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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  A great car - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By Truk - October 30 - 2:00 am

  If you like to drive youll love to drive this car. Ive owned five convertibles, my last being an SL500, and none of them comes close to the "ultimate" driving experience. I can wait to get it out wesr with no speed limits! It is very comfortable to ride in, which my wife really appreciates. A great automobile.

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  Now Its O.K. - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Stu from Scottsdale - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I was the first to get my 5 series in Scottsdale, AZ. I should have waited while BMW got the minor bugs out. A "run-flat" tire was bad and until it was discovered the car was vibrating so much while driving that the passengers thought the car was equipped with "vibrating" seats. Originally the dealer said thats the way the sports series drives. The service manager was NOT very accomodating and I had to complain loud and often.Then the radio- C/D player repeatedly would not play, all that you could hear was static. BMW after 5 tries finally fiqured out it was caused by the "phone module". The drivers cup holder also broke after the first use. Now I love it.

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  fun to drive - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By lemont - October 30 - 2:00 am

  bmw did and outstanding job on the new 04 5 series. the new look is sharp and the interior is even better. the new body style is a head turner and i get so many raves about how good this car looks. ive only seen two more new 5 series on the street,but once the word gets out am sure ill be seeing alot more of them.

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  Solid Ride - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Noreaster - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Second owner, first BMW and like it very much thus far. 67K Mi. Sharp looking, nicely appointed interior, smooth ride and adequate power. One unexpected repair was cracking of rear coil spring, ended up having to replace both costing about $500. Also, the small radio antenna off the back antenna base broke off probably in car wash, resulting in poorer radio reception. Other than those, usual maitenance. Love it and hope that it continues to serve me well.

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  BMW 5 - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By tim dreyer - October 29 - 3:33 pm

  Smooth, quiet and powerful. Excellent gas mileage and ride

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  The best I have owned - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By pathmd - October 29 - 12:28 pm

  Have owned my 545i for 2 weeks. Have Z3 and X5 as well. This car is a monster on the road. Zero to 60 in 5 seconds is no exaggeration. The car is tight, assisted steering is superb. Plenty of heads turn when the car passes. Found i-drive to be no problem - basic controls are still on the dash board. Mileage overall 19.4 mpg after 800 miles. Recommend buyers get the largest engine you can afford. Nothing about this car will disappoint you. Watch your speed. Esy to hit 85- 90 mph without noticing.

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  Great Car - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By michele - October 29 - 12:03 pm

  I just love this car, Handles great on the road and a lot more quiet than my 2003 325I. Also like the computer that tell me everything about the car. just a pleasure to drive.

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  Alarm System - 2005 BMW Z4
  By "4X around" - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This is my third BMW and I love it. Only problem this year is that I have NO ALARM system. I had to order it as an "accessory" and BMW "forgot" to wire for it, so I am without an alarm system at present. Dont know how long I have to wait for this "part".

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  So glad I dont have an 04 or 05 - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By TK540iA - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This is my third E39 model 540, and is clearly the best one Ive owned. The 540iA Sport package is a dream to drive, handles and rides like a champ, and does NOT have the I-drive or the Chris Bangle inspired ugly ass styling of the new 5 and now middle aged 7 series. I originally leased the car, assuming that Id love the new 5 series, but have now decided that I will buy the vehicle once the lease expires. If you are in the market for a 5 series, find yourself an E39 and you wont be unhappy.

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  UNBMW LIKE - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By kLAUSLAW - October 27 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned my 545 for three weeks but I am very disappointed so far. I just came off a 2001 525 lease and loved the car. No problems for 3 years. The 2004 seems tinny in comparison to my 2001. Further, I feel the 545 does not handle the road nearly as comfortable as my prior vehicle. It is very bumpy w/the run flat 18 inch wheels and further the active steering is very weird. I still dont get it. It feels like the car is fighting me every time I make a turn. Further if their is a rut in the road the car feels like it does not know what to do and wants to go off the road. Further, the transmission is very unreliable and choppy from the start. Cupholders are rediculous as usual.