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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  PASS ON THE X5 - 2004 BMW X5
  By PETERb - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Car is not worth the dealer hassle. My X5 lease exp. and the plan was to get another one. UNTIL my turn in exp. 2 dealers Bob Smith,& Century both said the car was perfect. I also asked the pick up dealership to precheck the car. They didnt. Finally dealer picks up the car charges $1200 for a variety of small issues. I had a fit, called up BMW,they then came up with an enitrely different list but still 1,200! If known, I could have repaired all items for alot less. I tried resolveing with BMW corporate, no response. Theyre to many other good choices out there to put up with this nonsense. I just bought the Volvo SUV and Im happy.

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  Best handling sedan - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By David - May 9 - 8:03 pm

  Details: Auto + Prem Package. No Sport Package. The 3.0L engine of the 325i is very powerful and responsive. I personally it is very enough for road driving. No need to get 330i unless you are speed freak. Acceleration is very fast and linear. It feels faster than the IS300 and G35. The solid steering with DSC make driving this car fast very easy. The suspensing is firm but somehow it can smooth out the rough road when needed. Amazing. The auto transmission is very smooth with no jerking at all. The steptronic is responsing much faster than the one in IS300 and G35. I like the E90 styling as it is more modern and the head lamp has aggressive stance.

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  2006 BMW 325i - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By campbeju - May 9 - 9:20 am

  This is my first BMW and I am extremely happy with my purchase. I havent had to replace my tires yet at 19,000 and am glad the car comes with a warranty. It will be very difficult to buy a different car after this experience.

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  Bimmer - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By 325i coupe - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought it used w/110K on it, have added 60K of my own with plans to keep it a long time. This car is a tank - solid construction. Keep it regularly maintained, shop around for a mechanic - prices swing wildly - and it will keep going and going.

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  refined beemer - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By bear b - May 8 - 2:00 am

  the idrive is very good / the tactile touch is a nice touch on the rotary mouse. The seats are extremely comfortable on long trips We average 26.7mpg on the road Very advanced computer interfaces best bmw yet

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  BMWs best car - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By Woodrob - May 8 - 2:00 am

  The car is a powerhouse that is smooth as silk. The car handles like no other car Ive ever driven. BMW knows how make driving fun....

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  BMW is the Best - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By Latimer - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I love the car i just bought - the 645 ci is an outstanding car. BWM has a winner. This car is the best of 2004. I have owned 4 other BMWs - the 645ci takes the cake.

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  love it!!! - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By enthusiast - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Traded 5 series w/sport package for 745 in 03. Liked it but missed the handling/performance of 5 series w/sport package. After 5 mos, went to dealership for a part and saw 6 series on showroom floor. Couldnt resist. Walked out with a new 6 coupe even though we could not test drive. After driving for 1 month, I am in love. It was a costly impulse, but surley no regrets. Love it more each time I drive it. Glad I went for the part.

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  The best car I ever have - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By dlee9612 - May 8 - 2:00 am

  This is the first German car I own. I totally like its performance and handling. Unlike any Japanese and American cars I had before, the BMW 5 is so fun to drive. It feels solid, comfortable, and excellent build quality. It is worth the money I paid.

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  2000 323CI - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Barbarycoast - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Best Car Ive owned, fun to drive such a quality made machine. Bit underpowered of the line but the sports handling and suspension makes up for it. Since I live in Chicago, I purchased Bridgestone winter tires and given the weight breakdown it handles and rides better in the snow than my Jeep Wrangler. Its definitely a car for all seasons...