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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  BMWi - 1991 BMW 7-Series
  By lar - March 22 - 2:00 am

  Much repairs between 150k and the present 220K. Complete A/C replacement. CD player repaired. Transmission overhaul. Speed indicator, plus cruise control is jerking up/down, tested at BMW to no conclusion, same test result at an independent garage. My next puchase will be a Toyota.

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  Perfect - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By billy05 - March 22 - 2:00 am

  I have always been a pontiac man until i got this car and now i cant see myself owning any other car than a BMW from here on out. The 6 cylinder has great power and the car has great handling. I hope eveyone out there is as happy as me.

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  SPORT activity vehicle - 2002 BMW X5
  By Cohlmia - March 22 - 2:00 am

  The BMW X5 is the most wonderful car on the market. All its styles are praised for accenting the characteristics of a Sport Activity Vehicle. If one is looking for a bullet-proof truck with the ablility to compete with luxury sedans and sports cars in the same price range, this well built German beast is worth consideration. Needless to say, the X5 has a distinct lead on all SUVs in the world. The BMW X5 truly is an outstanding SAV. If it were up to me I would put it in its own category: SSAV(Sporty Sport Activity Vehicle).

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  Awsome - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By DIZZZOTT - March 21 - 3:13 pm

  Just purcahsed to 330XI and I love it. It is the smoothest ride ever. This is the best car Ive ever had.

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  Fun city driving - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Cástor - March 21 - 10:00 am

  A bit tight for drives over 100 miles. I bit hard to get in and out for a 60+ youngster, but definitely a great fun car to drive. Great classic looks. Extra power that gets you out of compromissed situations. Real milage consumtion if you want to enjoy the sports feel is 14/15 town, 19/22 road.

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  Euro Delivery 530i - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By dballew - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Excellent combination of power, performance, and mileage. European delivery program worked smoothly and the trip was worth the effort. Car gets compliments from all you see it. Better than my Mercedes E320 in many respects.

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  Pricey but worth it - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Jimbob - March 21 - 2:00 am

  I am a car nut! I wanted performance and I got it. The 750IL has more than enough juice for any driver right off the line. As I am finding out there are plenty of ways to improve both the performance and the mileage. It does have some quirks. There is a sensor on everything in the car and sometimes they give out reading that are hard to understand. That is what the gear heads at the dealership are for. All in All there are few automobiles that can top the luxury items or the high performance of this incredible machine.

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  Fun to drive, but mostly SAFE - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By codylove - March 21 - 2:00 am

  I have owned both a 525 and now the 740il BMW and have loved them both. For luxury, style and comfort you cant do much better than the BMW. I also had a Mercedes and when I wanted to get a new vehicle, considered their 300 series. But for the money I would have spent to get a new Mercedes, I thought I got a better car by buying Pre-certified/used thru BMW!

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  After three years it still turns heads! - 1998 BMW Z3
  By Jan - March 20 - 2:00 am

  A great car to show off in - performance or styling. I have the 17 in. wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport tires. It takes 25 mph curves at 55 with no loss of traction. 0 to 60 in 5.1 sec. with the 2.8 liter engine (dont get the 1.9L). Really now, is there a better looking convertible for sale today???

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  The Flagship Driving Machine - 1996 BMW 7-Series
  By Rolo - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful car from style to performance to driving experience. Perfect for those with a split personality who on some days, enjoy a comfortable drive, while on others, prefer to drop it in sport mode and experience some real fun.