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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  Outstanding! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By DillonV - June 19 - 10:00 am

  It is the first BMW that I have owned and I will never buy any other car besides a BMW for now on.

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  so far, so good - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By citizeningermany - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Im an american living in germany, and Ive been able to drive some very sporty cars. I settled on the 525i since the real performance beasts just werent worth the extra money for me. If you like comfort, get the comfort seat option, heavenly. Really enjoy the sport package, although $800 for the xenon lights is high. I love the solid, responsive handling on the tight, twisty roads of bavaria, and it really unwinds on the autobahn. Still does very well on gas mileage (and over here, it REALLY counts). Im gonna hate to bring it back to the states!

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  My best ever car - 2004 BMW X3
  By dedal - June 19 - 10:00 am

  One of the best cars to drive in the Greek roads. I have a package of three cars in one! One limousine for driving in the town. One safe and fast car for driving in the highways. One offroad for havig fun everywhere.

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  Spec - 2004 BMW X3
  By dvl - June 19 - 10:00 am

  no problems so far, some doors noise & airconditioning on when starting the X3 but otherwise fine

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  The best car in its class! - 1996 BMW Z3
  By BMW Love - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Many people call the 1996 BMW Z3 underpowered because of its 4 cyld engine, but my friends, they are wrong on every count. The body and engine work as a team, providing on of the fastest cars in its class (4 cyld). NOt only is it the perfect body of a sports car .... its a powerhouse! I fell in love the day I saw the BMW Z3 the first time on the road, I was 12 years old at the time, but I knew that day that the Z3 was the only car for me. Six years later, I own my dream car ... and its everything I immagined it would be, and more. Dont let engine freaks talk you out of buying the 1996 model, just because it says 4 cyl doesnt mean it cant feel like a V12!

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  pieces of a dream - 1991 BMW 5-Series
  By dr.g - June 19 - 2:00 am

  fun sedan, love the 5 speed hardly ever needs repairs. ive driven over 100,000 moles with this car, i put 85000 miles on my previous 1986 535 without any major problems

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  Superb Luxury Performance Sedan - 2007 BMW Alpina B7
  By Gaelstorm - June 18 - 7:43 pm

  My use of the 07 B7 has been limited to only 1,000 miles in its first two months due to travel. But it is extremely comfortable at speed and handles much as a well-sorted smaller car would be expected to when maneuvering either rapidly or when at slow speeds or parking in town. The fuel economy is surprisingly good and keeps the guilt at owning a near-exotic at bay. I am very fortunate to have other extremely fine automobiles, including the "other" modern, US Alpina, the Z8 Roadster. But if I could have only one automobile, the B7 would be it.

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  High performance and All Wheel Drive! - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By George B - June 18 - 10:46 am

  I went from a 2005 745Li with a V8 to to the 535xi. I was a little worried I would miss the 7. This car has been great! Fast, smooth and fun to drive. The improvements on the iDrive are substantial. The technology is easier and more reliable than the 7. The acceleration is better than 7, also. So I am getting great performace and all-wheel-drive in one. No more snow tire change over like I had to do on the 7 series. My only criticism is the fuel tanik capacity. I used to be able to go forever with the 7 series large tank. This 18 gallon tank means Im at the pump every few days. If I could change one thing, it would be a larger fuel tank.

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  My Terrific ti - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By Joan - June 18 - 2:00 am

  The ti was billed as an entry into the BMW line but inappropriately aimed at college-age men. Properly marketed, it would have sold, and the new compact available here. A 63-year-old grandmother who loves to drive, I have averages 25,000 miles/year, averaging 32 mpg. Service has been excellent. I cant imagine driving anything but a BMW after owning this car. Nimble, it hugs the road, shifts like a dream, and looks and feels new after almost 100,000 miles.

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  Nice Ride - 2002 BMW X5
  By AXEL - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I have had my X5 for 4 months now and have put 9000 miles on it. I have had no mechanical problems and have been impressed with how nice it is to drive in town and on the highway. I have a couple of little glitches, bad wiper blade on rear wiper and a piece of the ceiling liner not tucked perfectly into the overhead console. I think that BMW has a tendency to overdesign its cars but this doesnt necessarily result in the best reliability. If you want the least amount of trouble generally a Japanese vehicle is the best choice. If you want safety, solidity, and by far the best driving experience buy BMW. Thats what the X5 is about.