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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  Everything I Expected and More! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Jon Matson - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I have always driven used cars, reliable Toyotas and the like, and have never splurged on a nice car. Wow! I am so glad I finally broke out of that mentality. This car is worth every cent I paid for it. It is amazing, and with the top down on a sunny California afternoon, it is heaven. The handling, the look, the speed, everything is so much more than I have ever enjoyed in a car. This car makes driving in traffic actually bearable, and even fun. I would do it again in a second.

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  Love this machine! - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Love this machine - November 20 - 4:20 pm

  In 2003, my friend bought 325i. Since then I just fell for looks, but I didnt like the size. So I have been dreaming to get 5 series. This 06 model coming in all wheel drive, motivated me to buy 525xi. Its my dream come true. I like the way they redesigned the exterior different for each class. That way, any one can recognize which series is it, from front and back :). 3 series owners may not like it, but I love it.

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  Wind Noise - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Kacie - November 19 - 8:06 pm

  First time BMW owner. Great drivetrain. 5 speed automatic strong. Solid steering and suspension. Very good gas mileage, getting 22 MPG in city driving. Standard sterio is very good. Not sure the Harmon Kardon is worth the extra $. Only complaint is the wind noise. Telescopic steering wheel a nice plus for those with long legs.

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  330Ci/Silver/18"/AUTO/Sports/Nav - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By MyBimmer - November 18 - 10:00 am

  My review: Get the Nav system. Leatherette is as good as leather but cheaper with less maintence. Get the sunroof. The Septronic AUTO is fun. Wish I had upgraded the xenons. The upgrade from 325 to 330 is expensive, but theres a noticable power difference (esp. with the AUTO). The 330Ci: perfect car for a single guy. Surprisingly roomy for 4 adults, rear seats fold down for two full golf sets or luggage, perfect fun for road trips (esp with the Nav). My advice, spend the extra dough and get the Bimmer over the japanese cars. Theres just that extra pinache about driving up in Bimmer that you do not get in japanese cars.

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  2004 545i Sport black black - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By millsie23 - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Great Car. Love all the features. Handling is unreal as is the speed/power. Silky ride. Very comfortable seats front and rear. Glad I purchased.

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  Big Pimpin - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Homer315 - November 18 - 10:00 am

  This car is great fun and garners random compliments from strangers all the time. Its supposed to compete with the Boxster but the Z4 is way classier and better looking.

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  Dream come true - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Rossini Botev - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Since I drove my neighbers BMW 2002 ti in 1981, my dream was to own one. Last year I picked my 330i Bimmer from Munich and since then " I cant stop loving you ". The sport package is worth every penny ! In order to feel the thrill one should drive this beauty on a twisted moutain road because on the autoban there is no diference between 60 and 130 mph - the car and my wife were sleeping very comfortably.

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  Upgrading from Z4 to M roadster - 2007 BMW Z4 M
  By Dennis Cunningham - November 16 - 7:36 am

  Purchased a new Z4 3.0 in 2005. Really liked it but really wanted more power through the shifts. Found a 2007 M roadster at a dealer with only 9000 miles on the clock. Dealer let me have a 50 mile test drive through the hills and twisties... OMG! Thats the way to sell a car! This is the car I have been looking for! Power, handling, looks, all there in spades. Here is a surprise! Just drove it to Idaho up lonely hwy. 93 through Nevada. Round trip of 1600 miles and ran steady 75 to 90 mph. Averaged 25 miles per gallon. Didnt buy it for fuel economy, but was not expecting this! One diss... Why does the nav pop up every time you change the radio station?

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  awesome - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By jrr - November 13 - 10:00 am

  perfect and flawless in all ways

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  335i Coupe on the Autobahn - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By AutobahnNut - November 8 - 12:26 am

  We purchased our US Spec 335i coupe with all available options. I have had it on the autobahn and tested the speed limiter, which is in fact at 155mph. I can run a Porsche 911, at least until they hit the 165 mph mark and keep going (what limiter?), otherwise we would spank the entry level 911. This car is faster than the advertised 0-60 in 5.3. My guess is more like 4.5. I dread the day we take it to the states, but I will save my money for speeding tickets starting now, I guess. This is the most fantastic car I have ever driven! The new upcoming M3 (maybe M5) is next for us!