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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  Simply, this is - 2002 BMW M5
  By dynasys - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car and picked it up in Germany to enjoy it in the autobahn. At 155 mph, it feels like you are driving at 70 in any other car. The power it has is simply amazing and I have been able to leave more than one 911 racer in my dust! The only complain (if any) is that I have had to take the vehicle back to the dealership for minor repairs (loose backseat blet, noise HVAC)

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  A Fantastic Car! - 1991 BMW 5-Series
  By fernando - May 8 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best cars ever made by BMW. There is a perfect balance within power, performance, luxury an fun to drive.

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  Wolf in Sheeps Clothing? - 2002 BMW M3
  By hardlymoving - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Very fast, incredible handling, great brakes, can operate in all weather conditions. Disappointed with lack of standard features when compared with lesser priced cars (i.e. CD player, sunroof, all leather interior, black only colored interior, Xenon lights, power seats, metallic paint, dual trip computer and floor mats). Not good in slow traffic conditions. Shifting from 2nd gear to 3rd can be difficult ... sometimes slips into 5th gear. Stick shift can sometimes be a little rough. Doors are a little too heavy ... really have to push to open them from the inside.

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  Unbelievable package - does it all! - 2002 BMW M3
  By gjbrauch - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Probably the finest all-around package on the road. 911 performance at 2/3 the price, and carries four in style. Excellent fuel mileage is just icing on the cake. Unbelievably smooth and powerful engine, cruises quietly on the highway, but really comes alive in the twisties.

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  The most incredible car ever built! - 2002 BMW M5
  By M5=Awesome - May 6 - 2:00 am

  the m5 is possibly the greatest car ever. Its faster than a 911, more functional, higher quality, etc. I love the 6 speed transmission (its amazing to drive), the stereo, the quality of the interior everything is absolutely amazing. If you can get your hands on one, do it. I have never had so much fun driving a car, and even my one hour daily commute is fun! In general, there is nothing to complain about, although many might complain about the gas mileage. I say this: is you can handle spending $75000 on a car, i guess you could probably also handle paying a little extra money on gas. AWESOME!

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  Love It! - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By mkear - May 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a classy high performance car that is a pleasure to drive. Excellent performance in the winter and the summer. Makes people jealous (even though you spent less on it than they did on their Honda!)

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  Who Knew??? - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Rhone Wolf - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Tiring of my 93 MX-6 LS with all the trimmings, most of which no longer worked, I knew I wanted a luxury/sport thing. Test drove the 328i with the sport package and knew I had to have the car. I have NEVER been as awed by the performance of a vehicle as I was by this. My jaw hurt for days from smiling too much...

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  Bought one and love it! - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Aitiano - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Lives up to the hype. You will not find a better desinged, bulit, or higher quality sports sedan on the market. I can not think of a single new car that could touch it for the price of a two or three year old 540i.

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  X5 - 2005 BMW X5
  By Paul Hyland - May 6 - 1:50 am

  Passes everything but a gas station

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  M5, No Less - 2002 BMW M5
  By Bimota - May 5 - 2:00 am

  Amazing! The Ultimate Driving machine at its best. Engine Management, Chip and exhaust mods take you up to 500 bhp.