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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  beastly beamer - 2004 BMW M3
  By beamer blondie - February 6 - 6:04 pm

  I have owned a modified 95 M3 and a 98...but this one is definitely the beastly-est of them all...and I look forward to every day when I can get behind the wheel and take it out on the back country roads. Yet, it is refined enough to go to any upscale social venue as well. Am curious to drive the new M3 with the competition package!

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  EXTREMELY ROUGH SUSPENSION - 2004 BMW X3
  By Robert - February 6 - 5:37 pm

  Purchased black X3 3.0 6speed with active xenon lights and Panorama roof. Looking back, the 25 min test drive was on all smooth asphalt surfaces where the salesman directed me to go. After driving home over patchy concrete and highway expansion joints I became worried. The suspension was unbelievably stiff. Yes the X3 handled spectacular, but at a huge price of feeling every irregularity in the road directly to your back. Every single person who rode in my X3 commented within 10 mins how rough it rode (and I had normal suspension, the non-sport package). Got to the point where I started seeing a chiropracter. I called it quits and traded it in after 5 months of ownership.

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  Excellent BMW - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Li Morr - February 6 - 1:26 pm

  As fun to drive as it looks. Everyone should try one sometime in their life.

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  6 Is the only number! - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By SteveK - February 6 - 12:40 am

  An alarmingly fast, stable, barn burner with more panache than Ill ever have. After owning three 5 series I couldnt bring myself to "love" the styling of the new 545. The 645 exceeds my expectations for speed, comfort, quickness, looks, control and, did I say speed?

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  Amazing! - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By jimmye - February 5 - 10:33 pm

  I researched many cars before I made a decision to sell my 05 Mercedes SLK350 for my new jet black 2008 535xi with night vision. I knew I made the right choice, but I didnt realize how right it was until I drove away from the dealer. Simply amazing. Thats the only way to describe it. Simply the best car I have ever been in or had the pleasure to drive. A perfect combination of tight steering and sitting in the lap of luxury. Run, do not walk and purchase this car if you can. Wish this car was more accessible and cheaper for everyone. The world would be a better place.

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  Awesome Car - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Eric K - February 5 - 3:36 pm

  I got my new 745i in Aug of 2004. I have to say I was skeptical since the car as plagued with problems form the intro of the 2002 car. However, I have to say that I am very statisfied with my new 7 (which replaced a 2001 740i Sport). I got the comfort seats and did an AC Schnitzer aero kit on the car. It looks outrageous. I love this car. The iDrive? Whats the fuss. Its like anything else new. Once you get used to it, no problem. I ave to say though that BMW needs to take a lesson from Acura on the navigation system. Although I can use it, it can be simplified. A great car overall!!!

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  Love the car but its not perfect - 2005 BMW M3
  By JeffNNJ - February 5 - 1:40 pm

  I love the car but I have had some problems. It is a great performing, great looking car with lots of power and superb handling. The stock tires are not too great so I switched to Bridgestone SO3 and the difference is incredible.

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  this car saved my life - 2005 BMW X5
  By poopsie - February 4 - 1:24 pm

  I live north of Toronto, Canada, a very icy winter day, I had to take a detour and went down a snowy, icy hill directly into the path of a mercedes turned sideways, the BMW X5, used its threshhold braking to stop the vehicle without sliding miraculously I just drove around the mercedes like nothing happened. I love this SUV!! It looks great too!!

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  My First BMW Experience - 2005 BMW X5
  By J Mandava - February 4 - 11:30 am

  This is my first BMW purchase. I have to say...This is the Ultimate Driving Machine. Everything I expected in a BMW, I have in my new X5.

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  My Second 5 series - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Mike H. - February 3 - 11:53 pm

  Just traded my 2004 525i for a 2005 530i..no need to say I like the 5s since I moved into the 530 after only a year. More power and much better tires than on the 04 model. If you are shopping for a car in this class, check this car out, it is quite elegant & comfortable! Issues with the 04 525, cupholders, transmission skipping a bit, had 2 recalls within 1 year... the 2005 I have now has a very badly misaligned hood that will require adjusting. Contacted BMW to voice concern over the poor fit and finish that is so unlike BMW, otherwise, happy as can be with the car