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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  Iron Fist in a velvet glove - 2005 BMW M3
  By Paul - March 15 - 3:52 pm

  After owning eight previous BMWs, I can honestly say this is my favorite. This car is probably too much for the street in most instances, but dont let that stop you from picking one up. Maintaing one of these cars is a bit more expensive (namely the high end tires), but with the maintenance programs that BMW now offers on their new vehicles this is less of an issue. Very quick, amazing handling, and probably the best brakes ever put into a production vehicle add up to a whole lot of fun every time you drive it. In the immortal words of Ferris Bueller "If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up".

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  New Body. New Color. New Car! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Barry - March 14 - 11:33 am

  I thought I wanted the 2006 330i sedan and began the process of selection a year and a half ago. After awaiting the 2006 new model I decided that I would wait awhile longer for the coupe to appear. Am I glad I did! Wow it has proven to be worth the wait. I am thrilled with the style, comfort and performance of my Montego Blue Metallic 2007 335ci. My concern was always comfort with the 3-series which is why I didnt accept in in the early 2000 models but this car is so roomy (I am 6 feet tall and 215 pounds). Everything about it is first class. The interior devices are all within reach, the moving parts work well and the comfort is without flaw. What a great product from BMW.

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  Its a BMW - 2005 BMW X3
  By BMWRICKEYS - March 14 - 2:54 am

  Traded in a 2003 330xi with 37,500 miles on it, for the 2005 X3 cause I needed more room. But still wanted AWD with X-Drive. Its a good safe SAV, but not a sedan. I would like it to have more power. I hope they put the 255hp Eng.in it soon. If you need a SUV thats Fun to Drive "Its a BMW"

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  Very Happy - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By mike2lane - March 13 - 11:59 pm

  Bought this car because of its lower comparable depreciation, and I couldnt be happier. My only problem is that I really would like better drink holders... how American, I know! The drive is impressively smooth to the point where my friends make comments and two have bought one themselves. I recommend this car if for no other reason than the great service I get at most dealerships come time for service.

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  roadster in Germany - 2005 BMW Z4
  By soldier-in-ger - March 13 - 7:31 am

  Wonderful car! Bought it direct from BMW and saved quite a bit. Love the looks it gets and its very quiet at speed. I sometimes forget its a convertible because its so well insulated cant wait for Spring to get here!

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  A net positive experience - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By JohnQPublic - March 13 - 2:00 am

  The idrive criticisms are generally overblown. The items you use 90% of the time are simpler on the 745 than on most cars (ie big knobs, easy to see and get to). The other 10% even gets pretty easy after several months. The bugs are a pain. They are all electrical except for the sound system which is so powerful that it causes the interior to buzz at certain pitches. But the drive is sweet and is worth the hassle.

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  2005 bmw525 automatic - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Bob - March 12 - 11:13 pm

  I love it and have no regrets, it was expensive but worth it and so was the navigation system

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  Ownership of My 3rd BMW. 2005 525i BMW - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Patricia McCoy - March 12 - 10:07 pm

  The performance of the 525i series is outstanding. I have the sports package on my automobile, the grip to the road as you are going around curves. Hugs the road. Love the rotating lights, especially in the evenings the support back in the drivers seat makes this vehicle an exceptional soothing and comfortable adventure. Storage space in the trunk is excellent. The body style is sleek and classy. Hot Las Vegas weather the silver tones are perfect for desert & evening driving down the strip shows off pure elegance. Safety of this vehicle is at the top of the line of autos. I have received discounts on my auto policy for having lo-jack & side, overhead, front airbags. Proud owner in Las Vegas NV.

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  Great car/Questionable service - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Joe - March 12 - 6:03 pm

  This is my first BMW. I looked carefully at other cars before deciding on this one. I have no complaints with the machine. Its solid, responsive and easy to drive. The "bells and whistles" (iDrive, etc) are actually easy to use and functional. Practical too. The front-end of the car seems a little low and I am distressed to occasionally scrape inclines at low driveways and bumps in the road.

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  Endless Power - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Ken - March 12 - 5:40 pm

  The car is a beautiful head turner with quick acceleration and great braking. That more than makes up for the poorly excuted iDrive. Its the only bad thing about the car. The driving experience is hindered by this awkward, needlessly confusing gizmo. The integrated Bluetooth phone system does not operate smoothly. The sound system is good. Trunk space is adequate. The exhaust note is thrilling. The front seats are supportive and comfortable. The rear seats are for emergency use and should be considered additional storage. Overall, its a gorgeous, fast, sturdy, well built ride that will give you plenty of smiles. Driving this car makes me feel good.