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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  My first car from across the pond... - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By skent - March 24 - 2:50 pm

  Confidence inspiring. That really sums it up. This car has legendary handling, more than adequate power and killer brakes. This is my first BMW and it will not be my last. I was a little concerned about the maintenace stories, but after having the car a while and doing some research on maintaining this car and some of the cures to common issues, Im not at all worried. Love the styling in and out. The style #66 wheels are my favorite as well.

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  bmw black on black - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By j.men - March 24 - 1:46 pm

  This is my third 5 series car, car has been recalled two times due too computer problems. The 5 drives smooth and is as fast as a rocket. The upgrade seats are terrible not comfortable and not worth the extra money. My computer replacement took 4 weeks! Needless to say i was not happy. Bmw rented a volvo for me and paid the bill. Car is very tight and hits the road bumps very hard, could be the sports package with the low tires? The run flat tires are a pain, you cant get a simple flat fixed, bmw wants the tire to be replaced, at $425. Everyone looks at the black on black 545 it is a great looking car. Im sure the computer bugs are fixed and love driving and highly recommend 545 to all.

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  Best handling car - 1997 BMW M3
  By Legendary car - March 24 - 9:21 am

  When I bought this car new in 1997, itwas the fastest BMW 0-60 (5.5 as a standard, modified to 5.3 with Confortichip, B&B Tri-Flo exhaust and Dinan air intake). It was later voted "Best Handling car in over 30K group" (beating out the Porsche, etc), Car of the year 3 years in a row, 95-97 (Car andDriver). Maintenence is high in terms of tires, clutch, brakes and mods, but other than that, nothing major. The engine was compression tested at 110K and was like-new according to the mechanic (I recommend a small, local, specialized mechanic).

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  Fun to drive - 2005 BMW X5
  By GEORGE - March 24 - 1:55 am

  Very reliable on all terrains, great handling.

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  BMW X3 - 2005 BMW X3
  By papagoat - March 23 - 12:21 pm

  I really liked the BMW X3 because it was the perfect fit for a city person who somtimes goes out into the country. It is comfortable on the road, had plenty of nice features, and it drives like a BMW should.

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  great little suv - 2005 BMW X3
  By celticone - March 23 - 2:25 am

  First suv I have ever own. I was not a fan of suvs, but I love this vehicle. I like the size. Its easy to drive the best handling and turning radius I have ever had in a suv or truck. It drives like a small car, rides a little stiff but not unbearable, the same as any sports car. I love the interior layout simple, elegant, straight forward, good radio, and great seats. Gas milage is better than I thought I am averaging about 18 after the break in period, mostly city driving too. Reliability has been reat so far I cant imagine driving anything else

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  paulines bmw - 2005 BMW X3
  By Pauline Cenizal - March 23 - 1:10 am

  Exciting car, fun to drive, took it cross-country starting with only 500 miles on it and it performed admirably.

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  4-door Porsche - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By donelonpc - March 22 - 7:22 pm

  I had a 2003 540 with an M sports pkg for the last couple of years. I did not think a car could get better than than one. Well, they made everything a little bit better in redesign. Its faster, handles better, bigger, more style in the looks, and many more features. It can outrun and outhandle a Boxster S, and seat 4 people. It is the firmest, tightest car I have driven.

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  Perfection of the drive - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Front Ranger - March 22 - 6:29 pm

  Previous car was 1999 540i sport pkg. Sold and bought 2004 M3. Drove the M for 6 months, traded it on 2004 545 sport with auto. Love it! 90% of M3 performance, way more comfort.

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  Trans. Problem - 2005 BMW X5
  By A. AS - March 22 - 10:24 am

  Love this bmw, The only problem I experienced is the trans. IT slams very hard into first gear when coming into yield sign then accelerating. It sounds like somebody has rear ended my vehicle. The dealer is working with BMW to see if it can be fixed.