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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  Uber-car - 2005 BMW M3
  By docO - February 13 - 8:24 pm

  Aside from a few knick-knacks that have fallen apart and were quickly replaced by my dealer and the poor stock stereo, this car is amazing. Perfect for anyone who appreciates and loves to drive with precision, class and style at any speed. I am too often tempted to drive faster as the revs increase. When not in snow, it is a pleasure. Now my problem is paying off the lawyer and fines for my 125mph in a 55!

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  Great Car - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By EC530 - February 13 - 8:17 pm

  After owning Benzes for 10 years, I was a little hesitant about owning a 530, but my apprehension was misplaced. This is a great car, handles much better than the Benz and the fit and finish is superb. This car handles like it is on tracks with little roll. I feel very safe in the car and iDrive is very easy to use. Geting close to 30mpg on the highway much to my suprise. I love it!

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  Steves Review - 2005 BMW M3
  By swaxmd - February 13 - 12:38 pm

  Third M3 convertible I have owned. This is the best of the bunch. No problems at all in the first 6 months. Less rattles and electronic glitches than my 2002 M3. SMG works well once you get used to it. I highly recommend this car.

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  Still the best - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By HJCrowley - February 12 - 9:18 pm

  This is my third 5, and the first 8 cylinder version Ive owned. Great engine, solidly built car, and the best mid-sized luxury sedan available. My only regret is that the 545 in the non-sport model configuration only offers an automatic transmission - not as fun as my previous manual but if I had to take an auto, I couldnt have done better than this. I heard so many negative comments about i- drive, I was prepared for the worst. Now that I use it, I cant imagine what people were talking about. Its very intuitive, and gives me greater control over the vehicle and my driving experience. BMW will be vindicated as having been ahead-of-the curve on this groundbreaking interface.

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  Love My BMW - 2001 BMW X5
  By GNASBMW - February 12 - 5:31 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned. I love to drive it. It goes so fast! It makes me feel like a race car driver. It is beautiful too. The only thing I would change if given the chance is the lack of a drink holder. There is one but it is really small. It is right in the center, behind the gear shift. It has a lid and use that compartment for storage of loose change.

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  318s are very reliable - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By Rico C - February 12 - 2:28 am

  95 318i sport package. I was lucky. I was owner #2 and the first owner by coincidence lived in the same city as me and took excellent care of the car. I bought it from a used car dealer with 78,000+ mi in 02/2003. I now have about 117000 mi on it and have had 0 problems. I replaced the original alternator, batt. and belts at 100K mi, but everything else (brakes, timing chain, etc. are still in good condition after 10 years). Replaced the belts myself actually. I found a remarkable performance boost after switching to Castrol Syntec 15W-50--instead of Mobil 1. I love this car and when/if I get another car it will be a 3-series.

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  Worth the wait - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By imadrone - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Took delivery in Munich on Oct 17 and dropped off in Frankfurt Nov 7 after 8 countries and 4,400 miles. Now have 5,300 miles and absolutely no problems nor complaints. The 325iT has sport package and 5-speed manual and handles beautifully. Another 187 miles of splendid mountain roads today with 3 adults and a dog---26.53 MPG with spirited driving. If you are into status, buy a Benz. If you just love to drive, get a Bimmer.

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  For Entry Level BMW,Just plain nasty! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By BULLDOG - February 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this 2001 BMW 325i on Jan 31,2004 in Dallas and drove home to Memphis(500 miles) the same day.I still have a smile.What looks!What handling!I was worried about acceleration and power of 325 vs 330.Dont be.I had trouble keeping the car under 80-90 MPH!At this speed,it feels like 60 in most cars.The xenons and Harmon Kardon are marvelous.Get the Sports package.Why didnt I at least test drive and thus buy a BMW 15 years earlier!

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  Love this car - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By devvil - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Only thing to watch out for is the Harmon Kardon audio system. It sounds great with the top up but just isnt quite loud enough to give enough punch when youre cruising at 65MPH. Needs more audio power.

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  X-3 BMW has done it again - 2004 BMW X3
  By Gek - February 12 - 2:00 am

  The 3.0 / 6 cyclinder engine is the same one used in my two door sports 330ci Coupe - which means the X-3 has some go power. Quite impressed with the handling of the X3, drives more like a car than SUV, but with all the safety that a SUV brings. It snowed the other day and the X-Drive was great, I had no problems in highway or uphill climbs. Felt very sure footed. Interior seems pretty boring, but well designed and built.