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:

• 

  Best Car - 2005 BMW X3
  By John Jinglehammer - July 1 - 7:12 pm

  Rode very well. Perfect amount of horsepower.

• 

  Head Turner - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Dub - July 1 - 12:17 pm

  These cars are nice, this is my second 3 series Ci and I really enjoy driving it. The fun factor is the selling point. Mechanically, they need some improvement. I have an 05 325ci that has 4k on it. Already my windows squeak, my back shocks squeak and the windows dont seel real well. I have taken top care of the car, so it is nothing on my end...

• 

  Bills Beemer - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By willie - June 30 - 2:03 pm

  The car is very sound (structurally). Reliability is poor. Too many expensive repairs for a expensive car. (radiator, steering, backfire plate, window controller) Think twice about this cas due to high cost of repair.

• 

  Disappointment - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By eatwell - June 29 - 10:23 pm

  I purchased the vehicle new to replace a 318i that I loved and drove for 8 years. This car has been a nightmare. First, the dealership messed up the installation of the BlueTooth. Then the engine wouldnt start, and the car, which was less than one years old, had to be towed in for service. It took one week to repair! Then the car needed brake service. And the turn signals have never worked properly, nor the door locks, even after multiple servicing.

• 

  Croys BMW 325i - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Croy - June 29 - 6:00 pm

  Nothing better on the road for performance. I know its piddly, but I hate the seatbelt. Not very user friendly.

• 

  Fun to Drive - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By ffarnesi - June 29 - 5:46 pm

  The 530i is a fantastic car to drive. iDrive takes some time to learn but spend the time in learning at the front end and you will eliminate the frustrations. Handling is wonderful, pick up is great, and I personally like the styling. I cant say enough about this car.

• 

  Shes a Smoker! - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Blue Charvel - June 29 - 1:43 pm

  Awesome car, got a CPO after coming to the end of my 99 328i lease. Powerful and quiet, it does everything with a touch of class (even beating the pants off a CLK430 the other day :D ). I didnt buy it for the cupholders or fuel economy so really the only thing I could complain about is the standard stereo system... could be better, not quite crisp enough, gets too mushy at high volumes. Other than that minor detail, I love this car! Went through an adjustment period after the 3, the 5 handles much differently being quite heavy but after the last 5 months Im hooked.

• 

  Great SUV - 2005 BMW X5
  By RJ - June 29 - 12:44 pm

  Coming from a Lexus, this is a giant step up. Its fun to drive, has a lot of power and the service agreement can not be matched. Combines luxury and performance in an SUV.

• 

  X5 Performance - 2001 BMW X5
  By Shawn - June 27 - 9:25 pm

  I have had an excellent experience owning my third BMW. The X5 has been great in performance as a sports SUV as well as a work horse SUV. I consistantly tow a 3800lb boat and drive in the rockies. The 3.0L has been reliable and trouble free. It had a few recalls in 02 but they were fixed quickly. Over all a 9.5 out of ten.

• 

  Buy It - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By CinATL - June 27 - 2:30 pm

  I bought this car for my wife as a car to drive around kids in - I think I want it for myself! This car has got all the power you will need, excellent handling and its smooth as silk. The 540, like the other posters say, is well worth it over the 528. There are too many great things about this car to list... simply love it, love it, love it.