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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  A good, fun drive - 2004 BMW Z4
  By lankyyankee - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Love it! Small defects, tho: open glove compartment, everything falls out. Open storage bin between seats, its so high up you can hardly get to anything. Side door compartments are difficult to reach into. But theres more trunk space now, than the Z3. Glass window in the back instead of plastic. Neat-looking with topdown. Still a blast to drive. Love it!

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  Perfect car for teen - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By templau - July 2 - 2:00 am

  The 318is does not have the power of other BMWs, but it has the handling, braking, looks, and feel all BMWs have. I bought it used because the price was good and the miles were low (46,000). At first, I was concerned that maintenance would be high as it typically is for BMWs. However, I use an independent mechanic who has serviced my cars for 13 years, and this car has been a dream. The small engine, manual trans and good handling are a great combination for a new teen driver while also providing some style and "cool". What I didnt expect was how much fun it would be or that my wife and I would fight with our teen over who gets to drive it.

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  Love the car, hate service experience - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By 530i Owner - July 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my second E39 and I must say the 530i is a huge improvement over the 528i it replaced. Its a blast to drive hard and at its limits. Its comfortable for 5 adults. Its rock solid engine and transmission are a delight. My sales experience was the best, but I have a personal relationship with the business manager at the dealership I chose. I had to go 350 miles away from home to get treated like a human being, but it was worth it. On the negative, my service experience at local dealers has been less than acceptable. I have a recurring problem with my driver seat that has been reported on 4 visits and still not resolved. Sad.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By Nakoosa - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Safe! My car is the replacement 318is for the one my bro. took 55mph+, head- on into a tree, in 91. He suffered only a split lower lip! Very, Very fun car 2 drive! Virtually no body lean, under/oversteer -- corners like on rails! Put 15" wheels w/Brdgstne Potenze 750s amazing! Big sunroof. Great window controls. Looks So, so cool in black w/blacked windows and silver wheels. Turns heads and gets comments even @ the BMW delrshp!!! Bought from Ps a 91 w/81k orig. miles. ) see one, drive one, buy one, love it, keep it! Fantastic car. Next car just might have to be a BMW . . .

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  BMW is the best. - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By Sam Igna - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Great looking, performaning, styling, handling car. BMW makes some of the best vehicles.

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  X5 4.8 isnt really that great - 2004 BMW X5
  By dania - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Its not worth the money if you ask me. Its a good car but still, the LX is better for the money.

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  2000 540i 6-spd. - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By El Jefe - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic, fantastic car. Elegant and luxurious, but crack the whip and you can get places in a hurry. Doesnt handle or feel like a 3,800 lb. car. I had a 99 M3 for three years and loved that rig, but this one can essentially do everything that car could, while offering more room and many more standard features. Too bad BMW lost focus and is now turning out hideous designs and chasing after segments they should never bother touching.

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  Cool - 2003 BMW X5
  By Tom-Al - July 1 - 10:00 am

  It is best SUV ever built

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  Responsive Handling on Autobahn - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Go Army! - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I factory ordered my Bimmer last year and I must say that Ive not had any problems with it. It is the best handling vehicle Ive seen and experienced on the Autobahns in Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, France, etc. Im very fortunate that I could drive this car to its limits (until the governor kicks in) and never have to worry about loosing control. I love BMW performance so much that Ill order a M3 next year.

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  Surprisingly Bug Free - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Joe Jensen - July 1 - 2:00 am

  I was hesitant to trade my 2001 740iL for the newer model (E65) after reading about all the issues with the 2002 and 2003 model years. The leasing incentives were just to good to pass up so I made the move. In a word, Im thrilled. This car is more nimble, quicker, handles better, brakes better, and rides better than my 2001. Im still not crazy about the styling, but Im willing to live with it to get all the other improvements. My 2001 was in the shop 5 or 7 times in the first 6 months for minor issues. Ive had this car for 2 months with zero issues and Im really picky. I think they have the issues resolved for the 2004s...joe