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:

• 

  E34 540im - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Level8Drummer - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Has the 6-speed transmission. Had the engine block replaced with the Nikasil recall before I bought it, so only 65k on the engine. It handles remarkably well for a car its size. Only BMW can make a sedan perform like this one does. Its a shame that the new E60s are so ugly.

• 

  The best car Ive ever owned!!! - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By djgonzo - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Probably the best car Ive ever owned including the 2000 Audi S4 I currently own! I bought the 318is with 142K miles on it and drove it for a year putting another 13,000 miles on it. Ive regreted selling the car ever since and am ironically trying to purchase another at this time. The engine is strong acceleration is quick. Handling is quick and nimble. Interior is comfortable, easy to clean and looks great. The car has real "European" feel and design. I could go on and on about this car, its very dependable and sporty. Has to be one of the best cars BMW has built.

• 

  LOVE THOSE ROADSTERS - 2004 BMW Z4
  By JAZZ5290@AOL.COM - September 27 - 2:00 am

  NOTHING BUT GREAT FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• 

  Sweet Engine - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By brusstar - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The sweet V-8 mated to the six-speed manual make this car great fun to drive, like a sports coupe but with a decent back seat. Many question the 2004 (E60) exterior styling in pictures, but in real life people agree it looks beautiful, and does not look like every other great sports sedan of the last ten years. It just takes a little time to master the i- Drive, and it really cleans up the dashboard (other reviewers seem to forget this design benefit).

• 

  2004 Chris Bangle 530i Special - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Presley348 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  My new 2004 530i is lighter and faster than the old five series models. ...In this day of war time and high Gas prices, I am glad to get 34.7 MPG Highway and approx.: 24 MPG City, but when one need the power it is there: from a stand still 0 to 40 MPH in 3.8 seconds when accelerating onto the interstate. I have own many fine cars over the years i.e. Trans Ams, Z28s, and two new Corvettes, and this new Bimmer 530i puts all the above listed cars to shame!

• 

  Glued to the road - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By MtnMad - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The BMW XI is an ubeleivably good handling car. The sport package is a must though. Without it you can feel that the car is a station wagon in corners, but with the sport package the ability of the car to carve a corner even after going beyond the tires ability to grip is breathtaking. It may not be a rocket ship in the straight lines, but if the road is snaking nice and tight, that WRX cant get away.

• 

  great way to bring friends along topless - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By marinerguy - September 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car to replace an 02 altima that had the same number of miles on it. Ive only regretted it when maintenance work needed to be done and unless you live in a big city, being selective about mechanics isnt easy. The radio reception sucks most of the time and off the line performance (automatic) suffers in hilly areas. The top is manual, so it takes a couple of minutes to take down, but the worst part is the clear plastic window. COPLETELY UNUSABLE!

• 

  Great Car, a Little More Quality Control - 2001 BMW M3
  By Topher84 - September 26 - 2:00 am

  Great car, but the sophistication of the OBDII (Computer) makes for alot of trouble with failed sensors. Also, got a bum transmission... BMW is standing behind all of this, I am just tired of taking it to the shop (once every other month!)

• 

  Best Car on the Road - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Jim Hansard - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive. Very impressed with Performance and Design. Looks awsesome on the road.

• 

  I fell in love... - 2004 BMW X3
  By dantec - September 25 - 2:00 am

  There is really nothing I could want from my X3, that it does not offer. It handles roads amazingly, feels light like a feather in comparison to my moms X5... As usual the BMW in-line 6 reigns supreme. The power is very good with the 3.0, and can take out any Lexuss or other wannabe SAVs (they will try and challenge you..) easily... The NAV is great... Its pre-iDrive but still very very good by german standards (which are pretty low since we have MB & Porsche horrific navs)... Its great how it rememebers its previous position and flips up or down when you start the car...