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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  BMW 325 XI - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By poddoug - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Lower speed acceleration is outstanding.I feel like the car and I are one. The machine says drive me and have fun. Oxford green dazzles in the sunshine.

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  awesome! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By shepie11 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  this car is awesome

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  Best car at all !!! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By bertotricci - May 25 - 2:00 am

  After driving the E39 530 I have to say that is now a great step forward. Real fun to drive this car

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  yawza! - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By car maven - May 25 - 2:00 am

  The absolutely BEST car I have ever owned. Manually tranny, sports package, zenon lights - it goes where you point it. Handles like a drea, extremely smooth shifting, suspension is surperb. 17" tires with skinny sidewalls - if you start to lose air, kiss the tire goodbye. The sidewall will be chewed up by the time you get over to the shoulder of the road. Also, tires are hard to find -be prepared to wait a day or so to get replacement. Low ground clearance- especially with front spoiler. Be careful of jerky valet parking lot attendants. Complaint - lousy coffee cup holders! But, ze should not be drinking kaffee whilst driving! Ya?

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  3 series BMW - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Dennis G - May 24 - 6:40 am

  No problems and fun to drive. A precision German machine with a solid feel and incomparable handling that slices through the air.

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  Best Sedan in the World - 2002 BMW M5
  By Wow - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned a GS300 and a 540i and spent a fair amount of time in an S500 and a 750il and none of the comes close. The M5 is without a doubt the most reponsive, most enjoyable, most attractive production sedan on the planet.

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  BMW Loaded - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Donna - May 22 - 8:03 am

  I traded in a 330CI convertible sports model for this vehicle to have the all- wheel drive. At first I was very skeptical. This car has proven itself over and over again. Love it!! Love to drive it, very fun. I purchased mine with navigation, and all the bells and whistles. So many I am still learning how to work them. I am adding the rear spoiler this week. Overall, I was shocked at how well I love this car and would recommend to everyone.

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  The one for me! - 2002 BMW X5
  By katy - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Of all SUVs the X5 is above and beyond. I call it a high riding sedan, theres nothing truck-like about it in that it gives a smooth ride and handles curves well.

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  Great little car!!! - 2000 BMW Z3
  By medblom - May 22 - 2:00 am

  If your looking for a great used late model sports car look for a 2000 or newer 2.3. There are some great deals out there.

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  Found a 96 with 18K miles - 1996 BMW Z3
  By DL - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Had few problems with this car. Both the roof and trunk leak. Difficult to shift into first. Engine revs beautifully. People treat you like you are driving a very expensive and exotic car.