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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  bulletproof - 2000 BMW Z3
  By mirnbekreln - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Except for chronically scrubbing the front spoiler when parking, Ive never had a moment to question my decision to acquire this car - considered the Boxster, but chose the Z3. The 2.3 has great balance, exhilerating performance and sounds great. My wife gets looked at every time she drives it (which is why she lets me keep it). Every bad day gets better when I climb behind the wheel. Itll have 15k miles on it this month (time for the first oil change) and, although I hate to put this in writing, there has never been a mechanical issue of any kind. Get in. Sit down. Turn the key and off you go - solid as a rock n quick.

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  X5 - 2004 BMW X5
  By wayne 1 - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle drives nice, holds the road well, stiff ride, nice interior. Poor electronics, radio / sound sys is so so, electronics are hard to use and program, had to have the dealer come out to program the door garage door operner, he had to call a factory number to get it programmed. backup mirror quit working last week, phone not what promiced (blue tooth comming) dont believe anything about BMW electronics, asume a F150 has better electronics. On Star system dident work today when my wife needed it. Dealership charged me $50 to program the door keys, to auto set seats and open windows, they still dont work.

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  It will change your life. - 2007 BMW Alpina B7
  By Scott in Overland Pa - July 28 - 9:00 pm

  I stumbled on a 2007 B7 while looking for a 745. After some research, I made the trip to Chicago from my home in Overland Park, Kansas to test drive the vehicle. It was difficult to hide my excitement from the salesman who accompanied me. The car is absolutely amazing. It is a finely tuned blend of performance and luxury. The drive is intuitive. For as heavy as the vehicle is, it is responsive in every manner. Its not going to compare with the handling of much lighter vehicles (although few on the road will take it between stop lights), its easy to forget it will comfortably seat five with two sets of clubs in the trunk. The acceleration will snap your head back.

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  Fun to Drive 8.0, Reliability 4.0 - 2002 BMW X5
  By OilManJMC JMC - July 28 - 2:00 am

  My first BMW at 12K ball joints replaced,emergiency brk replaced, radio died-water leaking inside. Never been able to get key to consistantly return seat to memory position. Drivers door frozen most Jan, Feb mornings, crawl in through back. HORRIBLE in snow, only good thing is DSC keeps you from sliding off into the weeds. Rain sensing works erraticly. 44K all new brakes incl front rotors, ball joints rattling again. Interior dr pull finish chipped. Do we really HAVE to agree to legalities EVERY time we start the car to use radio, nav system? Heated seats set to RUMP-ROAST.

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  This car is why Im a BMW fan - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By keymstr - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the car for 4 months now and have put 7,000 miles on it already, including a 3,000 mile cross country road trip. Ran flawlessly, in the flatlands, in the mountains and in 115 degree desert heat. Never changed the temp from 72 degrees and was comfortable no matter the outside temps. Ive had some work done since owning, but all under warranty. This is my second 7 series. My first was an 88 735i. It had 150,000 miles on it and I put another 85,000 on it. Never had drivetrain problems. Im a huge fan of these cars. Ill probably get another in about another 100,000 miles.

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  I Love This Car! - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By ADRIANA - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I love my 745Li. Got rid of the Benz S430. Cant compare the two. The power, comfort and tons of features......Ill keep it.

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  Im never leaving BMW Family - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Queencity - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Over all I cant beblieve I was missing this for 23yrs of driving. I will never deprive myself like that again with that driving expierence again

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  2004 Z4 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By IMMAJ - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Much better ride than I had expected. Drives like a race car!

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  DID NOT HOLD UP IN THE MOUNTAINS - 2004 BMW X5
  By ED LOCASCIO - July 27 - 2:00 am

  LOOKS GOOD BUT ALOT OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

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  Love the car but a little disappointed - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By amagnus - July 26 - 10:00 am

  I special ordered my 325xi last summer and it came in just in time for winter. The car performed beautifully all winter and I am very glad I went with the AWD instead of the 3.0. My biggest disappointment is the fact that I have been having intermittent problems with the car for some time. I am bringing the car in for the first oil change in a couple of months (10,000 miles already) and I will have them look at it.