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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  3.0 X5 - 2002 BMW X5
  By bechic - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Amazing handling and a joy to drive. Drives like a car and hugs the road. Have driven Japanese and American models and this car by far is the best. A bit pricey but worth every penny (for now) until the competition makes a SUV that looks and handles like this X5. Occasional electrical gremlin will show up but so far nothing I can duplicate to get fixed.

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  just the best - 1994 BMW 7-Series
  By pace - June 6 - 2:00 am

  this is the most awsome vehicle i have ever owned. Its a bit slow off the line but onece its moving (hold on) drives and handles like its glued to the road If you can afford to maintain and repair this beast it is truly the ultimate driving machine this one has 145000 miles and still looks new

• 

  Love it, tired of visiting dealership - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By ag - June 5 - 10:00 am

  02 BMW 325i, love the care but ive had the sunroof stuck open, all dashboard warnings on (bad fuel injector), rear window fell down inside scrated tint, brakes/rotors replaced since then car makes a clunking sound when turning right. Dealer cant duplicate. But I do love to drive it.

• 

  expectations met - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By g - June 4 - 12:10 pm

  three thousand miles in and I still look for excuses to drive the car (even with current gas prices). My only comment is that the 6 speed manual makes the driving experience so much more invigorating.

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  X5 Let Downs - 2001 BMW X5
  By Don Goldstein - June 4 - 2:00 am

  Problems started from the day of delivery with the rear hatch not closing properly. Then the problems were the as follows Cell Phone "Whine" from BMW $1700 cell phone system, interior material on door handles peeled off , rear hatch door again broken due to faulity switch, in winter the door locks would freeze making closing the door impossible, rubber door seals peeling off of rear door, REAR SEAT BELT JAMMED, WILL NOT RETRACT.

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  BAD CAR! - 2001 BMW X5
  By LousyBeamer - June 4 - 2:00 am

  Aside from the numerous service issues which has precluded me from being able to drive the car over the past year and a half, I now have a battery that wont hold a charge. According to BMW - "if you dont drive your car 1000 miles a month, you are ABUSING Your car and the warranty is not valid" for the battery. How bout that? Another $250 down the drain..

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  one year review - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By euro - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I picked the car up in Europe and drove 5k miles there. The car was too big for Europe (parking problems) but great on the autobahn. In the fast lane everybody would move over. Not so lucky stateside. I have not had any problems so far except a broken spring in the ashtray which got replaced. I have the sports package with spoke rims which glues it to the road. It is very easy to go too fast without noticing, be careful

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  your classic roadster - 1999 BMW Z3
  By polidata - June 4 - 2:00 am

  loads of fun to drive, corners as if on rails, but can be a bit rough over road imperfections. has all the essential features of a classic roadster plus modern conveniences, automatic top operation, a/c etc. still draws the looks from everyone, works fine as an everyday car for most days (i dont take it out in the snow to avoid salty roads). you can even lock it with the top down due to its anti-theft device (location dependent of course) as all storage compartments can be locked independently. a perfect car for the young exec/professional seeking a significant other or for the empty nesters.

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  bullet proof - 1993 BMW 5-Series
  By bmw fan - June 4 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. Hope the new model is as good.

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  pros and cons - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By rwirtz - June 3 - 2:00 am

  This is the best driving car I have ever owned. However, the Audi A6 had better interior ergonomics. I know that many people like the exhaust roar of the engine, but more sound dampening in the interior to eliminate the noise would enhance the total luxury driving experience.