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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  Compliments Abound when you hit the road - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By New5Fan - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Had this beauty for just about 3 weeks and not a day passes without a compliment about its great new look. The new 5 Series is striking and has on two occassions been initially mistaken for a 7 Series. Rides great and handles like a luxary sports car or sedan.

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  Best Ever - 2004 BMW Z4
  By T A Genovese - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2000 Z3, Everything that I did not like in that car has been changed in the Z4. The Z4 is a dream to drive keep up the good work.

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  Good Car, lousy support - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By SRSMartin - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Appears well made. Fun to drive. Very comfortable. Loaded with features. Whle not perfect, voice recognition orders of magnitude better than on my 2001 E320. Warning: any one who has trouble working a VCR or a home entertaniment sysem will be completely unable to operate this vehicle.

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  The ultimate driving machine! - 1999 BMW M3
  By Pruthur - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The M3 convertable is an extraordinary car. It handels incredibally and has a beautifuly finished interior. BMW did not cut any curves when designing and making this car. This is not a light weight sports car. It sits powerfully on the road. Long distance/highway trips are a dream in this car. I have been amazed at how well it handels in the rain. The leather finishes are true quality. I have owned this car for 3 years and absolutely love it.

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  BEST SUV IVE OWNED - 2001 BMW X5
  By GODIVE3 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The 2001 X5 3.0 I own has been the best Suv Ive owned and they include pathfinders, Durangos, Explorers and Escalades. The blend of Size and performance reminds me more of a five series sedan then a SUV. It could use a bit more cargo capacity but I have more then adapted to that. Ride comfort is excellent and the power and handling on the highway are outstanding. I compared the Mercedes, Land Rover and Lexus before purchasing and was more impressed by the Style, price and performance of the X5

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  The Ultimate Repair Experience - 2004 BMW X5
  By Kalli - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Love this SUVs styling. However it has been in the shop 7 times in 8 months for things like: broken fuel pump, transmission reservoir came unsealed , brake line reservoir broke , brake calipers malfunctioned ( twice for this includuing a week for them to figure it out), remote key access unreliable, DELIVERED with broken washer pump . Every fluid reservoir and pump has ben replaced as well as brkae calipers. I had less visits with my Ford Windstar. I am tired of hearing about its high performance and weight. This was poorly built and BMW of North America is invloved. I am sure not all X5s are like this, but have patience if you buy one.

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  My Dream Car & Best Car I Ever Owned!!! - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By LB Hunter - March 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 1995 and have kept it (so far) for 9 years. I have had NO problems with this car and have kept up the requiered maintenance, tune-ups, etc. It has been a great car to own and has had nothing out of the ordinary (based on mileage) go wrong or need repair. It is VERY comfortable to drive (I have a bad back so comfortable seats are very important to me). It drives like a dream and has always been so fun to drive - nothing drives quite like a beemer! I would recommmend this car and BMWs in general to anyone - they are great and mine has required very little maintenance over the years. I love my little red driving machine!

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  328i - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By M35 - March 6 - 2:00 am

  This car was an amazing blend of performance, comfort, and reliability. I will always own a BMW. The overall balance of their cars can not be matched.

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  Beyond all expectations - 1999 BMW Z3
  By David Jay - March 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car on my birthday, and never looked back. When looking to replace an 87 325is, I stumbled upon the coupe. Its always fasinated me , when I saw it on the lot, I asked for a test drive. That sold me. It is the tightest handling, most stylish and unique car I have ever owned. Most people have buyers regret after a any new car.. its a big purchase after all. I had NONE. By the way, get used to people staring and pointing.. there were only a few thousand of these made. I drove it through the WORST New England winter I have ever seen, and it handled it with aplomb. If you have the chance, buy it.

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  528i pre-owned sport - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By bwmowner - March 6 - 2:00 am

  Quality vehicle. My second BMW (both 5- speed manuals). Saved me big time when hit by red-light runner, so proven safety record. V6 gets me up onto frwy very nicely and out of jams . Exceptional on long trips and gas mileage around 32mpg hwy avg. Only problems have been electronic, as on my 1998 5-series guess its the Germans. Also some seat rattles no one can fix. Ill take manual trans over auto trans any day (Im middle aged female, too!). Now ISO a pre-owned 2003, manual transmission.