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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  I love my X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By BMWbarb - November 3 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! Ive had it about 2.5 months and its survived a trip from Texas to San Diego in comfort and numerous off-road adventures. I got the premium package and the interior space is nicer than my living room. Although I wanted a car that would do a relatively good job off-roading, interior finishes and on-road handling were the most important to me and the BMW X5 has that in spades.

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  BMW 328IS coupe - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW fan - November 2 - 2:00 am

  What a great car to drive. Were buying an SUV for the space. Ill miss this fun, sporty car. Had many people comment..."NIIIIICE Car". Id recommend it if you enjoy driving on the highway.

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  Exactly what I wanted - 2004 BMW M3
  By carlessi - November 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a very special car -- I needed something bigger than the two-seater I was driving before but still wanted a lot of fun -- this is it. Tons of performance, very comfortable, loaded w/convenience features. Mine has the SMG transmission, which is a hugely capable tranmission that helps both in performance driving and in around-town traffic. I couldnt be happier w/my choice.

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  I Couldnt Agree More... - 2002 BMW M5
  By Paul-MD - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Next best previously owned car was a 91- 300Z Turbo great car, but no comparison to the M5. The M5 Driving Experience in SC really helped to learn about controlling THE BEAST. Perfect choice for the family, 4-doors, luxury, safety, luggage (split-folddown seats) and daily drive. Better choice for me when I have a need for speed!!

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  Air Conditioning odors - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By jag - November 1 - 2:00 am

  There is a terrible odor which is created by mold growing from condensation on the air conditioner. BMW has not been able to fix it. After futhur research I have found that this is a common problem on the 5 series. If you read the owners manual carefully you will see that BMW is aware of this problem, and has choosen to address the problem by saying that condenstion is normal. What a joke!

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  Bought another X5 - 2004 BMW X5
  By Piper - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Already own a 2001 X5 and it has been a great car. Doesnt do well with original all season tires in ice and snow, but once you put good snow/ice tires on it, its a tank, and a confortable one at that. Like it so much I just bought another one for the Mrs. We replaced an X type Jag because of its poor performance in bad winter weather

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  Good Suv is in - 2004 BMW X5
  By Fred Travas - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Very good overall wery nice i mean itreally truely nice leather

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  Hmmm. a car without coolant tempera gage - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Andrew122 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I tested GS300, C320 & 530i in one day and I ended up with a 530i. Its fun to drive this car. Very spacious. i- Drive doesnt turn out to be such a nuisance. Sound is not as good as the 325i I used to own. They want you to pay top $ now for the upgraded sound system. Didnt see weather band radio as described in the manual.

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  ultimate driving - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Luiz - October 31 - 10:00 am

  The car is fantastic.

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  Da Bomb - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By odyboy - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I have a 1996 750il (12 cylinder w. 77,000 miles) as well as the new 745il (8 cylinder). The two cars are totally different in ride and performance. The 750il is fast and is like riding in your living room couch. The 745li has an entirely different suspension and is a much sportier ride.