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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  awesome - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By jrr - November 13 - 10:00 am

  perfect and flawless in all ways

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  Constant compliments! - 2012 BMW Z4
  By Scott LaRocca - November 12 - 3:42 pm

  We traded in a baseline model 2003 Porsche Boxster for this 2012 BMW Z4. Everything about the Z4 blows away the older model Boxster except handling. While the Z4 is still stellar on hard turns due to its Sport and Sport+ suspension modes, it weighs 500 lbs more than the Boxster and feels like itll fishtail if you dont have excellent control of the accelerator. The Boxster felt like it was pulling you around corners. The Z4 makes you have to pull it around corners. Subtle distinction, but noticeable. Definitely dont regret the trade in though. Its faster than most muscle cars off the line (not a new Stingray though). 0-40 mph before you can blink, and the auto- and paddle-shifting are FAR faster and smoother than you could ever possibly do with a manual transmission. Ive owned Mustang 5.0s that werent this fast off the line, including a Shelby GT. The looks, sound, power, and technology of the Z4 are phenomenal. Just dont get in a wreck with it, you wont win.

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  335i Coupe on the Autobahn - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By AutobahnNut - November 8 - 12:26 am

  We purchased our US Spec 335i coupe with all available options. I have had it on the autobahn and tested the speed limiter, which is in fact at 155mph. I can run a Porsche 911, at least until they hit the 165 mph mark and keep going (what limiter?), otherwise we would spank the entry level 911. This car is faster than the advertised 0-60 in 5.3. My guess is more like 4.5. I dread the day we take it to the states, but I will save my money for speeding tickets starting now, I guess. This is the most fantastic car I have ever driven! The new upcoming M3 (maybe M5) is next for us!

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  What can I say... its a Beemer - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Annie - November 6 - 4:00 pm

  My third BMW. My first BMW was the first brand new car I ever owned and Ill probably keep getting a new BMW every time. My first impression of this car is that it feels safe and handles well. Heck, I cant change the model of car I drive, my license plate reads: eBay BMW!!!

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  German joy - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By John kardashian - November 6 - 3:20 pm

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  Butter - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By HappyChap - November 4 - 10:00 am

  We recently purchased a 2002 325 Sports Wagon. We are surpized at how fun and luxurious it has been, as well as functional (we stuffed a full sized front door in the rear last week). The fit and finish has been great. We had one little rattle in the dash and broken hatch latch, but the dealer fixed promptly. I like to drive hard and this car is a dream. It takes the corners hard, slap it into sports mode on the auto transmission and it is a completely different car. The car has an amazing amount of road feed back, but without being tiring. Drove the A4, G35, & others, but they didnt have the same feel. It drives like butter, smooth.....

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  Bad build quality - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Jacques - November 4 - 10:00 am

  The Z4 is a build in USA, with poor build quality. The car built in Germany is better.

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned - 2003 BMW X5
  By x5 - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle drives like a dream,dealership is fantastic and performance is everything they said it would be. Cant wait to get my next one.

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  GOZZZZZZZZZZZ - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Zsmylife - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Originally owned Z3, and this is a much stronger roadster. In my opinion a good cross between the Porsche and Mercedes. Very satisfying

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  BMW X3 - 2005 BMW X3
  By vintagecarguy - October 31 - 8:23 pm

  This is my 7th BMW and currently my "winter BMW." I drive a Z4 3.0 most of the year (with Dunlop winter tires for the winter: just in case Im caught out without the X3). The X3 drives like the last 3 series sedan I owned (325i) and totally unlike any SUV. The stock Pirelli all season tires are somewhat of a compromise in the snow and on ice, but the X drive makes up for it. The trade-off is the dry weather handling, which is "standard 3 series." I would not consider the 18" wheels, because of all the reports Ive read and the fact that there are too many pot holes in Mass waiting to bend big rims. If you want a great combo, go for the Z4 and X3, which will exceed any one cars performance.