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:

• 

  No Morre Mercedes - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By CEODepot - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I did not want a BMW it was a "honey do" thing, my wife wanted one. Now there is another reason for the "I told you sos" I love the car, love the feel, love the perfomance....it is a great car. I went from a Mercedes S500....and will never look back.

• 

  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2003 BMW M5
  By dshin - January 10 - 2:00 am

  This is what BMW is all about, and its the category that no others can compete. If they can only make one car without any business pressure, I think this would be it.

• 

  First model year - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By dan7788 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  97 is the first model year of the 528i (build starts 96). I think many 97 528 owners, many of the them have the same problems. The rear power window regulator breaks. Water pump would go at about 70k mi. power seat have problems, so is the airbag warning sensor. interior starts making noise after awhile. The alarm sensor for the trunk might have problem. BMW issued notice for dealer to fix a lot of these problems. Early model dont have manual shift mode. The brakes are really good but dont last long. The engine only makes 190hp, it runs slower than my old C280.

• 

  Love my 545i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By KnitWit - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Couldnt wait til it came in. Followed the production and shipping process online with the password that the Dealer gave me. Its all that I expected and more. A dream to drive and fast! Yes, fast but total control and very responsive. Never steered anything like this car *Active Steering* is amazing as is the blast of testosterone when I accelerate. Sport Package is a must have - dont even think about passing up that option. Not to mention the nickel plaited trim and the black trim around the windows (only with the sport package) in place of "Dads" chrome trim. Its not perfect but damn close! Indulge in the Ultimate Driving Machine!

• 

  Love my BMW!!! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Lana K - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a problem with the braking/transmission in the short time Ive owned this car, but the kinks will surely be worked out soon! Otherwise, I have thoroughly enjoyed the ride!!! Its classy, roomy, and really fun to drive......and the looks I get!!! I think its the best-looking BMW they ever built!!!

• 

  Great coupe! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Big Timer - January 8 - 10:00 am

  This is the ultimate coupe. The xenon adaptive headlight work like magic. The suspension is the best Ive seen in any sports car. The 5-speed manual transmission works smoothly and precisely. Auto Headlights, auto wipers, auto A/C, Radio/CD, steering wheel buttons, in-dash trip computer, auto windows work perfectly! Ive been averaging about 23-mpg. Til you drive one youll know how good this car really is...

• 

  My $2000 per year wallet drainer - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By albuquerque bimmer - January 8 - 2:00 am

  I love the way the car looks, performs, and drives, however failing electrical system, and computer system is very disappointing. Windows have failed 4 times. Sandia BMW wants $1100 to fix computer/sensor. Labor charge ($90) per hour plus outrageous part costs make this car difficult to own. I dont intend to buy another.

• 

  German perfection - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Troy - January 8 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have ever owned. I will now own nothing but BMW.

• 

  First BMW is a hit! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By reidster - January 7 - 9:23 pm

  My wife and I love our 2006 330i Sedan. This was the first year for this body style and we loved it the first time we saw it in person at the Dallas Auto Show. After driving it, my wife decided she wanted the standard suspension/wheel package after driving the sport package equipped model. After driving all of the competion, none of them held a candle, so we leased our Monaco Blue model.

• 

  Good - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By mbbollman - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I have invested in many mods for the car and the performance can fairly easily be greatly imporved. I should have arouind 230hp and it is fast! Only complaints I have are the door panels( bubbling) and the tilt on the sunroof and the grey plastic under the car.