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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  Buy right & Be Happy - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By azishot - January 29 - 2:12 pm

  Did lots of searching and found our 530i w/sport pkg at a Jeep Dealer. Only 12k miles. Been driving crummy ordinary cars since my last late 60s era muscle car I sold in 1973. Im suprised at how much I enjoy this car. Ple\nty of power to get into as much trouble as you want plus decent gas milage. Safe, solid and hard to get my wife out of it. Easy to go over 100 mph without noticing, so use the programmable "chime" which warns you when you hit pre-determined speed (mine chimes at 83). Make sure you get the Sport Pkg and steptronic. For about the cost of a new Toyota Camry (loaded) you can get an 2002 530i thats worth talking about. Read the reviews!

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  Z4 - 2005 BMW Z4
  By yukon771 - January 29 - 10:34 am

  Great handling, comfort ride, this is one of the few unique looking cars on the road. Most other convertibles all look a like. I like that this one is very distinctive in looks.

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  So far so fun - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Koho17 - January 28 - 5:16 pm

  I have owned the 2005 330xi for just two weeks. Each time I get behind the wheel it is more enjoyable than the last. It has exceeded my expectations and can only hope it delivers reliability in the future. Although ownership has been brief, I have been nothing but impressed with the product.

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  If it worked it would be great. - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By bwertma. - January 28 - 3:44 pm

  This could be a great car, but repeated problems with the computer system make it unacceptable. Episodes of the headlights not coming on but instead all exterior lights start flashing rapidly on and off warnings that the passenger airbag is off when an adult passenger is in the seat warnings of brake and steering problems etc. We have had many computer modules replaced and software upgrades to no avail. Because of these types of recurring, potentially dangerous problems we dont even feel comfortable enough to drive our 530i out of town. It is really fun to drive. If I had gotten one that worked reliably, I would love it.

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  Great car - 2005 BMW M3
  By APH - January 27 - 5:58 pm

  Moved to this car from a Porsche 911. This is as fun to drive, equals or betters the Porsche in performance and is far more practical. I love the car. This is my 6th BMW and every one has been a high quality car with almost no problems.

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  Its a Blast! - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Peacefield - January 27 - 5:38 pm

  Its a wonderful drivers car that doesnt ask for many compromises. For a small two seater, leg room is ample and a golf bag plus hand cart fit easily into the trunk, even with the top down! The cars road manners are outstanding and the chassis is wonderfully stiff for a ragtop. I definitely recommend stepping up to the 3.0 engine and 6spd. Im told that the 2.5 and 5spd can seem winded at highway speeds. Definitely not the case with the 3.0/6spd. The looks inside and out are controversial, but they continue to grow on me. Quality to this point has been very good.

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  A Great Surprise - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By HiHoMike - January 27 - 5:24 pm

  After owning Mercedes, Lexus, Infinti, Cadillac, Acura, etc., after driving the 525i, it sold itself. Handling, style, comfort, reliability and service are superior. This is my first bimmer, and it wont be my last

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  BEST BMW IVE OWNED!! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By LEDEAGLE - January 27 - 1:59 pm

  This is a superb machine!! I’ve had 3 other BMWs, Mercedes and a Porsche, and this car kills them all. Fuel economy is astonishing, and performance especially on the road is exhilarating.

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  Dont Worry About Price, Get the 335 - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW4Life - January 27 - 7:16 am

  I originally did not want to spend $46,000 for a car, but the upgrade from the 328 to the 335 is definitly worth it. It is ten times faster, much more agile, and grip to the road is amazing. The Sport Package is also worth the money.

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  daves review - 2002 BMW M3
  By dave clements - January 26 - 10:58 pm

  if this was any other car than an m3, i would have got a different car. the problems ive had with it have been frustrating. no mechanical problems just everything else from gas pedal sticking to exhaust hanger to power window and molding