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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  Part Utility, ALL BMW - 2003 BMW X5
  By blair780 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  This is my eleventh auto, my third BMW, my first BMW SAV. I can not say enough good things about this vehicle. In my 13th month of ownership it continues to impress me each time I take the wheel. I keep thinking I want to go back to a car but then I drive it and I cant remember why. If your considering it I have one suggestion... DRIVE IT. I dont think you will buy anything else. The handling and ride are by far BEST IN CLASS (though I do recommend the SPort Pkg). Even in 3.0 trim its no sleeper.

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  2000 323i 5-speed - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By smithse - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Tops in the "fun-to-drive" department. Dont miss out with an automatic - the 5-speed is the only way to go. It really is the "ultimate driving machine". Perfect weight distribution, rear-wheel drive, incredible road manners and stability, silky smooth power. It exudes quality inside and out. Not "bang for the buck", but a complete automobile - performance, comfort, reliability, safety, fuel economy, superior resale value - in a word, solid. You can barnstorm the back roads, then go to dinner in quiet, understated style. No gimmicks, plastic, or excessive electronics. Drawbacks? If you need a big trunk, look elsewhere.

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  THE BEST BMW EVER - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Louis Sanchez - December 30 - 2:00 am

  The Best BMW ever. I have had 4 BMWs and my new 540 has to be the best car ever. Its fast, handles well, and it Performance like a true champion should. the BMW 540 6M has some sexy lines and has more to offer.

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  2004 BMW M3 - 2004 BMW M3
  By PooK!e - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Its been about 6 months since I made that downpayment for my 04 M3. On September, my dealer called me to pick up my ride. Oh my god... Silver Metallic... Fully Loaded... Ill never forget that day I picked up my car from the dealer... No one dares to go ahead of you on the road. One of the police officer rolled down their window to shout "Nice Car you got there~!"

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  NICE CAR - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By HEATHER - December 30 - 2:00 am

  THERE ARE DEFINITELY CHANGES TO BE MADE ON THE INTERIOR TO MAKE IT MORE USER FRIENDLY. THE CAR PERFORMS SO WELL, THOUGH, THAT IM WILLING TO FORGIVE SOME OF THE CONVENIENCE FLAWS. I ALSO GET A LOT OF COMPLEMENTS ON THE NEW GRAY GREEN COLOR.

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  Not what I expected - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By DHB - December 29 - 5:33 am

  Always wanted a BMW 3-series with 6-speed manual. Fell in love with the 2007 coupe, but way past that now. Underwhelming acceleration and torque below 2700 RPM. Tranny has been big disappointment. Maddening HVAC and radio controls. Poorly shaped and sized storage cubbies. Cant see instrument lights with sunglasses. Under 3K miles had to replace driveshaft. At 4K, weird vibration in clutch pedal. Dealer diagnosed bad throwout bearing and replaced whole clutch. The vibration got worse! Now they tell me itll "break-in" after 10-15K miles. Its hard to enjoy my "drivers car" when my clutch foot is tingling, and Im being tortured by diabolically illogical controls and wretched ergonomics.

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  M3 has few peers - 2002 BMW M3
  By lear60 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Very well-built and reliable car. Loads of fun to drive. Suspension is tight yet forgiving. Highly recommend SMG and Harmon Kardon.

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  BMW Quality - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Roc - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Car corners great. It is the most impressive feature then comes ride and handling.

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  The Best Yet ! - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Nigel - December 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought my BMW 528i certified pre- owned. After it was checked over completely from the start I felt great driving it off the lot. I continue to drive with confidene. Very reliable and adored by all people a shocked to hear its not brand new. I get offers every week to buy the car from me. I owned 3 BMW 3 series but the 528i is the best yet !

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  exceeded expectations - 2001 BMW Z3
  By camaronal7 - December 28 - 2:00 am

  Press the gas pedal and the car responds in any gear, at any RPM level. Acceleration is smooth not jerky, while the engine hums lowwww. Quiet for a convertible up to ~ 80mph. The wind guard (accessory) makes top-down driving comfortable at higher speeds and cooler weather. More room and comfort than the Boxster.