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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  Executive Experss - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By BrianB - August 3 - 5:49 pm

  Ive had the bimmer for a couple of years now, and it still thrills in the curves, coddles on the highway, and being all black, with tinted windows, with the 17" sport wheels, still turns heads. I perfer the looks of this 5 to the new one, but given that the 3 series started to look very much like the 5 it does make it look like you see it all over the place. Engine reliability has been good, but Ive been let down by the little, but expensive things... $400 rear window motor and attachments... Air pump, niggly electrical issues, battery, and ball joints that wearout too quickly for a high end car. But, overall, I buy another one in a minute! And thats the best review anyone can give a car.

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  Truly the Ultimate Driving Machine - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By Dell Sanders - August 3 - 5:40 pm

  This car had about 40,000 miles on it when I bought it under the Certified Pre-Owned program - that has turned out to be the best car-buying decision I ever made. I LOVE THIS CAR !! It now has over 104,000 miles on it - Ive driven it back and forth across the entire country several times and there was never a problem. BMW really has a way of making you feel at one with the car like no other carmaker seems to be able to duplicate. Maintenance costs have been average with no expensive surprises. Everyone is amazed at how clean the engine always stays, and at how shiny the original paint still is, although Ive lived both in dry desert areas and very cold climates. Again - I love this car!

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  New for 2005 - 2005 BMW X3
  By Owmerof2005X3 - August 3 - 10:48 am

  Although it has not been publicized, the 2005 X3 got a completely new suspension making it a much smoother reider than the 2004. Mine has the standard suspension and it is hard enough. The choice of tires is also important and the OEM Michelins ride far better and soother than the OEM Bridgestones which were rated as less than safe in the wet by Tirerack. Note that the cars are delivered with less than perfect alignment and when checked at an independant source, it was found so out of alignmemnt that it took the dealer hours to realign under warranty. Other than that the car has performed flawlessly and the assembly quality is better than on the X5, very much Austria built! Great car.

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  Simply the best - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By bmw4life - August 2 - 10:46 pm

  I have owned my performance package (ZHP) for just over 1 year and it has been wonderful. I have two small kids and had to find a sedan that fit the family and was still fun to drive. The 330i is simply the best. There is a reason why all other manufacturers try to imitate the 3 series, it is the perfect balance of fun and functionality. If you want to have the best than look no further, I have owned many cars and have never been happier. The acceleration is amazing, the fuel economy is great for a "performance" car, the handling is uncomparable. Other cars will outrun in a straight line, but he fun is in the turns!

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  For the money - 2005 BMW Z4
  By sam - August 2 - 8:11 pm

  A land shark, one that can take a corner like a formula one car and can go 0-60 in under 6 seconds. The power curve is very steady all the way up past 120 mph with push you back in the seat feel almost all the way.The power top works flawlessly as does just about everything else on the car, and the car looks so much better with the top dowwn. So whats not to like?

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  Fun to drive - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By sulka - August 2 - 6:30 am

  A very fun car to drive, and handles like it was on a rail. The shifing is very smooth and the handling is great- I upgraded to the 19" tires. The inside is luxurious and firm thanks to the sports package. An all-around great car.

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  One down, two to go - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By totalsystm - August 2 - 2:03 am

  545i 6-speed. Just an OK rating for a $60K+ car is sad. After a year, still not sold! Started off wrong. Ordered from the factory with, I thought, every option. Nope! At delivery and later through surprises, found out that if BMW builds it with the Navigation System (which frequently attempts to route us through Frankfurt) and the HUD (Heads up display which is great-unless you have polarized glasses, then it becomes invisible), you can not get satellite radio or simply see the names of songs or radio stations (Yes, this is with the high end Sound system option.) No MP3! BMW response, "Sorry". Custom power seats with lumbar support pretty good, but not at all good looking.

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  Get yourself a BMW - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Princess Karen - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best car Ive driven for the price. I like it just as much if not more then some of its more expensive competiters.

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  great ride - 2004 BMW Z4
  By doemuscles - August 2 - 2:00 am

  the car overall is great to drive. its fun on the turns and great on the striaght away

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  Amazing! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By MarkJump - August 1 - 11:58 pm

  Amazing performance, synergy with driver, quality, features, completeness of design. The very definition of excitement, excellence, and elegance. A whole level beyond most anything else. Supercar capability combines with everyday utility. Why did I wait so long to go Bimmer?