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:

• 

  I love this car....!!!! - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Stefano Vranca - February 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a really amzing machine. Fun to drive, responsive, incredibly agile for its size. I really do not understand all the criticism related to the idrive. It took me about an hour to learn it! No manual needed. What also can I say...you cannot beat a Bimmer!

• 

  Speed, fun and comfort !! - 2001 BMW X5
  By tonymontana - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Yes they have electrical glitches, but the car has to be good for all of us to still keep it eventhough that fact. Rides and drives almost like a 540i with cargo room for the 6 lumber I bought at Home Depot. Plus it pulls my 20 Boat with no problem. Build quality is execelent. These vehicles are used on the road, and if thats your case this is an excelent SUV. Speed, fun and comfort!

• 

  fun, but unreliable - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By seeker88 - February 12 - 2:00 am

  It looks good, a bit underpowered, but is fun to drive. However, its reliability is very poor, especially if you owned a Japanese car before. Also, the dealership is always busy, and with its reliability, you might as well onw a second car, otherwise youll be renting alot (the dealership never has any loaner cars).

• 

  and - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By anderkr - February 12 - 2:00 am

  all around an excellent car

• 

  the best of the best - 2004 BMW X5
  By britt - February 11 - 2:00 am

  took tst rides in gx470,and inf. 45..all great suves,but the 04 bmw is a step above. it was worth waiting for the 04. i dont care what this x5 is called , suv or sav , it is the best i have ever had.,car or truck.

• 

  Exceeds my expectations - 2003 BMW X5
  By Dan Bray - February 11 - 2:00 am

  Awkward ergonomics compared to Lexus...but thats no suprise. Superior handeling to any Lexus Ive leased (LS 400, GS300 & SC430). More solid build than Lexus. As comfortable to drive as Lexus and Mercedes. Most stylish and sophisticated SUV (Cayenne & Mercedes SUVs close 2nd). Awkward & noisy A/C. Worse-than-average SUV fuel consumption. Amazing acceleration. Excellent sound system, although quirky controls. DVD Nav is inferior to Lexus DVD Nav. Smaller cargo room doesnt bother me...and Im an interior designer. Always get compliments on its styling.

• 

  Best Car on the Planet - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By BMWJunkie - February 11 - 2:00 am

  I love this car and always will. Cost for parts is average just need to know where to get the parts from. Internet filled with parts suppliers, both OEM and Aftermarket. Handled on rails even before changing to autocross suspension. Family loves the car wife loves it the most and has given up on her Eclipse. Engine is a powerhouse waiting to be unleashed. The things that people are complaining about are "wear items" and have to be replaced on any car. It is called MAINTENANCE people. Get over it. Those parts arent supposed to last forever. If you cant afford the maintenance dont buy the car. The M50 is the best engine that BMW came up with.

• 

  BMW 330 convertible - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By jack.richardson - February 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a great well built car that is fun to drive. The quaility and the performance is fantastic.

• 

  A real stunner - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By billymay - February 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought used 02 325Ci with 5K miles, have driven another 1K. This car lives up to the hype. Yes, there are a lot of them, guess why? I compared the BMW against the Audi A4, M- B C-class and Lexus IS. As much as I love my SLK (and kept it for the weekends!), the BMW really begs to be driven. I needed a usable back seat and comfortable highway car -- the 325Ci delivers. Im no lead foot, and the 184hp is fine. The cars wonderful in everyday driving. Im sure the M3 and 330Ci fly, but unless your last car was a Corvette you wont feel deprived. The coupe is stylish and scarcer than the sedan, so the "me too" factor isnt bad even here in southern Cal.

• 

  745Li - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By jashev - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Amazing handling, acceleration and ride for a full sized sedan. Absolutely the "ultimate" driving machine.