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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  Fun car but has durability issues - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Vroom2 - February 3 - 6:55 pm

  This is a fun car to drive just about anywhere. Great on-road grip, handling, breaking and steering. Could use a few more horses but around town its plenty fast enough. The main drawbacks are durability of the trim and reliability. When mine was 5 years old it started becoming expensive with radiator, gearbox and other issues. The rubber seals around the windows also started to wear at which point I sold it. Great car but needs some $$$ and TLC to maintain.

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  Best car I have ever owned. - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Dennis - February 3 - 3:58 pm

  I traded in an 04 Merz C-320 for this car. Best trade I ever made. This is an all around outstanding car. The car handles well is comfortable and quiet. I have the luxury package and the sport package. Both options are worth the money.

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  645ci a Homerun - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Thomas861 - February 2 - 11:59 pm

  I fell in love with the looks of the 645ci coupe at an auto show, but with a 430 gs Lexus, there wasnt much reason to spend 80k on a new car.....that it, until I DROVE the 645. What a dream. And worth every penny.

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  What a car.... - 2003 BMW M5
  By Ard - February 2 - 3:50 pm

  Id looked at the M5 in 90, but passed it up in favor of the V8 in the 90 Q45. Well, 13 years later I snapped up the last of the E39 design. It is, in a word, the ultimate 4 door sedan. Styling is georgeous, power is phenomenal, handling is crisp and reassuring. Ive still not explored the upper limits of handling, probably cannot really do it on an open road. Perhaps track time this spring? Interior comfort, fit and finish are outstanding- rich but sporty, not plush and tufted. Radio is fantastic- better reception than my two other japanese radios. But who listens to radio? Just installed Sirius Sat Radio with BMW oem components (displays on the nav screen). Mine has the MAudio

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  330xi Review - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Ulf Gustafson - February 2 - 3:13 am

  I have owned 8 BMWs since 1973, everything from a 320i to a 740i, a M5 and a 540i. The 330xi is probably the best "overall" car I have driven all these years. It has only been a few weeks, but I can already tell that this car will be a favorite. Excellent power, phenomenal ergonomics and handling on a par with an M3. I opted for all the options and even like the iDrive system with on board navigation. The new 3 series is the more handsome of the " Chris Bangle" era, but heed my advice and opt for the Sport package with 18" style 162 wheels. It is the ONLY way of making the 330 look handsome; The standard car with 17" wheels and no options looks terrible and that includes the 325.

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  Best Car Ive ever Owned - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Tom - February 1 - 3:57 pm

  I thought the 5-series was out of my price range, but because I own an business and leased for 3 years I was able to easily afford one. I like the comfort and look inside, the width of the seats, and the excellent ride. Only problem so far has been a flat which made me want the run-flat tire. Fuel mileage has been better than expected and snow performance has been fine. Good sound system and I find the iDrive easy to use. Whenever I am in other cars I notice the multitude of ugly buttons and appreciate the clean design. Display is easily readable in any light.

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  Used 2001 BMW 330 XI - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Laurie - January 31 - 8:31 pm

  We bought this car used 2 years ago and our love affair with it has not ceased from the moment it first beautified our driveway. Fun to drive (I wanted a manual and am so pleased with the 5-speed manual on this car), great power, looks gorgeous, fantastic Harmon-Kardon stereo system (stuck in traffic? great!) and did I mention fun to drive? Also, no mechanical/reliability issues and the minor issues that have popped up were covered under BMWs used- car extended warranty.

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  Almost, but not quite. - 2005 BMW M3
  By Brad - January 31 - 7:41 pm

  This car is a dream to drive, especially with the SMG transmission. However, one look at the interior shows that even the M3 is sadly dated. The 2005 model needs a better interior, especially when the asking price is in the $55,000 range. For example, the model I test drove only had a single disc CD player, no CD changer, no Nav system, and no satellite radio, but the dealer wanted $58,000 for it. It is a fun drive, but the Mercedes C55 AMG is a better, more complete package for the same amount of money.

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  Just like old times! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Kristy - January 30 - 5:03 pm

  this is my 3rd BMW 325i. I fell in love in Germany in 2000 and have loved them every since. The price is great for the comfort, luxury options, driving experience, and safety features. Car insurance is comfortable for a sports car. I like the upgrades on the 2006. For example; run flats, key pod, aux jack for stereo system.

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  Go for it - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By steen - January 30 - 4:19 pm

  This is one incredible car! Great styling is obvious, but its only the beginning! Beauty is well beyond skin deep... this baby is tons of fun!