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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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By sleoni - July 9 - 12:47 am

  This car is by far the best BMW, or vehicle Ive have owned.

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  Fun, fun, fun til dad takes the Z4 away - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Pat - July 8 - 10:28 pm

  I have owned my Z4 for almost two years, and have not had any major disappointments at all (see suggested improvements). The car handles well, it rides well, it runs well and it just fun, fun, fun.

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  The best and most fun car I ever owned - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Bruce Weisinger - July 8 - 10:26 pm

  I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed and am still enjoying this car after almost 1 year. I have had every type of car you can think of. However each car gets "stale" after a while. This car is sooo different I enjoy driving this car everytime. I live in Florida in the winter and New York the rest of the year. Driving either on Florida Highways or the Streets of New York, this car is amazing.

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  from 745li to 750li - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By re - July 8 - 6:56 pm

  for a big sedan the 2006 750li can also be an excellant road vehicle. its comfortable, and the power from the 2003 745li to the 2006 750li can really be felt. its quite, its resonds quickly, it handles like a dream. i was thinking of a 2006 760I but the 750li is more than I could ask for. for long trips the comfort is wonderful. it really is a pleasure to drive this vehicle. there is a lot of pride when owning the 750li

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  The Great 7 series - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By BimmerBoy - July 8 - 6:14 pm

  I was a fan of the 745 styling but I am even happier with the new look. The overall package seems better blended. It is a lovely car in all sense better the MB, Audi, or Jags. the build is rock solid and gets decent milage on the freeway. I am amazed with the acceleration of such a heavy car. My wife loves the performance. She is giddy after driving the car and testing its performance.

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  Comfort, Handling & Beauty - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Vocals - July 8 - 4:20 pm

  The precision steering and comfort of the new 525 makes BMWs 2006 a winner. Not a negative word can be stated about this car. From the computer to exterior beauty, all is handled with ease and so much fun to drive! Like other BMW products, the owner will never be disappointed.

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  Not my mothers station wagon! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Gadget Gal - July 8 - 4:01 pm

  Reliable, nimble and fun to drive, I have enjoyed my first BMW thoroughly. Sporty feel, excellent handling on highway and twisty back roads.

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  My Take on early E46 productions - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By sheggaw - July 8 - 1:52 pm

  We bought this car used at 30K on it. Very good condition at the time. Several warranty works were done to it even before we had got it. Did not get that info until I took it for another warranty work. Now, transmission is out at only 64.5K on it, 2 Years after we had it. We are BMW devotees and do own other BMWs classic to modern. But this one has pushed us to the limit. To boot to that, BMW N.A is not a help at all. That 800 number is a joke, the staff is untrained & unqualified. Bottom lin is that BMW is not what it was used ot be. A car company with great reputation and great cars is in demise. No customer support, no reliable production. I will probably end up not buying another one.

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  540iA Sport - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Spiel - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased a 540iA Sport 1 month ago before the 2004 model ruins the 5 Series in a few months. Its a perfect driving machine. Steptronic Transmission is smooth. Handling is BMW. 18" wheels not too rough and cornering feels great, especially with the sport seats. Titanium silver metallic paint with black interior the best combination. Instrument panel just as good as an Audi. Sports package and premium sound option musts (a hint of M helps). No problems or glitches so far.

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  What a nice SUV - 2005 BMW X5
  By Rex Siu - July 7 - 3:13 pm

  This is my first X5, own 03 530i currently as well, love the inline 6 engine. Havent tried other SUV before testing this one, read a lot of reviews from Edmunds and decided to try it, bought it. Overall, very pleased with this X5, handling very well, so fun to drive and feel very safe. Feels little stiff even without sport package.