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:

• 

  the bmwx3 - 2005 BMW X3
  By bmwx3 - March 19 - 1:40 pm

  Absolutely a wonderful road care, in storms, weather just hugs the road and humes right along. This is an auto atits best.

• 

  I Love This BMW! - 2005 BMW X3
  By Dr. Jonathan D. cole - March 19 - 12:29 pm

  When I was 20 (19 yrs ago) I bought a used 1973 BMW 2002 and I loved that car. Since then I have owned many others but the most fun to drive with the most serious technology behind it is my 2004 BMW X3 3.0i. It takes curves at full throttle like a race car without any roll/worries. I just love to drive it. It is also a very comfortable car with a very nice fit and finish. This is a 3 series that has been given the blessing of X-drive and DSC and again it is a pure joy to drive (this vehicle was not designed to just haul your family around). I again am reminded why BMW has the slogan "The Ultimate Driving Machine". I would recommend an X3 to anyone who enjoys spirited driving!

• 

  Love the sporty X3 - 2005 BMW X3
  By Chris - March 19 - 3:10 am

  An incredible machine, expensive for the interior room, but didnt buy it for cargo space. Have put 7,000 miles on it in 6 months, absolutely no trips to the dealer for any issues whatsoever, unlike two of my friends who bought VW Toureags. Mine is fully loaded, including the sport package which does make it stiff, but that really smoothed out at about the 4,000 mile point. It is a joy to drive, especially here in Germany, and pull compliments out of even the most staid Germans for the great design. Again, it was pricey compared to many US models, but compared to the X-5, with the same interior space, etc, I believe this car was a bargain. Would buy another in a heartbeat.

• 

  Great exterior looks but bad interior - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Chris - March 18 - 1:07 pm

  They destroyed the interior and I regret my wife ever got this car. She doesnt drive it much but I do 80% of the time. I told her I have never seen a car take which was so great from an interior point of view before in the 2002 and under 7 series that felt you were in a cockpit of an airplane and totally destroy it. We plan on selling it this summer and going over to the S500 mercedes. Real sad because we a have had BMWs for 15 years.

• 

  BMW Board of Executives! - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By P. Peterson - March 16 - 11:00 pm

  BMW would have the perfect car if they got smart enough to outsource all of their electronics to the Japanese!!!! Every problem besides the run flats seems to be something electrical...Hands down, engine, transmission and suspension, the best car ever made....until you get all of the latest recalls! BMW, please stick to what you know! Stop trying to keep up with everyone else and go back to the basics, you guys made exceptional cars with exceptional motors, that didnt need any turbos, but still the meanest and best handling sedans on the road....Im sure yall know that! So please get the old band back together and make the kind of music that used to make everyone dance!!!! Im sure you guys see all of the complaints and recalls....So send those Mercedes engineering cats back to Mercedes and get back to basics!!!! Your cars are way too appealing to have those many issues!!! And I loved my E39 2003 540i Msport....With no turbo! Still kick ass!!! I know all of the luxury features going into these cars has to be killing you guys...Go back to making the ultimate driving machine!!! Key word DRIVING!!!!! Somewhere between 2004 and 2010 the design team didnt bring it...now they are!!! But now your reliability is at stake!!! You guys must be shaking your heads! Yeah the cars look better but you cant have reliability issues! Get back to what youve always known.....great look, best engines, suspensions and transmissions= THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE!!!!!

• 

  Drivers Car - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By JRT - March 16 - 7:10 pm

  Initially I was not a BMW fan, I was a long time MB user. BMWs slogan the ultimate driving machine meant nothing to me. Until I drove one. Ive always heard that BMWs drive like nothing else. This is very true, I have never felt more in-tune with a vehicle before. The responsive and agile handling of the car is excellent. As with most german cars fit, finish, and quality is at its best. The car feels so solid and refined. Every component of the car fits together perfectly. Interior is gorgeous and sporty, very driver oriented. Mercedes Benz is unmatched in luxury and refinement. But BMWs driving dynamics are superb. If you want the car to drive yo,u get an MB, yet if youre a driver, only BMW.

• 

  The Dragon of SUVs - 2005 BMW X5
  By Bimman - March 16 - 1:47 pm

  I picked up my 4.8is at the BMW performance center what a treat. A must do for all BMW perfomance buyers. Drove back to NJ and Ill say this SAV has the mustard of a M5 and more. With the comfort seats installed an eleven hour drive seemed like 2 hours. Average mpg was 19.2 at 85 mph Awesome performance and handling. The best auto Ive driven in years.

• 

  x3 - 2004 BMW X3
  By v6saleen - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I love this car it is a great machine the car handles like a champ. It is the ultimate driving machine.

• 

  The Ultimate Sport Sedan! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By RizMalik - March 15 - 8:49 pm

  I bought this car last evening and was surprised by the handling, comfort and performance of the car... its awesome! I got the fully loaded 545i in titanium silver metallic. Yes, the styling is not perfect... but every car these days has some weak spots... so not a big deal. The interior is perfect, power is always there on demand and the luxury is outstanding.The 18" runflat tires look classy and add to the beauty of the vehicle. The Logic 7 audio system will blow you away (will have to spend 1800 bucks for it). The iDrive is simple and easy to use contrary to the confusing articles about it. It is very easy to use and is practical. If you want to get the ultimate sport sedan, go for it

• 

  Not worth the payments - 2005 BMW X5
  By Lauren Collins - March 15 - 5:32 pm

  I bought this car expecting a luxury product. The car has not run correctly since driving it off the lot. It has been at the dealer 5 times in 6 months. Customer service is condescending and not willing to offer any kind of compensation to back up their product. I would never buy another BMW product not worth the payments. Also BMW assist can not help you unlock your doors, better off buying a Chevy.