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:

• 

  Excellent Machine - 1995 BMW M3
  By Bill476483 - January 20 - 2:00 am

  This car was described as a point and go sports coupe. At 5.2 secs 0-60 and a very quick 60-110+ it really goes. It handles like its stuck to the road. Have had zero problems with it in 5+ years

• 

  Bug Alert - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Bummed BMW Buyer - January 20 - 2:00 am

  If you happen to get one which has some sort of bug in the complex computer system which runs the vehicle, you are doomed. I have had the same problems over and over again. Faults in the airbag/restriant system keep occuring. Something is draining on the battery and keeps shutting the car down such that interior lights dont work, the convenience package portion stops working, CDs keep shuffling through the changer and starting at the 1st CD every time, etc. Things have a mind of their own and reset themselves constantly. The bells and whistles dont work half the time. My advice, the vehicle is not worth the money they are charging.

• 

  Best car I have ever owned. Period. - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Morley Kahn - January 20 - 2:00 am

  Extremely smoother transmission, incredible power, acceleration, braking, handling. Going to the supermarket a mile away is a blast - an absolutely fun car, GREAT heater, superb headlights (Xenon) and very reliable.

• 

  Flagship BMW - 1999 BMW 7-Series
  By msk600 - January 19 - 2:00 am

  What a smooth, quite ride. Although I purchased used, it feels and rides like a brand new car. If you can find a well maintained used one, go for it. Suprisingly, I get more than 20 MPG on highway driving fully utilizing its V12 power.

• 

  Pure Fun to Drive - 2003 BMW Z4
  By phxzam - January 19 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the most fun Ive had driving. I bought the Z4 mainly because I liked the design, but I have absolutely loved the performance. Definitely no remorse for this purchase.

• 

  M Power yourself !!!!!!!! - 2004 BMW M3
  By M3man - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car!!! The handling at high speeds on curves is THE BEST of any car I have driven to date. If you get the hardtop option like I did, you will have a car that is a coupe, convertible, and sports car, all in one!!! I love the SMG transmission, it allows you to drive in either automatic or manual modes (the manual mode is much more fun). The fuel economy isnt all that bad. If you drive it carefully on the highway, you can get a little more than 24 mpg, not too bad for a sports car. I wish it had a bigger fuel tank because I dont like filling it up too many times, but oh well the driving experience more than makes up for this.

• 

  My best car - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Golfer 2 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I just traded in my 03 530I after going for a test drive in the new 5 series. It is a great looking car that gets attention from other motorist.It has a sporty look without a sports package. The interior is more spacious. I love the I drive, the improve sound system, and the 6 speed tramission. This car is a winner.

• 

  5 series - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By BShip - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Love the car. find the driver seat needs more settings for shorter driver & prefer not to have the i-drive for radio control

• 

  I Get it now! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By jules16 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I get it now, why its called the ultimate driving machine. After owning 4 Acuras and two Audi, all of which I was very happy with, this BMW is unbelievable. The AWD system is better than any other Ive driven and the car feels so secure in winter driving conditions.

• 

  325i ROCKS! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By jdelacruz - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I test drove the G35, 350Z and 325i---- they all drove nice but I decided to purchase the 325i (need to say more). The level of comfort and the way it handles the road---great. I love my new car. All the new features that come with the 2004 model bring it to the next level.