth the extra cash, although my wife wants and can drive it more often now.