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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  The almost perfect car - 2005 BMW M3
  By dave thompson - April 4 - 1:46 pm

  My 2004 M3 is a blast to drive, and gets appreciative looks from all walks of life. The smooth, hard-pulling I-6 engine, best-in-class suspension and aggresive styling are all worth the price of entry. The only gripes I have are the hard to view and hard to operate nav system, the fact that satellite radio is NOT an option in the top of the line nav-equipped models, top top-of-the-line Harmon Karden stereo is a joke, and a persistent short in the steering wheel radio controls.Power, cornering, drivers appeal and a sort of useable back seat. Plus, all its competitors list for thousands more. In fact, I have my name on the list for the new V-8 version coming in 2007.

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  Stop buying Hondas - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Troy - April 3 - 1:30 pm

  I purchased this vehicle as a replacement to my 2005 Honda Accord Coupe. After 15yrs and four Hondas, this is a major upgrade. Far more creature comforts and better handling inspite of the lower horsepower rating. This car loves to be driven fast and grips the road like a champ. Wish I had looked at bimmers sooner.

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  Cant get any better - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Anna - April 2 - 4:10 pm

  The test drive sold me in 30 seconds. Doesnt hold a candle to the Lexus or the Benz. Handling of turns is most impressive and turns on a dime. Purrs like a kitten.... the sound system is great... the i-drive is a piece of cake. I would buy another one tomorrow.

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  It is almost perfect for me. - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Edmond - April 2 - 3:02 am

  Solid car. No major problems. The following items have been repaired or fixed so far: 1. cam position sensor. 2. Water pump. 3. thermostat. 4. Seatbelt harness cause the SRS light on. Almost all the parts you can order from the internet for very cheap price.

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  Good driving machine - 2004 BMW X5
  By Scott of Southern Ca - April 2 - 2:00 am

  It drives like BMW; steeper but accurate.

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  04 530i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Jimb - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car to lok at and drive. The interior could us a little more luxury and the simplified i-drive works extremely well. The exterior is a welcome change to the boring look of the previous exterior and the drive is much improved.

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  Alva review - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Gregory Alvarez - April 1 - 7:42 pm

  A real fun to drive car, kids love it for a downtown cruise car . Or just to drive around town ,many compliments from neighbors and citizens.

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  Z4 roadster - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Daniel Har - April 1 - 7:20 pm

  Although this is by far the best car Ive ever owned, there are a few kinks... The drivers side cup holder is not in the best place. Not exactly maintenance free. High gas guzzler on street driving. Even with wind blocker, there is still a high draft. The number of accessories for the car is great. Ive had to dye my leather seat 3 times since i bought the car 9 months ago.

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  The Best Auto Ive Ever Driven - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Nickys BMW - April 1 - 12:48 pm

  This vehicle is beautiful to look at, fun to drive and very reliable. BMW Service is second to none and we would never think of puchasing another make of vehicle. My husband used to be a Cadillac Man, but not anymore!

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  Another BMW Winner - 2005 BMW X3
  By MarianneB - March 31 - 2:27 pm

  We moved from a 3-Series to the X3 and really didnt miss a beat. The functionality of the X3 was the biggest reason for us: hauling kids, dogs, hockey gear, ski and snow boards, groceries, etc. I miss the ride and better grade materials from the 3-Series however and plan to order the new 325xi and give the X3 to my husband! BMWs surpass all other cars weve owned with exceptional service, reliability, safety and incredible handling and braking. The one thing Id change about the X3 is the low hps in the engines. With all the competition out there, surely BMW recognizes the need to boost the power without boosting the cost. It shouldnt cost an extra $6K to get the 3.0.