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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  An Excellent Machine - 2004 BMW X3
  By Drew Manitou - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Will wait to see how this handles in the northern Michigan winter, but so far this is just a wonderful car that is fun to drive. The automatic is very smooth and quiet and the car handles beautifully. The gas mileage is really good--better than I expected. One issue: the sun roof drain tubes were defective and am waiting for the dealership to get replacement parts.

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  Not your Soccer Moms SUV - 2005 BMW X5
  By Cinvinman - August 30 - 1:20 pm

  Not wanting to sacrifice driving experience (Ive driven a 1997 BMW 5 series for the past 8 years) but needing to buy a 6,000+ lb. vehicle for my business, I settled on an X5 with the sport suspension. It has been a great vehicle. If you werent up so high, youd hardly know that you werent in a sport sedan. In addition, despite the extra weight, I average a shade less than 19.5 mpg, a mere 1 mpg short of what I was getting from my 528! The panoramic moonroof is excellent as are the sport seats. The only things I dont like are the body molding that runs under the doors - it is a dirt trap and my pant legs seem to always rub it and the lack of a super large cargo area.

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  The 328xi 6 speed is worth the money! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Jim - August 30 - 12:10 pm

  I live in a small town in Texas and I was unsure which model to purchase at 48 years old. I settled on the 328xi coupe with 6 speed manual. My dilemmas: 1. Does the 328xi have enough power? Yes, and with the extra safety of the xi it came in handy during last weeks downpour. 2. Will the Sport package with 18s and run flats be rough? Smooth, even on my bumpy road. 3. Will the 6 speed manual be fun or in the way? A blast to drive and the Bluetooth works great for hands free phone. 4. Will the coupe be large enough? I have a 10 year old I take to school and Im in sales and I have to travel with a few extra bags. I believe that this is the best car for the money with a good size trunk.

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  Beemer - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By abe - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive. The five speed is very responsive and the power curve in the upper gears is thrilling to use on the open highway and interstates. Need to be sure and have a radar detector installed or the insurance costs could be prohibitive. Ride is excellent and we were amazed at the fuel economy with the amount of power.

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  The best Luxery/Performance SUV/SAV/etc. - 2003 BMW X5
  By alik61 - August 30 - 10:00 am

  The best I ever had. Fun to drive in any weather sun/rain even more amaised. Luxery all over. AWD all weather sport and some unility and a lot of fun to drive.

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  Exceeds My Expectations - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By MALSF1 - August 30 - 3:53 am

  Since my purchase, I have had no remorse in my choosing the 335xi - the car is a dream in handling and response. I like having the added safety of all wheel drive on wet pavement. The iDrive was a little difficult to learn at first, but now I can easily (and safely) maneuver and the voice commands also work without problems. The gas mileage between highway and city is averaging about 21 mpg.

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  The Ultimate Texas Driving Machine - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By raiderwes - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This is an awesome road car. Ive driven it about 5,000 miles on 6 trips in 4 months and am very pleased. This was a BMW certified unit. So far, no problems, but the Service Engine Soon light comes on intermittently service center says it is likely something on the emissions systems.

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  Mike Bs Z8 - 2003 BMW Z8
  By Mike Bosworth - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Once I got rid of the run flat tires, the vehicle handling and ride went up about three notches. If you have a Z8, get ride of the run flats.

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  1999 323i with sports package - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By mark flinn - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car via the Euro Delivery program. I saved about 4k off the typical selling price, and had a wonderful time driving for a couple of weeks in Germany. It is the best car I have ever owned. It is still fun, 4 years after I bought it, to drive to the store to pick up milk or whatever. It gets excellent gas mileage, is rock solid at 50k miles, with no repairs, and my three sons fit in the back seat with no problem. It is extremely safe I have avoided several accidents because of the combination of excellent visibility and manuverability. The sports package is excellent and a bargain. Great car!

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  excellent car - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By strongsafety841 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for a few months now and I can honestly say I look forward to driving it everytime I drive. I just got some 17" M5 rims, so the car picks up the road a little more, but before when I had the 15" rims, it was the smoothest ride I could have ever imagined. It is also a very quick car , which I think is its best feature. I have had a few problems with the transmission so far, but I beleive that is due to it being 8 years old and is all part of owning a used car. The engine, however, is still running strong and I havent had any problems with it other than the transmission.