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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  My E60 - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By c.l.johnson - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Love the car. Get comments everyday about how well be car looks. Performance is awesome. Best 5 series I have ever owned and I have owned 6 (currently driving a 545i fully loaded). iDrive is kind of simple and does not take away from the driving experience. Claude Johnson

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  Did we miss the exit - again!!! - 2002 BMW M3
  By Myggen - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This car is build for people driving from A to D, without notifying B and C. Not just is it fast, but the enjoyment driving it makes time and place not matter. A perfect way to enjoy time off - relax and get the adrenaline to pump at the same time. Just keep an eye out for your exit - you might miss it - some times even on purpose!

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  2002 BMW M5 Review - 2002 BMW M5
  By rcl4668 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Just an amazing all around car. Sports car performance with five passenger seating and the ability to haul groceries. The stealth aspect is nice too. I love it.

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  Just a great all around car. - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By Phillip Tiongson - March 26 - 2:00 am

  The car is a joy to drive, and I have no complaints about the styling, handling, or overall preformance of the car. It is a sweet ride.

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  Walter BMW Review 2002 - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By Walter Dunson - March 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun vehicle to drive. It appears to be very strong and durable. I really enjoy driving this car.

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  Z3 BMW - 1997 BMW Z3
  By David Marc Brookings - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but awesome! Lots of power in the 2.8 You will turn heads. Car is very tight

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  great car - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Dani - March 25 - 12:53 am

  Great attention to detail. Havent found one little thing I dislike about the car yet. Fast acceleration, much roomier than older models

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  2013 BMW 135is - 2013 BMW 1-Series
  By Scott Gravitt - March 24 - 9:14 pm

  Great car for the young or the young at heart. Most should consider the car as a two seater with occasional back seat use for young kids. Very fast, very reliable, and very smooth running in line 6 cylinder. This BMW was my 2nd after my 1989 325is. Ive always been a fan of BMW but think the company has lost its way over the last few years. This car along with the new 2 series is as close as one can get to the old E30 BMW.

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  BMW 318ti Hatchback - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By M&C - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Lots of zip. Holds lots of cargo.

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  the ultimate car - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By fww - March 24 - 2:00 am

  After test driving many luxary cars, there is no better car on the market than the bmw 740il... I have no complaints about this car. If your in the markrt to buy a luxury car do not waste your time looking at any other...