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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  Great Ride, Interior could improve - 2004 BMW X5
  By Loncar1 - July 17 - 2:00 am

  The cars performance and design is stellar. The main drawbacks are the fuel economy and the interior styling and functionality compared to less expensive SUVs and cars. Performance on the highway is excellent with plenty of power at higher speeds. Cornering is solid, and the responsiveness is very good. There are a lot of blind spots towards the rear of the car and I have had (and heard from others) problems with the rear hatch closing properly and staying shut - ughh. AM radio is terrible, climate control is not very good, trip computer is slightly old technology that needs updating (e.g., trip timer, real time fuel economy, etc.)

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  Would change it for the world - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Chris Wardak - July 16 - 2:00 am

  My first BMW 745. My previous car was a volvo S80 and I cant even compare them. The German engineering is astounding. Road handling and performance is at its best when youre driving this car. Yepp Im a techy geek and love the computerized interior. The car basically purrrsss and I sometime cant even tell if its running. Every part of this car comfortable from the look, feel, and use. Im hoping my car could the new 645ci. If not, Im definitely getting another 745 at a minimum.

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  No Better Choice - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By robot - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my Titanium Silver with sports package, leather, and moon roof for 15 months and have had absolutely no problems. Over the years I have had some nice cars--Hondas, Volvos, abd a Mazda Miata--and this is the best one ever. It is beautiful and classy--I just like to look at it sometimes. It handles like a dream, with the perfect combination of sportiness and smooth solid comfort. Im not easy to please, but my 325i does it for me. Finally, I bought it from a small family dealership and they have treated me very well.

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  Great Car! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Burch - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I recently bought a 2004 Z4, having previously owned a 2001 Z3. The Z4 is a great improvement and is truly a luxury roadster. The automatic top is a breeze to put up and down with its one button operation. The climate control is like what I am used to on a luxury auto. And the trunk has almost twice the room that I had with my Z3. The interior also seems to be roomier. Its also nice to have a remote door/trunk opener which I did not have on my Z3. While some of the industry analysts have been critical of the exterior design, most people I know use the words "awesome" or "cool" to describe the Z4 whereas the word "cute" seemed to go along with the

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  Buy the warranty - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By All Jazz - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my BMW 328 with 44,000 miles on it. It is beautiful and drives like a dream. The problem is that many little things keep breaking. I dont even drive it everyday. I have only put 5,000 miles on it in one year. It has been in the shop 3 X. Currently, the emergency light is not working. Thats bad. Great cars but make sure that you buy the warranty.Also, when you call to get it fixed the wait is 2 weeks. Good thing I have a backup car. My dependable Jeep Grand Cherokee! (for real) Husband drives a 1991 BMW and has had no trouble with it. Purchased it with 65,000 miles on it. Again, make sure you get the warranty!

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  Support your local 740 - 1993 BMW 7-Series
  By David Rosa - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I really like this automobile. The engine is about right for the size and weight. By the way at 4200lbs it is similiar in weight to my 91 50ft long caddy. I love the ajustable seats that heat up, and the leg rm in back is endless, maybe a 500 series will be plenty next time. Great ride and drive. Love the sun roof on a shaded road. I plan to keep this one for a while. Only real draw back, the dealer and their repair and parts prices. My foreign born mechanic as saved me several occassions. Wheres the cup holder?

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  My first truck - 2002 BMW X5
  By navigus - July 15 - 2:00 am

  My 6th BMW. Best feature: EASILY the most comfortable ever for a a long drive (lumbar support seats are fantastic). Next, sedan handling and performance. Ive achieved a better time than the 528i over my fav route of hiways and country roads. Most annoying feature: the AWFUL tinny noise when shutting the door. Biggest SMALL annoyance - unreliable warning LCD icons e.g. is a breakdown imminent or is it simply an icon fault (again). Great fit & finish but qual of BMW materials declines yearly (like others). Best was my 85 325E. Still luv em. I went to MB once(300 coupe). Soulless - a big mistake. MB briefly had my brain BMW will always have my heart. Cor

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  335xi... the ride has greatly improved - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By RFL - July 14 - 6:30 am

  With all of the horror stories regarding the ride on run-flat tires, BMWs finally done something about it. The suspension on the new 2008 335xi is light-years better than previous xis with RFTs. You must specify that the car be equipped with the Continental Conti Pro Contact tires NOT Bridgestones. This is my third xi, the second with RFTs and I am amazed at the difference. The power is amazing, the handling, of course is traditional BMW... stiff and responsive. This car is almost worth the price!

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  Its Fun to Drive Again - 2004 BMW X5
  By bump - July 14 - 2:00 am

  After having my 04 for a month now, I have put 2500 miles on it. I cant stop driving it. Its the most fun I have had driving in a long time. You cant find a better handeling or more powerful truck built like a BMW anywhere. The new V8 and 6 speed tranny made a world of difference. The new V8 has a subtle but distinct roar coming through the exhaust.

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  The Ultimate!!! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By rachmunas - July 14 - 2:00 am

  This 330XI is awesome!!! It has a good ammount of power, very good handling and good braking power!!! The build quality is second to none!!! The Step-Tronic is fun and sport mode is good for that extra rpm raising power!!! Im just waiting to test the car in the snow with the AWD.