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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  Solid Feel - 2001 BMW X5
  By bgrand1 - March 21 - 2:00 am

  What a great car. Very responsive and fun to drive. The all-wheel drive system provides very solid manueverability and handling in turns. Both interior and exterior fit and finish are outstanding. My experience with the dealer was also very positive.

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  Love this car!!!!! - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By diva_delite - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Fun Fun Fun....when I drive something else it feels very clumsy... this car has spoiled me! Car is 8 years old, I have owned it for five years and have had to do only normal wear and tear repairs and maintenance. Very zippy, great gas mileage. Back seat is a little small (cant fit a baby seat or large/tall adults) but the hatch back and folding seats provide lots of cargo space when needed! I dont think I will ever part with this car!

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  The Best I Have Ever Owned - 2002 BMW M5
  By Sptbike - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Of all of the high line vehicles that I have had the pleasure of owning or driving, the M5 is the very best of the best. It is a highly versitile automobile... The proverbial wolf in sheeps clothing. It nicely transports 5 adults in stunning luxury, and at the same time will play competitively with any other vehicle (including sportbikes) on the road. It is absolutely amazing on tight country roads.

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  Excellent!!!!!!!!!!! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Adog - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Well ive only had my BMW for a few days and I love everything about it!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Great!!!! - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Angeleyes - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive always owned a BMW but only with the 3 series family. However, I finally upgraded to 5 series and its great. It feels heavy bec of lack of power but it has been reliable and has not given me any problem as of yet. I will always own a bmw just bec they are safe. I got into an accident(Truck T bone my car, passenger side) and none or I got injured. Great car.

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  SUN ROOF "less" - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By tony b - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This was always my dream car,, but a major Draw back for a Coupe that cost $75K,, the so called moon roof , sun roof opens only 2 inches as a VENT.Poor design,, also extremely tight in rear sit.

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  I have had lots of electrical problems - 2004 BMW X5
  By Luca Forcellini - March 19 - 2:00 am

  The car electrical system has a mind of its own. I have almats crashed twice on the freeway for the wipers stopped in downpoors. The selflevel suspension inactivates on its own, the brake light and rear light and other warning messages constantly flash on computer display. The dealership dismisses problems as burnt bulbs or loose wire. The car is really dangerous and BMW refuses to replace with all kinds of lame excuses. I had a horrible experience with it. I have to sue for a new car!

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  Yea!!! it was worth it. - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By instep99 - March 18 - 2:00 am

  At 147,000 miles, Im still thrilled. This is my second 5-series. I got 110,000 miles on a 1986 528i when I began having problems with the (auto) transmission. This one is a 5-speed and Im hoping to get 200,000 just on g.p., although this Bimmer is now only used for "recreational" driving.

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  What a great car! - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By ltaylor - March 18 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 318is from a wonderful 1st owner who took incredible care of his car (all records etc). The car has 126K but runs like new - everything works great. I owned a 2002 Mini Cooper S last year and I swear this car is as quick and as nimble - plus it isnt broken constantly and you can hit a pot hole without cursing. I am dreading the repair bills but in the meantime I am enjoying driving this wonderful little car!

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  Most Fun w/o a women involved - 2001 BMW Z3
  By MOMO333SP - March 18 - 2:00 am

  Z3 Coupe is fast and responsive. Point and shoot steering. Great in the rain. More curb appeal than a Ferrari. No mechanical problems / only routine maint.