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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  fun to drive - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By marc - April 9 - 12:26 pm

  Love the car. Just picked it up last week. Fun, very fast, and with the sport package it is on rails driving. I have pushed the car and have yet to hear the tires even start to slide or squeal. The only thing I dont like is that the beverage holders stink.

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  Awesome - 2005 BMW X5
  By chad - April 9 - 12:11 pm

  Roomy, fun to drive, feels very very safe. has tons of power and speed. Poor fuel economy though, but when you step up to this machine whats fuel economy...

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  Love at first site! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By branco327 - April 8 - 11:04 pm

  Gorgeous car with the M sports package that comes with the nicest 18 inch wheels out there. Gorgeous interior too and the handling/performance is fantastic. Nicest looking BMW ever made and indeed based on peoples reaction to this car it is a head turner. Im not quite comfortable yet with the attention and stares this vehicle gets.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 BMW X3
  By TG - April 8 - 10:50 pm

  This car is extremely fun to drive. Even with the 2.5l, the vehicle accelerates nicely. Handling is all BMW. While the interior is sparse, it is functional.

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  545: Drive it, buy it. - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Salberts - April 8 - 7:08 pm

  I did. I was bored. It was rainy. I had the kids. I decided to test drive the new 5. Since I owned (and loved) a 530i (2002), I had no intention of buying the new model. Long story short, I test drove a 545, and I was sold. Not only is power, cornering, and ride vastly superior to the prior 5, the interior and trunk is larger, and the interior is better laid out. After a few minutes of minor haggling, the papers were signed and I was behind the wheel of a new silver grey 545i beauty. I drove it all weekend. Even the kids enjoyed it.

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  Couldnt be happier!!! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By BradS - April 8 - 2:05 pm

  Glad I stepped up to the car I really wanted. Was sold on 530, with premium and cold weather package, but really liked the power of the 545. Traded in my 99 M3 Convertible, which was one of the most exciting cars I have owned, but now with the 545, I now have a rocket with more room and luxury. Considered the new M45, A6 4.2, and Lexus GS, but after driving all, you realize why BMW is the one they are all striving to be.

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  Awesome - 2003 BMW X5
  By TC24 - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Just got my X5 4.4i. Awesome vehicle. With a wonderful interior.

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  Awesome - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Lee Ayres - April 8 - 10:00 am

  We have driven coast to coast twice and love this car. It helps that I lost weight some weight. It is easier for me to get in and out of now at 210 compared to 250 pounds. Handling is superb.

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  330i Forget about it - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By hannah max - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Electronic system a total dog. I bought my car 3 months ago and it has been "in the shop" almost all summer. If you let the car sit for two days without driving it, the battery is shot. The same thing happened with the 330 loaner; it would not start after sitting idle for 2 days. I traded in a 1992 Acura that went into the shop once a year; I wish I had it back. I am receiving a refund and understand there is going to be a recall on this model. Be certain to ask about the electronic systems. Consumer Reports has now dropped this model from their recommended lists.

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  Too many issues - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By LA - April 7 - 11:36 pm

  Transmission needed to be replaced at 17,000 miles (apparently an issue BMW is trying to hide on the 2003), mildew smell from AC (BMW actually told me its cars arent made for humid conditions since its not humid in Germany), and had to be towed in to dealership 3 times in first year for a variety of what BMW called "little" issues.