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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  Things break - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By kathysav - November 14 - 6:34 pm

  I love the way my Alpine wagon drives, but a lot of little things inside break, and often. The cup holder (poor design) has broken 4 times. Now, I no longer use it. The back sunshade has broken, and the indise mouldings fall off if touched while entering and exiting the car. Dealer does not make it easy to buy parts to fix yourself. Great performance, but sad that the inside quality is not up to snuff. I would expect more from our BMW. Seats are not comfortable for long journeys!

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  You all want this, lets be honest - 2001 BMW M5
  By Town Savage - November 14 - 5:58 pm

  One word describes the difference between this car and all the rest, CLASS, because it is in its own. Interior design, comfort, safety, reliability.

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  From SAAB to X3 - 2004 BMW X3
  By KARL - November 14 - 5:45 pm

  Okay, it was time to dump my great 2000 SAAB 9/5 loaded wagon before the warranty ran out. I looked all summer at Jeep, Suburu and Mazda 6 deals and then saw the sign and drive ad for the X3. The dealership had a black on black "basic" X3 and with one test drive, I reached for my wallet. What a great vehicle. It handles like a sports car, gets great mileage and I dont miss the "loaded" features I was used to. The six speed is awesome and of course, the "six" has no turbo, thus no "lag". The only strange thing is not to have cruise control as standard equipment. My buddy says Ill be paying for that .....in fines. It is very smooth and quiet at high speeds.

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  Best in the end - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Town Savage - November 14 - 5:39 pm

  This is an extremely good buy for someone looking to keep this car for good. It has the perfect ballance between drivability and economy, and performance. The styling is extraordinarily popular all over the world.

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  Outstanding Safety - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Khoa Nguyen - November 14 - 11:03 am

  Was T-bone by a tractor trailor and walk away without a scratch.

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  Simply........FUN! - 2004 BMW X3
  By Wm. B. eamer - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Some of the reviews Ive read say the ride is too rough. Just not true in my opinion. The sports package might increase the stiffness of the ride a bit. It was a great mix of SUV feel with the fun of a sports car. It is truly SUV meets 300 series BMW. If you are interested in this car, dont listen to the few negative reviews that are out there in regards to the smoothness of the ride, but, rather, go test drive one of these beauties for yourself and you, too, will discover a sweet little ride.

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  bmw - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Sclay - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed the car

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  MY IDEA OF A SPORTS CAR - 2005 BMW Z4
  By SEMINOLE SAM NOLES 1 - November 14 - 9:26 am

  THIS IS THE BEST SPORTS CAR THAT I HAVE EVER HAD WHICH INCLUDES A BMW Z3,A GRIFFITH, A JAGUAR XK150, A PONTIAC TRANS-AM AND A PORSCHE 911

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  NIRVANA - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By BIGBIRD - November 14 - 12:05 am

  This is the ultimate driving machine. The idrive is fun and despite other reviews, user friendly. The ride is exhilerating and offers handling surpassing other cars in its class. I found the seating adjustments a little difficult to comfort my 6 plus frame when compared to the A8. The premiun sound system is great and easy to control.

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  54k miles - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By I500X - November 13 - 3:46 am

  Ive been driving this thing for 3 years now and I dont plan to switch! Its easy to take this car for granted until youve driven something else. BMWs handling is amazing.. it gives me so much confidence on the road. You get an excellent feel for the road and the steering is firm. Handles great in the dry but Ive had some problems in the wet. Then again, my tires were old. Although this car is pretty quick, it doesnt have as much power as Id like. Next car will be more performance oriented (Probably an M3). Its almost 2005 and this car is still better than most cars on the streets. Excellent ballance of performance, comfort, and functionaly