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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  BMW-Biggest Mistake on Wheels - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By unhappy beamer owner - March 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the worst nightmare I have experienced with a vehicle. I have owned this vehicle for thirteen months and it has been in the shop nine times, with major mechanical problems including but not limited to, a new engine at 40000 miles and a new transmission at 60000. The only good thing I have to say about this vehicle, it is fun to drive when it will drive. Nice to look at but, Just say NO!

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  Love this car! - 2003 BMW X5
  By AScott - March 30 - 2:00 am

  You cant go wrong with this SUV I have a 3.0 and it has a lot of get up and go.It feels like a BMW sedan. I highly recomend this Car.

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  Drivings a pleasure - 2004 BMW X5
  By mlnelsen - March 30 - 2:00 am

  First BMW experience. Pros, Handling of the SUV is excellent. Great feel for the road and decent acceleration for a heavy vehicle. Cons, Accelerator pedal has a mushy feel. We were told it is because it is electronically controlled, not physically. Just need to get used to it. It is not one of the positive features of this vehicle.

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  Fun in the Sun - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Eric Schmidt - March 29 - 10:50 pm

  I just sold my 2001 330I and bought the new 2006 model and I couldnt be more happier. I got the sport package and premium package as I had before and the extra interior room is more than adequate. I have had several compliments on the new look and design. It doesnt seem as quick as my 2001 from the start but the ride is alot more comfortable and smooth. I recommend it to anyone who can afford it, but make sure you get the sport package with the upgraded rims etc.!

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  M3 Madness - 2003 BMW M3
  By Gretsky911 - March 29 - 2:00 am

  I upgraded from a 3-series coupe to a M3 and found the 2003 out-performs the 323ci hands down. The M3 is an awesome car and has specific apects that make it so. Whether your an middle aged man or a Guy out of college, youll feel the freedom of driving one of the most powerful cars on the market. Whether your on the track, on the highway, in a city or even in a lot, you can always find some time to push the car. Whether its the speed you like, cornering, or just the style. This car has got it all. Improved stock suspension, brakes and strut bar help the car to preform over its successors. Though there are always aftermarket room for improvements.

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  LOVE MY BIMMER - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By SHIRLEY BROWN - March 28 - 10:00 am

  EXCELLENT PERFORMING VEHICLE THAT GETS BETTER MILEAGE THE HARDER YOU DRIVE IT. THE STEPTRONIC TRANSMISSION IS THE KEY TO FUEL EFFICIENCY ON CITY OR MOUNTAIN DRIVING. LOVE THIS CAR. MY ONLY COMPLAINT IS AFTER DRIVING FOR 5 HOURS THE SEATS IN THE 325I REALLY START HURTING THE BACK. NO LUMBAR SUPPORT. OVERALL RATING IS HIGH.

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  2003 M3 SMGII - 2004 BMW M3
  By DShiver - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding performance car. Already has clocked a 4.22 0-60 time using the launch control software that the SMG equipped car comes with. That was with rear tires that could use replacing (Micheline Pilot Sports). Computer was a Passport G Timer. Should be able to break the 4.0 sec barrier when the tires are replaced with Micheline Pilot Sports PS2s this summer. This is a pure performance vehicle. Anyone looking for a Lexus ride/handling best look for a Lexus or some other mush mouse.

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  The 645 is Incredible - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By Mauidivr - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I just test drove the 645 coupe and convertible. Both were just incredible although I settled on and ordered the coupe. Mineral silver with black interior. I think that BMW has hit it on the button with the 645. I love the appearance of the coupe. I think that its lines are strong, and classic, but definitely different that all of the other coupes out there, that seem to all look similiar, or odd. Its acceleration and handling on turns was perfection. Just a joy to drive. The interior cabin is appropriately luxurious for a sports coupe and with the idrive not cluttered up with a lot of unnecessary dials and gadgets.

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  Excellent - 1992 BMW 7-Series
  By Dougk - March 28 - 2:00 am

  The 735 iL is the best car I have owned as judged by quality of car, low cost of maintenance and driving experience. The car now has over 200,000 miles and only major mechanical problem being the replacement of the transmission at a cost of $1,200. The six-cylinder engine is perfection of engine design. Economical on gas and plenty of torque. It is difficult to find fault with the car. An example of quality is the muffler system. My 2000,000 mile car still has the original muffler system.

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  fabulous auto - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By jds1 - March 28 - 2:00 am

  This is my second 3-series BMW. I drive over 20K miles/year. The car has been flawless - never a problem. Great gas mileage too. I will buy another.