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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  740il review - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By hornbeck1 - January 6 - 10:29 pm

  I just bought the car about a week ago. The car is awsome. It has features I never knew existed on an automobile. The last car I bought was an Acura Legend. Great car, but the BMW is head and shoulders above my Acura. The fit and finish is a 10. It drives like a sports car, not at all like a big car. It is extremely responsive. It feels like the car has a lot bigger engine than a mere 4.4 L and 282 horsepower. The rear passengers go in style as well -- heated seats, separate heater outlets, ski pass through, on-board navigation, you name it. Im a happy guy!

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  2004 X5 Review - 2004 BMW X5
  By henry.mcdonald@cbre. - January 6 - 7:39 pm

  Great performance and handling very practical. Good to go out to dinner or to Home Depot super sound system simple, stylish interior only inconvenience is that front seat window controls are in a less convenient location under the door handle.

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  Love It - 2005 BMW X5
  By WIM - January 6 - 4:47 pm

  I compared it with the XC90 and preferred the X5 -- love it.

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  One happy M3 owner - 2003 BMW M3
  By JohnM3 - January 6 - 4:36 pm

  My car is a late 03 and its been nothing but a wonderful driving experience so far. Ive put nearly 30,000 miles on it in 18 months and its been perfectly reliable as a daily driver...no warranty issues. Ive even driven in light snow with it, thanks to the abilities of DSC. The best thing you can do for yourself is to take the one day M-school course offered by BMW at their performance delivery center in Greenville, South Carolina. Youll learn all about how to properly use the M3s capabilities. Its cheap insurance!

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  Fun car but watch out for maintenance - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By B-Man68 - January 6 - 4:13 pm

  A lot of fun to drive but maintenance costs are very high. When my transmission went out I learned that BMW claims the earlier 328s have a "lifetime transmission" with a "lifetime fill" of fluid and do not recommend a tranny service. I followed the recommended maintenance to a T and never had the tranny serviced. Replacing it cost me over $4k. Had I had it serviced it would not have failed when it did. BMW now recommends a tranny service on newer models but still not on the older ones. Even the fluid mfgs recommend changing the fluid. Where BMW came up with the "lifetime" claim is beyond me. I ended up getting the money I spent on the new tranny back through small claims court.

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  First BMW ... a bit pricy, but solid - 2004 BMW X3
  By rckpittsburgh - January 6 - 11:19 am

  After driving an A4 for several years, was in the market for a vehicle with more space, but still fun to drive. The X3 has filled both needs, but thus far it feels like it was $10K too expensive (mid $40Ks) -- after adding reasonable equipment to the 3.0 package. In hindsight, wonder why I did not buy an X5? Ultimately, extra cost up-front vs. vehicles in its class will need to gauged vs. long-term reliability.

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  My Z4 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Moe - January 6 - 8:05 am

  It is a great car indeed but some improvements have to be done!

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  My 2nd X5 - 2005 BMW X5
  By Joan Dibble - January 6 - 3:31 am

  Ive now owned 2 of these wonderful SUVs back to back. I cant begin to tell you how safe and comfortable I feel when driving. The V8 gives me the power to get moving. Ive owned only one other car I was this crazy about and it was a 1977 630 BMW. I drove it for 12 years and put 228,000 miles on it. I guess Im just a big fan of Bimmers.

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  Nice, but ............. - 2004 BMW X3
  By ProMariner - January 6 - 2:14 am

  I originally started looking at the Cadillac SRX, but didnt like their bundled options and price. I love the styling and performance of the BMW, but there is a lot of room for improvement. The ride is a bit stiff. Acceleration and handling are great making this vehicle fun to drive. This is my first SUV and I couldnt believe the poor gas mileage, on premium fuel! Next, the front door seals protrude into the doorways, making them susceptible to damage during entry/ exit. And the cargo area is poorly lit by a light on the tailgate. If you slam the tailgate too hard, the bulb pops out of its socket! I wish they would pay more attention to the details. Nice, but not worth the $43k price tag.

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  ultimate - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By gra - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Ultimate driving machine is no Joke. Love making sharp turns. And driving winding roads. Simply the best.