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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  Great Car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Skevas - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. I wish that I had known about the difficulty of driving it in snow given that I live in New England. I have to change my tires every season, but its worth it.

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  BMW 330ci - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By John Owens - January 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my second BMW. Awesome to drive and built to last.

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  Highly recommended! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Margaret J. - January 6 - 2:00 am

  The BMW325xi is the first luxury car I have owned and I am having a great time driving it. It responds and handles very well with excellent acceleration and control. The dashboard and other controls are laid out very well so they are easy to locate and operate. I am very happy with the car and recommend it without hesitation.

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  Luv my 325Ci - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By GailVTM - January 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd BMW 3-series. What beautiful cars. The two-door coupe has great exterior lines and a sporty look. Power-adjustable front seats make it great for long distance driving. I dont know why anyone would need to up-size to the larger engine - this one has more than enough pep and power. Smooth acceleration and good fuel economy. Does well on regular unleaded, but on long road trips Ive used premium and gotten better mileage. Not worth it on city driving tho.

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  Ultimate driving machine - 2005 BMW X5
  By MARK - January 6 - 1:22 am

  Looks nice, feels nice, drives nice -- what more could you ask for?

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  Great X5 - 2005 BMW X5
  By Boulevard West - January 6 - 12:29 am

  Got the X5 just before Christmas, one week later the biggest snow storm in 12 years hit. In 30hrs we had 29 inches of snow. Not much was moving, but the X5 with all season tires plowed through the snow like a hot knife through butter. In the past 26 years in the Sierra Nevadas I have driven most types of 4x4s, and the X5 beats them all. More snow is on the way. I wonder what it would do with a good set of snow tires!

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  The Best BMW I have ever Owned - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By guybball - January 5 - 11:13 pm

  What a car! I have owned a 325iC, X5, X3, 328i, but I have to say this is the best BMW that I have ever owned. It is just so much fun to drive. Great acceleration, handling around the bends. If you are going to buy the 3 series coupe you have to get the stick, just adds another level of fun to the overall experience. I have been told by my passengers that it is fun even in the passenger seat. The blue tooth works great and sounds great. I love the automatic seat belts. Interior design is just awesome. I have two kids, 14 and 11 and they love the back seat, very comfortable. Havent had a chance to drive the car in the snow but I am looking forward to that opportunity. Great car.

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  BKR review - 2005 BMW X5
  By Brian - January 5 - 10:45 pm

  First 1000 miles was in the terrible winter storms in Ohio over Christmas...this car was the "ultimate driving machine"! I love this car so far. Love the sound of the engine when I accelerate...and it does accelerate. The defroster is a blast furnace though. Wish it had a fan control. The cargo space is not that big...but I was not looking for much more. Really nothing but praise so far. The car really handles well and I love all the options.....although it took me an hour to learn everything. Would definitely recommend it if you are looking for an SUV with sports car feeling.

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  AVERAGE BMW - 2005 BMW X5
  By sclavette - January 5 - 10:33 pm

  BMW continues not understanding electronics. Problems with GPS, power locks, rear window washer, etc. BMW still only gives cassette option at dash. No wonder their sales are dropping. Third and last BMW.

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  beaming BM owner - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By John - January 5 - 9:47 pm

  too bad these are so expensive. The roads would be much safer and faster with more of them