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 overall !!!! - 2003 BMW X5
  By Nunzi0044 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Very response with sport package. Its German quality and handling of a BMW with a better view of the road. Interior is beautiful and its not to trendy whereas many new cars interior get boring after a while.

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  fun to drive - 2003 BMW X5
  By toyboxx - September 19 - 2:00 am

  this suv has met my expectations and then some.. i love it i have owned almost every brand on the market..i will always keep this model in the garage:) it has taken me fun places,from drivng in dc(horrid road conditons), to the north woods of minnesota pulling a boat.....and the fun continues...alot more "open roads" to explore!!!!!

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  Best Performance Car Around - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Brent - September 18 - 6:06 pm

  The car performs like a dream. Highly recommended. All wheel drive is awesome in the rain. Larger interior space a big plus this year.

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  The ultimate standard! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By George T. - September 17 - 9:36 am

  Having had three BMW 5 Series, I had to experience the 2006 325I to understand how much of an improvement BMW made to the 3 Series to nearly challenge the 5! It has everything my 528i and 525is had, plus more HP and size. Only 7 inches shorter that the 5 Series and with an increased trunk space, the extra 20 horsepower makes all the difference. Plus, my 325i doesnt have the infamous I-drive!

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  Finally got my BMW - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Finally a BMW - September 17 - 3:56 am

  I waited a long time to get a BMW. Its fun to drive and is the best engineered car I have ever had. Nothing at all on the car is loose, or makes any type of rattle or squeak. The Bluetooth works exceptionally well. The car rides very hard though and has a tremendous amount of road noise due to the Run Flat tires - there is so much road noise and the seats are very uncomfortable so I will not be keeping this car when the lease is up. I love the power folding side mirrors - they really help to make more space in the garage when walking between the two cars.

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  safe, fun, and EXPENSIVE - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By bimmerdriver - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Been in two accidents and the car saved my life. Lots of little things that go wrong cost a ton of money. For example, a new window switch cost $45 at the dealership. The wheel cover with the BMW emblem came off--$75 and you cant get it at an auto store. Very fun to drive as long as the RPMs get up over 3k, and its awesome in the summer, although to fix the top will cost $1,500--forget it, Ill run it manually. Safe, fun, and expensive.

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  Ultimate Driving Machine - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By kh - September 17 - 2:00 am

  It is certainly a great car. The handling is superb -- acceleration, steering, and braking. Its exterior design is beautiful -- far better than the new 745. The ride is comfortable, but you can "feel the road", unlike some other luxury cars which are cushiony. I highly recommend this car.

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  Just fantastic - 2005 BMW X3
  By Happy BMW Owner - September 16 - 9:26 pm

  I love this vehicle. If you like the squishy soft ride of a Cadillac or Merc and like lots of interior clutter marketed as "luxury", this is NOT the vehicle for you. The X3 has a clean, elegant, uncluttered look inside and out. It is so fun to drive! It handles like a sports car but is great! in the rain & snow. Just superior as far as engineering and performance. I never thought Id own a BMW... but I will be hard pressed to go back. It is a little pricey, but so are the American tanks cleverly disguised as SUVs. Nothing against American cars. The RX is simply for a different market. I looked at the Japanese SUVs as well and really like them too, but I fell in love with the X3.

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  164K and still a true road car! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Corey Stark - September 16 - 1:25 pm

  I just bought my 525i a couple of weeks ago. I have owned a couple in the past---328xi and an X5. Admittedly, I was a bit skeptical about buying a car with so many miles on it but I was really up against the wall. WIth 4 kids in college, my funds were limited. But I just loved the ride. I am 62" and 240lbs and an ex football player. Needless to say, I need my comfort. This car handles me just fine. I bought it and decided to take it on a road trip with my sweetheart. We went from MPLS, MN to Albuquerque, NM and back...then went to Lewistown MT!! No issues at all. Speed limits were 80 mph! This vehicle just loves the open road. Comfortable---even at the gas pumps. Considering my speed we still managed over 26.6 mpg overall for our 5k trip. Performance is totally acceptable, quiet cockpit, and the handling---oh my, the handling. There is simply nothing like a BMW on the road---it is happiest there! Now just after purchase I did get stuck with a crank ventilation valve issue. $1043.00 at the dealer. and the ABS system is on the bug. But I am pretty old school and never liked ABS anyway. Dealer said it wont hurt the car not to fix ($1700.00 plus $400 for reprograming) so I am running it as is. The one previous owner took good care of this vehicle. So as far as a recommendation goes for this car, I would have to say that I recommend it highly. CHeck it out thoroughly when you come across one with higher miles on the clock. Then take it to a BMW dealer and have it scoped--about $150.00. Trust me---get this done! Then you can be very comfortable with your purchase.

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  Just fantastic - 2005 BMW X3
  By Happy BMW Owner - September 16 - 12:33 pm

  I love this vehicle. If you like the squishy soft ride of a Cadillac or Merc and like lots of interior clutter marketed as "luxury", this is NOT the vehicle for you. The X3 has a clean, elegant, uncluttered look inside and out. It is so fun to drive! It handles like a sports car but is great! in the rain & snow. Just superior as far as engineering and performance. I never thought Id own a BMW... but I will be hard pressed to go back. It is a little pricey, but so are the American tanks cleverly disguised as SUVs. Nothing against American cars. The RX is simply for a different market. I looked at the Japanese SUVs as well and really like them too, but I fell in love with the X3.