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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  BMW X3 3.0 - 2005 BMW X3
  By Ahmet Colakoglu - May 3 - 3:17 pm

  I have 1000 miles on the vehicle. Not a single problem til now. The sun roof is gorgeous and unique. Except the black bumper, the exterior design is the best in the segment, if not among all SUVs. I find people checking my car all the time. The performance is great for an SUV. Very confident drive in foul weather, rain sensing wipers and adaptive xenon lights help a lot. I do not have the sport package and I find the suspension sporty and comfortable. The transmission has excellent responses with the sport mode, however downshifts are late with the regular mode. And it is not expensive, I get 18-19 mpg, not bad.

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  WONDERFULLY LUXURIOUS FUN TO DRIVE - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By cyndi - May 3 - 11:13 am

  This car is wonderful, drives like a dream, my two kids fit in the back, great agility, stopping, all the airbags are great and convertible top comes up and down at 20 mph or less. The overall design is wonderful, even down to the cup holder - navigation is superb. The iDrive drove me nuts, had to go to a class to learn it, great now that I understand. The Bluetooth is slow with my Motorola v3 phone and sometimes cuts out. My friend from Germany does much better with the voice commands it doesnt understand a southern accent very well, and gives me the wrong commands at times. Great car!! Fast and fun and not everyone has one!

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  Overall Bliss - 2003 BMW M3
  By Chris - May 2 - 5:21 pm

  This car is a drivers dream. The complete package of comfort and performance. Outside of the door trim losing adhesiveness, the car has been worry and problem free. You cant help but get out and push the 333hp to the limits. The brakes, steering and DSC help make it as safe as it is fun to drive. There is not other car on the road, providing as much fun as the M3 for the money.

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  Totally awesome - 2002 BMW M3
  By jcoffie - May 2 - 2:25 pm

  Got the silver 6-speed manual and this car is a total blast. Best car Ive driven. Massive power and torque at every gear. Have even started the car in 2nd gear. Handling is awesome and even grips wet roads. 60 mph cornering an exit, yeh baby!! This bad boy does not even slip. way to go DSC!!!! Worth every penny cause you get what you paid for. Car looks damn good too. If you dont want to do any serious driving, this ride is not for you get a 325!!

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  not worth it - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Robert Pelton - May 2 - 10:00 am

  not worth the badge.

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  Rather Pointless car - 2003 BMW X5
  By JPM - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This car has many fine features, wonderful build quality, comfortable seats, great handling, but ultimately it is a dissapointing way to spend $40k. The 5 series wagons are superior in every respect.

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  Rather Pointless car - 2003 BMW X5
  By jpm - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This car has many fine features, wonderful build quality, comfortable seats, great handling, but ultimately it is a dissapointing way to spend $40k. The 5 series wagons are superior in every respect.

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  Year-Round Driving Fun - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Bob From Idaho - May 2 - 5:30 am

  A lot of people have and will talk about the 328/335 coupes superb driving performance on solid pavement. I certainly concur with that. I want to comment on the 328xis also superb winter performance. It is hard to believe that a sports sedan can be so much fun and perform so safely in such adverse conditions. It is simply fun to drive, all the time. The only thing that holds it back is the depth of the snow because of the low ground clearance. Otherwise, it tracks through curves solidly in slush and snow, stops on slippery surfaces as well as any car could be expected to and just gives you a feeling of confidence. You dont have to give up a sporty BMW just because of the weather.

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  2005 M3 with Competition Package - 2005 BMW M3
  By Meredith - May 1 - 7:15 pm

  This car has impressed me in every detail and option. I ordered it basically fully loaded, and I am thrilled with the Competition Package. The only setback I have to the CP is the removal of Cruise Control due to the special steering wheel. However, the car handles extremely well, and has very fast acceleration, so who needs cruise control anyway. The seats and interior are perfectly designed, and the exterior is remarkably sharp. Definitely a head turner!

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  2001 BMW X5 - 2005 BMW X5
  By dmsandlin - May 1 - 3:08 pm

  I bought this vehicle used to try it out and I absolutely love it. I hope to buy or lease a new one in the future. I am definitely sold on the BMW X5.