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:

• 

  I love it ...BUT... - 2005 BMW M3
  By red - June 8 - 4:11 pm

  Looks great drives like a dream. BUT Ive had too many "quality" issues. The first was stalling when it had less than 500 miles. Turned out to be a computer fault. Next the rear lights started getting water inside after a rain - dealer had the car for three days to replace rear light components. NEXT - the passenger side door handle came off completly - the dealer said its because its hand assembled! - What a joke. Just this week it started stalling again at idle. I had some reservations buying the car when I looked at the JDP reliability survey and now I think Ill keep it about a year and then get a Corvette.

• 

  Never again - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By NEVER AGAIN - June 8 - 1:44 pm

  Each required visit to the dealer for repair results in having to return to have at least 2 additional items corrected. Idiot drive aside, safety issues are of primary concern. 4 months for BMW to figure out they had to replace the modual that controls the remote key (Plastic emergency key required to open a $85,000 car). Intermitant operation of headlights and tail lights. Engine goes into idle mode at the slightest touch of break pedal. I thought the 2000 S-430 was trouble prone but would gladly trade back. The 745LI is my wifes car which I have limited her use to daylight driving only. For security reasons, she drives our Expedition or Town car when venturing out after dark.

• 

  Driving is fun again. - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Don - June 8 - 11:19 am

  Having to drive many Kilometers in and around Calgary Alberta, one quickly discovers the absolute joy this car provides to the driver! I never thought a car could be so fun to drive, no matter what the weather or traffic volume presents. The feel of the road and instant communication between driver and machine...the instant response of the 184 BHP at the wheels, and for an allwheel drive vehicle still in its break in period, the power and performance is exciting. BMW should have put a speed minder as one feels the car get smoother at speeds 145KMs/Hr., making it very easy to exceed the speed limits here on our 110 KM/Hr highways.

• 

  Great Touring Car - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By T - June 7 - 3:06 pm

  The 645 is a great car to drive with the top down or up. The acceleration is good for a car of this size and weight, although it could always be faster. Handling with the sport package is good and I drive quite a bit on winding mountain roads and it handles great. I have yet to feel drift or loose traction even at 80+ on S turns. Acceleration on straights could be better. Overall a great touring car (as advertised).

• 

  Finally performance and utility - 2004 BMW X3
  By Ryan - June 7 - 1:12 pm

  The X3 is an excellent compromise between perfomance and utility. I never feel as though I am driving a truck, yet when required, she will haul kids, boats, dogs, and the occational load of straw. I fit 6 bails of straw with the rear door closed easily. No need to worry about keeping it clean because its a truck. Actually the quality materials allow for quick and easiy clean-up. This vehical is top notch and as motivated me to trade-in my MB c-class for the new 3 series.

• 

  Nice Package - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By John - June 6 - 6:28 pm

  This big Bimmer is a really nice package. Lots of power, comfort, electric gizmos, and road presence. It truly makes you feel special. Seems to be ahead of S class and LS 430. This is the ultimate big-luxo driving machine.

• 

  The little SUV that does it all. - 2005 BMW X3
  By Dr. Den - June 6 - 1:51 pm

  This is a great little all around fun drive. It can haul my wife two large dogs and me and still have room for garden plants. With the fold down back seats and an open sun roof my wife can visit most of the garage sales in our area without having to stop to unload.

• 

  Judys BMW - 2001 BMW X5
  By Joe Ogburn - June 6 - 12:54 pm

  I bought the vehicle new in 2001 and ordered the special Mahogany metalic paint. My wife is the main driver and she loves it. It is powerful and agile and handles like a automobile. We have had a little problem with the electrical in the lights. The front side lamps and the back tail lights seem to have a problem. Other than that we are very satisfied.

• 

  Best Sports Sedan - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Rich2003 - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Used to drive an Acura NSX and traded in for a MB E320 sedan after starting a family. I did not think it was possible to ask for both sporty feel and luxury ride. Less than one minute into test driving a 2003 530i, I knew right away what I would give myself for Christmas this year :) (only question left was buying vs leasing).

• 

  Sheer Driving Pleasure! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By bmw4sho - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a 2003 BMW 330ci Coupe, and let me tell you what, This is the most amazing car I have driven short of the M3. Previous to this I had a 1998 BMW 328i, and I thought that was a blast, but this car rekindles my passion for driving every time I take it out. I find myself going on midnight runs just to avoid traffic and the cops, to see what this thing can do. Any review here that says BMW treats you bad, or builds a bad car, doesnt know waht they are talking about. BMW as a company, and network of dealerships never ceases to amaze me with there passion to make my driving experience better! I LOVE THIS CAR!!!