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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  First 5er, wont be the last - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Phase1 - May 1 - 1:29 pm

  Very satisfied with my first 5-series. The thrill of driving (like when I first got my license) is back. Was worried about reliability problems for BMWs in general and in this 1st year model redesign in particular. Concern proved unfounded as car has been rock solid no need to go back to the dealer. Sure the I-Drive freezes once in a while, but rebooting it is no problem. BTW - I-Drive isnt best thing, nor is it the root of all evil. It does take a little getting used to, but once done, its quite functional & does serve to: 1) get rid of many buttons/dials on the dash 2) allow more customization of car functions. Good thing there is a speed alarm b/c I drive much faster now.

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  Almost Perfect - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Randall - April 30 - 11:29 am

  As a few more of these cars are on the road here in Virginia, Ive begun to notice how truly unique and special. I alternate driving this car and an X5 4.8is purchased this spring for practicality. While the responsiveness of the car is thrilling, I wish it had better acceleration. It feels quicker, but I know its not as fast as my X5, and always makes me wish for more. The handling is fantastic, as is the braking. If I were to change anything, besides the horsepower, it would be the iDrive. While Ive mastered it, the touch screen in a previous Lexus and my wifes Sienna are sooo much easier and intuitive to use. Different for the sake of being unique does not excuse this feature.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR! - 2005 BMW Z4
  By M L Kardatzke - April 29 - 8:52 pm

  FUN FUN FUN FUN FUN... what more can I say? Almost bought the Z3 years ago and waited until the Z4 came out with the solid back windshield. I drive it year round in snow with studded tires. Out performs my truck in the snow. CAUTION... do NOT buy this car if you like to blend it!! IT IS A CROWD stopper!! My face is sore after driving this car. Reason? The sappy smile from having so much fun!!! I might be a little old lady but I am definitely not from Pasadena. This car seems to appeal to everyone, from little kids to people in their 50s and 60s. The car should have a license that says "Its all about me" as it really grabs the attention.

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  Great car if you can afford it - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By OhioBoy - April 29 - 12:24 pm

  Car is fun to drive, comfortable, and good looking. I cant say enough good about this car. Little thoughtful features on the car make it fantastic to own, like the passenger rearview mirror folds down in reverse for parallel parking, theres a flashlight in the glove box charged off the car and the car comes from the factory already set up for a roof rack (my "official" BMW rack doesnt touch the paint). Big things that are nice are traction control (saved my behind in the snowy/crap weather here) & heated seats. Had to have one window motor replaced (under warranty thankfully). Maintenance is very pricey too ($800 for brakes, $100 oil change), as is the premium fuel.

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  Inherited Car - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Teri - April 29 - 9:41 am

  Im not a "car person" so you guys bear with me. I inherited this car from my husband. We were married this year and this was his car he was left with after the divorce (wife got Toyota Land Cruiser and he got one for himself after awful experience with a Ford Explorer) The car has alot of miles on it, but according to others, not alot for a BMW. All maintenance is expensive! Still needs a bit of work, but drives like a dream and looks great! I have thought of trading in for something new, but Ive decided to keep it because it really is good quality. If I could buy a brand new car and price was not an option, it would be another BMW.

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  bios review - 2005 BMW Z4
  By bioschatz - April 28 - 9:15 pm

  Fun, fast, my golf clubs fit in, good at highway speed and the shifter is like butter. Its a BMW not a toy, also easier on my body than some other sport cars I have had.

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  Birthday present! - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By D Sarge - April 28 - 5:29 pm

  I received the 328I as a birthday gift. Now, for those of you married folks reading this, that translates into my wife letting me buy it:) I have had the vehicle just over a month. The dealer was so confident in the vehicle, he sold a 2 year, UNLIMITED MILEAGE warranty with it (just to be on the safe side, as Ive heard horror stories as well). So far, the only thing I purchased was wheel locks and window tint. The vehicle has been incredible to drive, and that is on the 89 octane (note: later models require premium fuel). Gas mileage ranges 21-25, but thats likely due to always pushing the 5-speed. This will be the first of a few updates, as I own the vehicle. So far, 2 thumbs up!

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  great and powerful car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By S.MILLER - April 28 - 10:00 am

  Well i just got the 2004 bmw 330ci convertible monday of this week and i just love the car, all the features are just great and the nav system is great and so is the sound system and the adaptive headlights, i got all the features the you could get on this model, if you dont have one you should really get one its so nice and fast.

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  BMW X5 3.0 automatic - 2005 BMW X5
  By Rona - April 28 - 1:01 am

  Love the vehicle. Had a few minor issues with aesthetics (i.e. door handle on passenger door was peeling), BMW fixed it without hesitation - while giving me a loaner car. Not to mention - they detailed it for me before I got it back! Service is awesome.

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  X3 is worthy of the BMW name - 2005 BMW X3
  By Michael C - April 27 - 7:06 pm

  If you are looking for an SUV that is big enough to haul some serious stuff, yet corners and handles well enough to keep a smile on your face, then this is the vehicle for you. The suspension keeps the car from rolling in the corners, and the traction and stability control (both standard) keep everything firmly planted. There is a "sport" suspension package available, but I didnt get it. The 6 speed manual is the slickest Ive ever driven in an SUV - its very well matched to the in- line 6 cylinder. The engine is sweet too, with plenty of low rev torque. Ive owned 7 new very nice sporty Japenese SUVs and liked them all. But after driving the BMW X3, I dont think I will ever go back.