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 5 drives fine - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By BimmerUser - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Just finished my first 1k in it.Sports package variable ratio steering is great,feels like a smallercar. Can be tricked into over compensating though. Nice grip from the MXMs but the brake feel is a tad bit mushy.6 spd auto is nice with the torquey inline6.There isnt the 2nd push youd expect past 4k+. Low end is nice.Ergonomics are a bit off:Driver cupholder is too far away to use safely while driving. iDrive is nice but unuseable when driving. Sound Sys controls menus are stupid and non-intuitive, requiring too many steps to change CDs. Unable to change CD in changer from steering wheel.CD changer in the back of the glove compartment a dumb idea.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Sunny Tom - September 30 - 2:00 am

  The slogan says it all: The legendary suspension system has no equal off the racetrack; Acceleratiion and braking beyond compare; An interior made by the only people qualified to make them; and style that leads the industry. This is the most fun car to drive in the world... Why else would you see so many of them in front of Monte Carlo?

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  peaceful dream come true - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By peace - September 30 - 2:00 am

  An anniversary from my husband! Special ordered with platinum exterior and tan leather interior. Drives like a dream and reminds me of my first car... 73 bavaria bmw, white with blue leather and sunroof.

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  BMW X5 - 2002 BMW X5
  By porkchop - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my X5 for approx, 18months. I have more fun than I have ever had driving. While the cargo space appears small, its capacity has never been an issue. The backseat room has generated more positive comments than any other vehicle I have ever owned. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a great SUV that loves to drive. One thing to remember is get the 4.4litre engine. Makes all the difference in the world.

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  low profile tires - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By burtlin - September 30 - 2:00 am

  two blow outs on sidewalls within past 6 months - very frightening. low profile tires on sport package {330ix) a definite hazzard in the western hill country on Massachusetts.I will not buy another bmw with these type of thin sidewalls. it is best handling auto as well as most uncomfortable. Car radio (premium) just awfull. no range and difficult to use without taking eyes off the road. Otherwise car just fine,

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  Too much fun! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Quenton - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for my wife and she loves it! Plenty of zip for her and the car is very well made - great fit and finish.

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  Dont get the oil changed on your 330i - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By George - September 29 - 7:50 am

  I went in to get my oil changed on my 06 330i and ended up driving away in a 335... what a difference a year makes. This is our 4th BMW in 2 years and we keep on trading them just because. I used to drive an 87 911 930 and remembered that kick at around 40 mph - well, this is nothing like it. Smooth, powerful, absolutely beautiful. I would highly recommend this car to anyone.

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  Best value for used sedan - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Steve C - September 29 - 2:00 am

  First-time bimmer owner. Amazed at the quality of the ride, drive, and fit of the car. No wonder auto mags rave about this company. Gotta drive to understand. Handling is its top feature - road-holding tightness and smoothness of the inline 6 is amazing.

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  Wow, what a car! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Styve - September 28 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car that I have ever driven (and I have driven a lot). Fast, great handling, looks great, and room for the family. What more could one want?

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  Blend of luxury and performance - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By rndymn16 - September 27 - 9:00 pm

  The 535i has enough power to make it a performance car. They dont give you a lot (compared to Cadallac and Infiniti, etc) and the options are borderline ripoff, but what they do give you - fantastic. The 20 way sport seats and iPod adapter are worth it!!!