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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  Speed is Your Friend - 2005 BMW M3
  By merlin - February 25 - 3:55 pm

  This car loves to be driven. It is the best mix of true performance and luxury. The car drives better at 100 mph vs 55 mph. The handling and acceleration of the car is unparalleled by any other car that is this practical and at the same time so precise. The interior comfort is awsome and inviting to any lovely that you would want to meet. The accolades are numerous and voluntary. There are no highway or street venues that this car cant conquer. The exterior styling is classic and inviting while the car looks as tough on the road as it performs in the curves.

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  Best value in the BMW line - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By OC dude - February 24 - 4:47 pm

  Got this car as a demo with 7000 miles on it. Paid $37000 for a fully loaded car w/ every possible option. The 2.5 engine surprise me with its get up and go, especially if its put in Sport Mode. Ive had 4 adults in this car and still drive great with wonderful acceleration on the on-ramp. Build-quality is much better compared to my 2004 330Ci definitely a step up from the 3-series. This cars interior is timeless compared to the spartan design of the new 5 series quality of material and leather seeems to be of better quality compare it for yourself and save yourself a whole lotta money by buying the previous generation 5.

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  X3 almost the Ultimate - 2005 BMW X3
  By Rusel - February 24 - 2:31 pm

  Before my X3 (3.0) Ive had Audis and Volvos. The ride of the X3 is firmer and definitely more responsive--and as advertised, fun to drive. It seems to perform every bit as well as my wifes 325. The interior may not be quite as refined as an Audi but it is designed well and has a fairly decent audio system. The all-wheel drive works great. I found it to be much more comfortable in size compared to the X-5 and other of the larger SUVs. So far a real winner.

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  What driving should profess to be... - 1998 BMW Z3
  By Marc - February 24 - 12:59 pm

  Overall I would rate this car a definite buy with a few caveats. First, take a close look on all the repair work done on this vehicle. As most 1998 Beamers will have over 100,000 miles, I would be aware of what has been done and what is needed to ensure no surprises and fun in the sun. Make sure all 30,000 mileage inspections aII have been performed along with upkeep with the interior and tires. In addition, I would check all BMWs part recall information such as the thermostat replacement. My experience with the Z3 for the last 4+ years has been great. The car has a great engine and I feel the handling is decent. If you do your homework, youll be very happy...

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  i love this car - 2005 BMW X5
  By btombraidergold - February 24 - 10:06 am

  this is a car that is comfortable, and not too big or not too small. exterior is good looking as well as the interior.

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  a purist drives the basic 2.5 - 2003 BMW Z4
  By 1of2cyclists - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Im a cyclist and a bit of a purist. I wanted the basic 2.5, no fat, no options or packages--- the pure car. The standard car has a zenlike simplicity and ergonomic design. Manual operation of the soft top is an elegant operation that compares in speed and smoothness with the automatic. The manual seat adjustments are light as a feather. The "leatherette" seats have an athletic, textured ruggedness that I prefer to the creamy- looking leather. Without any distracting electronics, you focus on the driving. What an athletic, agile, road- gripping drive! You cant help smiling as you accelerate on the curves and enjoy the sky meeting the mountains. Pure joy.

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  $60k lemon - 2004 BMW M3
  By blur - February 23 - 8:22 pm

  I special ordered my m3, my first bmw, and my last. Its been serviced 11 times in the past year, mostly for problems with the smg. the smg is the most overrated transmission ever and should not be sold until perfected. Its sluggish in first, sometimes choppy, and most recently just stalled completely. it had to be towed back to the dealership to replace the relay...again.

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  Good, Stressful 14 months of Ownership - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Zachtank - February 23 - 7:39 pm

  Buying this car was a big step up from my 92 Honda Civic and as far as vehicular performance, I have no complaints. The fuel mileage is unparalleled for a 2.5L 6-cyl. The handling is taut, and the power is more than sufficient. There is so much fun gadgetry that you discover a new "favorite feature" every day for the first two months of ownership. When I show the car it takes an hour to cover the wonderful bits and pieces and I always forget a couple favorites. HOWEVER, I am selling it. If youre a tightwad like I am, the expensive maintenance, and more exhorbitant repairs will induce a coronary with every squeak and rattle, and in spite of its solid feel, there are many. Too much $.

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  BMW 528iT Auto Used - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By T. K. Hill - February 23 - 4:18 pm

  I bought this car because the 528i sedan we got three years earlier was so solid. I wanted the sport and premium packages, which is what I have. The ride is very good and aerodynamics great. The stance is low and performance wheels light, so I hit low barriers and bent wheel. The replacement wheels are $600 per. The radiator sprung a leak at 64K. Otherwise it performs as expected.

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  Excellent! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Tippy - February 22 - 8:55 pm

  This car is not only fun to drive, its safe and reliable, too! BMW will also conduct all routine maintenance free of charge.