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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  4 months review w/SMG - 2002 BMW M3
  By hkfooey - May 22 - 2:00 am

  After 4 months of driving my M3 with SMG, I can say that I "finally" get used to the SMG control. Just take times to figure how it works. I think that I was able to find the setting I like best (there are a total of 11 choices). Read about the previous comments on SMG problem, hopes it will not happen to me! :) Was looking at the Boxster S.. but was happy got the M3 instead.

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  BMW The Ultimate Driving - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By thecarboi934 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Exellent steering, great acceleration feel, and exquisite interior.

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  I like it alot - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Rickr - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car in heavy rain and light snow, as well as loose gravel. I performs better than I expected and is a lot of fun to drive, and I really like the looks of it.

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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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  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.

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  The best car of all times! - 2002 BMW M3
  By Gracy-lou Freebush - May 21 - 2:00 am

  This is one of BMWs without a doubt finest work! This smooth ride will blow you away and good looks are a plus! I recommend this fully! Although it has a small back-seat the luxury and comfort will have you foget all your worries! MERCEDES, AUDI, JAGUAR WATCH OUT FOR THE NEWEST BMW M3!

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  2nd beemer - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By camco - May 18 - 4:43 am

  I got my 1st BMW as a birthday gift 10 years ago. I LOVED it and didnt want to part with it. My husband said that I was long overdue for a new car... test drove a few others... loved the 525xi. My child was 3 weeks old when I was in a head on collision with my old BMW and he slept through it! Now I need a little more room and the same safety features... this car has it. I NEVER thought I would leave an American car but BMW is amazing. With these cars, you only have to get a new one once every 10 years! ENJOY! PS my husband has had two 7 series and two X5. We are converts to BMW!!

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  What were they thinking???? - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By MTM - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I went from a 740 to a S430 and needed to get back to the performance of a 7, if your a real driver the S class wont cut it. I was the first on my block and the dealership for that matter to pick up this car and loved it UNTIL the problems started. Remote problems, telephone keypad went, Nav. system from 5 years ago which stopped working all together. The dealer cant fix all the problems just patch them for now, all in all the i drive system stinks. BMW rushed this car to market before fixing the bug and are lucky loyal customers are still around. BMWs lucky it drives like no other or they would certainly loose market share to other companies.

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  BMW leads the way - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By digitaldiscounts - May 18 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the most reliable and, most importantly, funniest cars I have ever owned.. My wife and I love it so much we got her one as well!

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  Really sweet - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By EmilyWeed - May 18 - 2:00 am

  its so cool i love it it has shimmy features n i like the radio n cd player it rocks !!