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 325ci - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Angel54 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  My first bimmer, in a few words the best car I have ever bought. This car not only looks and feel good but also has more than enough power.

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  Best car in the World Besides the M3 - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Brent Maros - May 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car in the world oh no its just a Tribute

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  Great Car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Patreon - May 17 - 3:45 am

  Im a single college student got my baby straight out of high school with 130,000 miles my car had 220,000 miles on it before I was in a accident and outside of normal wear and tear I never had any problems. Great for traveling, amazing on gas. This car handles amazingly and hugs the road. BMW truly lives up to the name the ultimate driving machine.

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  My "Black Widow" - 2002 BMW M3
  By Elizabeth A. Pearce - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I waited 18 months for my Jet Black convertible with Imola red leather interior--and it was well worth the wait! The car is TONS of fun, but be careful when you push the sport button! If youre in traffic, you could find yourself in the trunk of the vehicle in front of you! The car just flies! Its truly gorgeous, too it draws looks like a flame draws moths. I love it!

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  fun but drinks gas - 2001 BMW X5
  By funtimes - May 16 - 2:00 am

  all around a great car. watch out for the MPG

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  This car stole my heart! - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Cheryl - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a brand new 98 528 with the 5 speed and sport package, drove it for 3 years... incredible car! I still miss it and my heart literally stops when I see a familiar artic silver profile on the road with a gray leather interior... just awesome car!

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  Still in Love - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Lambeau Man - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Lease is expiring in 2 months, and both my wife and I are SOLD on this car. Even at 31,000 miles it runs like new - tight handling and quick in 2nd and 3rd gear. The comment about 60 to 105 mph is right on.

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  the Ultimate driving machine - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By jayjay78 - May 15 - 2:00 am

  These must be the best built cars for around 45K. This car surly is not slow. Test drove Acura 3.2TL type S and the Lexus GS300 and still the BMW feels very well rounded when pushing the pedel and reciving the amount of power needed in all situations. Steering may seem heavy at first, after getting used to it makes you feel always so confidant and in control. Quietness seems to have been a big considertion when this car was designed, Ultra super smooth steering, ride, suspension, controls, EVERYTHING. Rear seat room is a bit smaller then other cars we test drove but not so much that it is uncomfortable. GREAT Job BMW.

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  Its been a ride - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By moth123dd - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Great performance, fun to drive, dont live in New England, however. Bad in snow/ice, even a very little. Interior design is good, love the radio controls on the steering wheel. Cup holders have broken off five times, windshield wipers have stopped working in the rain, front molding has fallen off.

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  Went from X5 4.4 to X3 3.0 sport - 2004 BMW X3
  By jzack24 - May 14 - 10:00 am

  and have no regrets. This is a great vehicle for the right person. No, it is not cushy. No, it does not have as much wood in its interior as does the X5. But it is not meant to be either. Its a whole lot more fun to drive -- I have a smile on my face everytime. Is it the right vehicle for everyone? No -- but its perfect for me.