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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  midwest owner - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By zin - February 11 - 10:19 pm

  My experience with the vehicle has not been good because the dealership has not had trained staff for one. Secondly there are on board computer problems since delivery which have not been fixed. The paint finish is an issue in which small scratches have appeared in the clear coat. The design seems susceptible to front end/hood damage from road stones. Bluetooth sometimes fails with cell phone.

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  M3 competition package - 2005 BMW M3
  By Hiei - February 11 - 8:43 pm

  Overall, it is a great car. It looks as good as it performs. Solid performance thanks to the competition package. The competition package is an alternative for those who dont want to get aftermarket upgrade but want more for their M3. However, there are some electrical problems with the radio and the bluetooth connection for cell phone not all cell phone can connect via bluetooth. The gas mileage is not bad. Got about 300 miles per a tank, 65%highway and 35% highway. If driving locally, a full tank will only give 220 miles. The exterior looks great all around. Need a wing spoiler to complete the aggressive look. The front seats is great. Back seats are very comfortable.

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  BMW Z4 - 2005 BMW Z4
  By BMW Z4 - February 11 - 6:09 pm

  First sports car owned in 30 years. Put the fun back in driving. Handles and corners well. Good acceleration off the line. Mine is a 2.5 model and I never drove the 3.0 model but I think it would benefit from the extra power. No downsides on the car. Interior better in this than Boxster (until 2005 model). Fast enough for my kind of driving (64 years old). Glad I bought it.

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  A Really Fun Car - 1996 BMW Z3
  By Bob G. - February 11 - 12:51 pm

  Now about to turn 9 years old, my Z-3 is just as much fun to drive as when new. I still get "thumbs up" and compliments from strangers (aged from teen to senior) on my "ride." It is a bit underpowered which shows climbing some of our rather steep hills or in the mountains, but that is minor compared to the superbly balanced handling - lost in the front-heavy 6s in my opinion. The interior has a few cheesy touches - especially the center console which would embarrass a Yugo - but is roomy and comfortable. Plus it has a real trunk with room for a weeks groceries or a weeks worth of luggage (softsided).

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  Drool drool drool!!! - 2004 BMW M3
  By prkpower - February 10 - 5:51 pm

  Great engine with a strong powerband, never runs out of breath, pulls strongly. I got the 2004 SMG coupe silver gray with black leather and under 4000 miles on it. Fully loaded except for the cold weather pkg. The SMG did take a little getting used to, but boy it is a rush! The M3 will beg you to unleash it, will cajole you with sweet engine humming saying everythings OK, just floor the pedal. And at gas stations, you can look at the admiration in peoples eyes. Truly a cult car, a true jock with enough space for 4 adults and for practical day to day driving and spirited highway runabout.

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  325i is Beautiful - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Freddie - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I love my 2001 BMW 325i. I got it in Titanium Silver Metallic with Gray Leather and it is clean as a whistle. I bought it new and it still rides smoothly. I didnt expect to purchase one after I test drived one but this car is irresistable. The only car I would trade this in for is a BMW M3 Coupe.

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  Awesome - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By PaulBz - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Just brought home my 330ci and love everything about it. Acceleration is smooth and quick due to the well engineered inline 6. Braking is best in its class as is handling. I could write a book on the wonders of this car but will simply sum things up with a rock solid "awesome." Drive one and you will know why BMWs are the Ultimate Driving Machine.

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  Why did I wait so long... - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By New Bimmer Lover - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Toiling along with domestic sedans and import SUVs, I waited too long to shop for a BMW sedan. Better late than never. The 530 is a great car. Fun to drive is an understatement. I tested all of the 5 series sedans, and the 530 was the goldilocks of the bunch for me. 525 a little too weak, 540 a little too strong (for my needs - it is a great car, but I live a few thousand miles from the autobahn). My 530 has the sport and premium packages, which I highly recommend. This is without a doubt the most responsive car I have ever driven. Safety features are very comforting.

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  Must Read - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Jana - February 10 - 3:10 am

  Have had this car a year. a great car fun to drive and lots of room. Have had other makes but this is by for the best. If anything goes wrong, BMW stands behind their car. And not everyone has a car like yours and I like that. I dont want a car that everyone has. Fun car for a man and wife, they can take to the road and talk and have fun. It is the best thing that my hubby and I ever did was buy this car it has a great radio but we never use it. We love to get in the car and ride and talk. We have been married 25 years and kids are grown and this car gave us a way to get out and have fun and talk and see things that we never seen in a car that the top is on all that time. It is a must have.

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  Sports Car Performance, Business Require - 2003 BMW X5
  By Art Lippois - February 10 - 3:00 am

  Want a car that takes you back to the muscle car power of the 60s, but with the comfort of a cadillac on long trips? Do you need a ride to comfortably take customers to sites both in urban and rural areas during all kinds of weather? Want the space to carry display items or large boxes for business? Do you have to travel 300 to 400 miles sometimes at night in unknown areas with little or no open gas stations because of the hour of your travel? Finally, do you want to have to use your cruise control because there is no way you can tell your speed without looking at the speedometer?If this sounds like a vehicle that fits your requirements, then the BMW X5 is for you. All class, all smiles.