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!! - 2005 BMW X3
  By Happy X3 Driver - November 27 - 12:50 pm

  I really love this car. If you are a fan of the squishy soft ride of American makes and lots of interior clutter marketed as luxury, this is NOT the car for you. This car is clean and uncluttered. It drives like a sports car! It is a little pricey, but so are its American "tank" cousins cleverly disguised as SUVS and IT IS a BMW with all the engineering superiority that comes with it!! The X3 is so solid! The steptronic transmission is outstanding in bad weather. It looks great and is truly a drivers car. I cant say enough about it. I love it!

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  4500 miles review - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By jamesc - November 26 - 3:39 am

  I chose European Delivery and picked up my 545i in Munich, Germany. This car is designed to be driven at 100 mph + on German autobahn. At over 100 mph on German autobahn, this car can cruise at ease for hours like it’s doing 60 mph. The 545 is deceivingly fast and extremely quiet. The fit and finish is excellent. With Sport Package option, the car feels like it can take corners better than a Porsche Boxster. I do not like the 18 Run Flat Tires due to the “bouncy” feeling. The state of art BMW Valvetronic V8 engine is amazingly smooth and responsive. The cabin is isolated from all outside noise. I prefer to hear the engine and exhaust a little bit more. Overall, a great car so far.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Jim Horning - November 25 - 9:50 pm

  The only other car that came close in terms of fun was my 1964-1/2 Mustang, but I was young then, and not looking for luxury. The 740iL is comfortable, roomy, powerful, nimble, and quiet.

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  Not My Last Beemer - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By macjanum - November 24 - 10:52 pm

  This is absolutely the best all-around automobile I have ever owned or leased, including Mercedes. Superb reliability, comfort, handling, performance, safety. All I have added was an Alpine CD-changer and all- weather rubber floor mats. Forget the cup holders and drive! The 530iA has met or exceeded all of my expectations and disposal value remains high. This was my first BMW - I dont think it will be my last.

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  Love My 3-series Coupe..Glitches and All - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By ghillier - November 24 - 5:30 pm

  I bought my 2000 # series coupe in Feb 2003 with 28,000 miles on it. In general, I love the car. It looks great, has comfy front seats, handles well on dry pavement, and gets awesome gas mileage. My complaints include lousy brakes - Ive had them replaced once and they still pull the car to right and severe hydroplaning in rainy conditions.

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  Bring on the winter! - 2004 BMW X3
  By Mizz Daizy - November 24 - 11:14 am

  Coming off a Z3, I expected to be disappointed with the SUV experience. I was wrong. The X3 is fun to drive and handles incredibly. The interior is luxurious (more so than the Z3) and the features and options are just pure BMW. No words can describe the panoramic moon roof! This truly is the ultimate driving machine. Bring on the winter!

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  Great at first, then.... - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Sander SF - November 24 - 6:21 am

  I bought the Z4 as what seemed like a natural upgrade from my Z3. I paid a premium to own this car, based on its stellar styling and improvements, such as the fully auto top and glass rear window. However after owning it for the first 6 months, it began to annoy me to no end. Its horribly uncomfortable. From the unsupportive seats, the exaggerated door interior door handles that chafe my left leg every time I shift, to the un-adjustable seat belt that chokes me every time I drive. Plus the 1/4 inch clearance from the dash to my right knee, and Im only 61! Add an ultra-harsh ride, and I feel like Im in a torture chamber each time I get in. I wish I had kept the z3.

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  This car is a blast - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By bmw_new - November 23 - 9:13 pm

  This is the ultimate driving machine. No question about it. I test drove many luxury cars before deciding on this. Boy, am I glad! I dont want to mention the most obvious thing about the precision and acceleration, I want to talk about iDrive -- the thing throw most people off initially. In my opinion, this is a revolutionary feature. I mastered it in 40 mintues and can now program everything in my car. Hats off!!! And, last but not the least, this is the most fun car to drive. You want to take a detour if you could just to stay longer in the car.

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  M5 - 2002 BMW M5
  By the thailander - November 23 - 6:11 pm

  A true sports car w/ 4 doors. I love almost everything about this car. Fast, nimble, and stealthly!

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  2004 BMW 530i Sport - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Git R Dun - November 23 - 4:00 am

  This is a fantastic car. It rides and handles phenominally. It is quiet and solidly built. It gets good mileage.