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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  The BEST SAV not SUV - 2003 BMW X5
  By John CC - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I think so many people rate the x5 inaccuratly do to is lack of off road abilities but its on rad abilites out perform most passenger cars whenit come to saftey and driver control. I love my X5 and find it hard to imagine what I will purchase next if anything at all. I think more consumers should consider it even if cost is a major factor becouse you do get every dime that you pay for plus a few. I wouldt trad it for the world well ok If I could get the no us version of the 4.6 I would but that is the only way. Enjoy

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  Exotic Car? - 2004 BMW M3
  By Victor L. - January 4 - 2:00 am

  With 333 HP, the BMW M3 owns the stage. The beautiful SMG(Sequential Manual Gearbox) helped alot,cus when I drive up the mountain roads, I dont have to worry about stepping on the clutch, in other words the SMG makes the Gear-up like automatic, but you could juice up the power like Stake-Shift. It is a very nice and romantic car to drive on,especially passing by mountain sides. The only downs of this car is the fuel economy, if it could be like a camrys fuel economy then that would be great. But who gives, the car is alreay great enough to let you forget about the fuel economy. I recommend this car to those who wants to have a blast of their lifetime.

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  WOW !! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By apultzjr - January 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my first BMW and my first Roadster. I was always a fan of the Z3 since my brother bought one in 2001. His was stylish, powerfull, and a blast to drive. My heart was set on a Z3 and I was not very fond of the Z4. Over time, it began to grow on me. I now own a brand new 2.5L Z4 Roadster and I love it!! Very sporty, powerfull, handles great, and is a gorgeous automobile. The navigation system is a little difficult to use but once you get the handle of it, it is fun to use. The only problem I have with it is with the top up, the blind spot is a real problem. Other than that, it is a beauty. I highly recommend one.

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  could be so much better - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Art Kubach - January 3 - 2:00 am

  BMW seems to have a problem with fit and finish. I also own an 2001 x5. They have problems with plastic parts that fall off (small control buttons on the dasboard of the x-5, rocker panels on the 745) Also have a problem with paint peeling on x-5 interior door handles, and 745 rocker panels. The plastic is probably polyethelene if it is not heat treated poperly nothing will stick to it, that is probably the problem. However since I purchased the x-5 in 2001, and, the 745 in 2003 you would have thought that they would have fixed the plastic/paint problem by now.

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  Love it!!!! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Silversj - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Best car Ive ever driven. Would definitely by again.

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  This car is the worst - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Khryssie77 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I have had my BMW for a few years now, and I have had nothing but problems with it. It is constantly in the shop at the dealership having parts repaired. I have brought this car in once a month for the past two years. I have had terrible experiences with BMW and have friends that have experienced the same problems. This is the last time I will ever purchase a BMW and I definately do not recommend this car to people who are considering it.

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  BMW 330Cic Rocks - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By bimmer lover - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Great perfromance when you need it and always very good consistent performance, and good handling, could be a little cripser for my tastes, but still good, great traction control feature, and great durabiality thus far after owning the vehicle almost 2 years, no wear and tear showing, still looks show room new and great sound system and controls on steering wheel

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  A legend in its own time. - 1999 BMW M3
  By BMW M3 - January 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is simply amazing. Please go read the reviews by reputable car magazines and dont take my word for it. If you combine the following factors: Performance, Reliability, Practicality, Durability, Safety, Value....you simply cannot beat this car. HANDS DOWN a winner in all regards. Few cars this good have ever been or will be built in automotive history. CAR AND DRIVER BEST HANDLING CAR REGARDLESS OF PRICE in the 90s beating out Ferrari, Porsche and the like. Plus you can throw your kids and some grocery bags in the back.

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  I love my car - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Fooky - January 1 - 2:00 am

  This is an upgrade from the Z-3 I had, I like the keyless entry and back glass window with defroster much better it just has a few more whistles and bells, seems to handle the road a little better, and I dont see one very other car like I did with the Z-3.

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  Lemonade Machine - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Lakewood - January 1 - 2:00 am

  I am very disappointed with my purchase. The car has been in for repair 10+ times. The idrive is painfully complicated and I am a gadget freak. I tried to get a value for trade in and was shocked at the depreciation.