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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  I-drive systems / - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Billie Johnson - February 9 - 10:23 pm

  The 645 cic is a fun car to drive. It handles with excellence and attracts the "nice car" symbol with the thumbs up everywhere I go. What I am disappointed with is the malfunction of the I drive system (resetting itself or freezing). My roll bar protection for some reason has deactivated itself. I made an appointment on January 3rd to take my car in and unfortunately the next available date is the 20th of February. Very disappointing for a 90k car.

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  Quality with performance - 2003 BMW X5
  By Ron S - February 9 - 2:31 am

  Having owned numerous SUVs the X5 is by far the best from the standpoint of comfort, performance, handling, looks and just plain fine workmanship. I believe that in order to appreciate this vehicle, you have to love a car that feels and handles like a sports car. Mine has the sport suspension which would not satisfy the meek or the comfort seekers from a standpoint of ride. But when it comes to performsnce and sheer fun driving a SUV, this is the car to own. Its almost as much fun as driving my C5, but not quite as fast. I talked my brother into test driving one, and the next thing I know is he owns one after being a Ford Explorer driver for many years. I would highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Best BMW I have ever driven or owned - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By JR - February 8 - 2:31 pm

  I have owned BMWs since 1977 (3, 5 & 7 series) as well as two Porsche 911s. The 645 is the absolute best, hands down - performance, drive, feel, style (interior and exterior). Recommend sport and premium pkgs. Sport drive is amazing. The 645 is the perfect balance of performance and comfort. The sound of the engine is awsome. And I-drive is very easy to understand.

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  The Best Yet - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Harriet Brown - February 8 - 1:47 pm

  This is one snazzy car! It is my 3rd BMW and I am on the road (highway) a lot. So reliability is very important. Design people outdid themselves this time.

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  New 530i - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By rrtke - February 8 - 12:21 pm

  This car is absolutely fantastic. I have waited along time to make this purchase and "justify" it, if you ever can. The car is better than even imagined it would be.

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  The Official Car of Valhalla - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By ChiefBlueBimmer - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I have owned many cars in my life, but this Bimmer tops em all. Ive only owned it two months, but Ill never buy a FWD auto again. Lots of power with the 5-speed automatic, and handles as if it were on rails. On the highway, I get 30 - 31 mpg, but only 19 in day-to-day suburban driving. Only complaints: The seat could have a bit more padding, and be a bit longer, and car could use some more interior storage. An eyeglass holder on the roof console, as the 2003 Acura TL has, would be useful. Otherwise, this is the best car one can drive until you die and go to Heaven (or Valhalla).

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  An awesome car - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By shopp1999 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I have had 3 wonderful years in this car. We have travelled up and down the east coast through blinding snowstorms and enjoyed many trips up the north seacoast in the summer with the top down. A great car!!!

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  Its a blast !!! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Double D - February 7 - 10:53 pm

  I purchased a 2001 BMW 330i CPO car, which is the only way to go but typically will cost you a few more duckies. Great car, tremendous torque versus the 325i and the steptronic AT is perfect. No complaints except for a tall person, its a little tough getting in and out.

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  Great car - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By block1974 - February 7 - 4:46 pm

  Purchased in Jan. and had it built in Germany. That is cool, custom built. The more I drive it, more I like it. I have automatic, and seems it is little sluggish off the line, but not a big deal. the 328xi may not be as powerful as 335 as I have read, but it is plenty. The coupe has plenty of trunk room for coupe. Single guys, you will love it. I am in Mass. and the 328xi is great in snow, and ice. No regrets. Great style, handling. Worth the wait. Keep eye on speed, easy to fly with ease, and quietness.

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  BMW - Bummer - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By M. Locascio - February 7 - 11:55 am

  You already know you have overdone it with the electronics. I have 1800 miles on this car and it has been in to the dealership 3 times already. I cant wait for the lease to expire so I can buy a Porsche. Thank god I leased this car and do not own it. Get the idea Im frustrated? All the problems have been computer related.