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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  I love BMW - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Jerry - August 24 - 12:36 am

  I have passed 1000 miles on my new 3 series. I am very happy with the manueverability, accuracy and responsiveness of the car to pedal and brake. The seat heating is quite fast making it useful for this season. I loved the 335 too, but it did not have an AWD version.

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  Upgraded from 4.4i to 4.8is - 2004 BMW X5
  By Tampa Rob - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I did a diplomatic purchase on this vehicle through Joern Esser at Passport BMW in Maryland Heights, MD. Reeves BMW in Tampa delivered the vehicle and did an awesome job getting the truck ready for me. All in all an outstanding ride with the performance to match and looks that are exceptional. I highly recommend this BMW to anyone in this market and especially so if you can qualify for a diplomatic sale - the savings are substanial.

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  Almost as good as it gets. - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Rodney J - August 22 - 2:00 am

  The car handles and corners amazingly well considering how soft, quiet, and luxurious it otherwise rides. The inline six is sporty enough but could use some more torque. The black interior looks luxurious and a little wicked at the same time. I took a friend of mine who recently bought an Infiniti for a ride in my 528. Within a mile he was already talking about getting a BMW. The reliablilty, compared to Toyotas, is dismal. The dash electrics, air conditioning, exhaust, 3 sunroof repairs, engine idle solenoid, window motor, trunk release, radio have all had problems (1 non- routine problem per 6,800 miles).

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  Best ever - 2002 BMW X5
  By jkg5 - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Without a doubt, the best car I have ever owned. Great on long trips, in town, etc.

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  Transmission Jolts/Jerks/Clunks Fuel Ec - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Greatly Disappointed - August 22 - 2:00 am

  From speed of, e.g., 30 mph, as gas pedal released to bring vehicle to stop/lower speed (when coasting and/or braking), as vehicle slows driver feels jerk/jolt forward a number times as vehicle shifts/lurches down from gear to gear (seems to be caused by abrupt increase, and then decrease in speed and sometimes associated with a clunking sound) as it comes to a stop. At a stop, when placed in reverse, and after releasing the brake pedal, without depressing the gas pedal, the vehicle suddenly moves in a backward motion and reaches a speed in excess of 5 mph. BMW&service states: "normal" conditions.

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  Fix and Repair Frequently - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By UNHAPPY/04/530i - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I have an 04/530i with sport suspension.... what is that old adage...never buy a first year model..the car has been towed to the dealer 3 times., radio has been replaced, the LCD screen has gone dead numerous times and the dealer has had to replace it, no numerous occations the "i-drive" LCD screen will not operate until 5-10 mins., after the car has been started., the chasey creeks, rattles...ps this has all hapeened over the last 10 months.....road noise from front tires(had them checked by dealer....no unusally wear) sounds like Im driving a truck wit old retread. By the way my wife has a 03/525 that is a dream .

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  Fine Auto - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By rldearmond - August 21 - 2:00 am

  Have only put 1900 miles on the 745i since purchasing but can honestly say its an incredible driving machine. i-Drive took less than a week to master. Its not for everyone but I find having all my controls in one central location a plus. Would recommend the 745i, a true drivers car.

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  The Ultimate Balance of Luxury & Sport - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By VC - August 20 - 10:33 am

  I purchased mine new - made to order and got delivery in June 2001. I live in the SFO -CA area. Every day has been a pleasure. I have 12K miles - been to Lake Tahoe (twice), Laguna Beach and the ride keeps getting better. More than 3 instances of absolute strangers telling me that it is a beautiful looking car - I couldnt agree more ! No Regrets at all !

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  splendid - 2004 BMW X5
  By Daytom - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Best ride I have ever had.Good off road hunting,snow skiing,have pulled a number of vehicles out of snowbanks.I have neveer had to chain up even if reuirements were up.Great in moutains.Have driven at 110 MPH for 5 hr and was comfotable.Of course ther was no traffic and could see at least 2mi. ahead.Hae used to tow utility traler was not aware of a difference.

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  2000 528i Sport - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By mhardey - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car since new, and after three and one-half years and 108,000 miles still feels like a new car. The ride on the sport suspension is solid as a rock with Bridgestone Pole Position S-03s it goes around corners like its on rails, yet is quiet on the highway. At a steady 65 mph will deliver 32+ mpg. Outstanding for a car that can do 0-60 in under 8 seconds and is capable of cruising all day at 90 mph with incredible comfort.