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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  Great Car my 3 rd BMW - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Louleeboat - July 18 - 2:00 am

  The fun in driving this car is not equaled by anything I test drove. I drove my last BMW 125,000 and every time I drove that car it felt as if I was getting in it for the first time. The only reason I purchased a new one is my 17 year old daughter tested the air bags and they worked fine when she destroyed the car. This is the 3 rd BMW that saved the life of someone in my family. I car you will love!

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  What a machine - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By patrickallos - July 17 - 8:30 pm

  This is by far the most amazing machine I have ever driven. I came from a 325i which I thought was fun). I did not realize the difference there would be. This is a gentlemans sports car. Cant imagine a 100K car being any more fun that this one.

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  Dissapointmet in BMW - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By coolmike - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Well i bougth the car in febraury and the car interior is small for 65" persons.the interior is nice and the body lines are gorgeous but is not the best BMW ever.The car broke the tranny at 1600 miles at 1900 miles I got electrical problems with interior and at 2000 another tranny and a brand new engine. this is my last BMW ever! after owning a 750 a 740 and a 735

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  Wild Wagon! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Jim - July 15 - 7:10 pm

  WOW! What a beautiful machine! This wagon drives like a race car. Tremendous cornering prowess. Great legroom front and back... more then my X5 or the 5 series wagon. Fun to drive and even more fun when driven harder. Fit and finish are impeccable. My car has the navigation system which requires iDrive. I have no problems with iDrive. The voice command system is great. I look forward to every chance I can get to drive this wagon. When you have this much fun your aging clock runs backwards. I hope to be five years younger next birthday.

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  the best car ever - 2004 BMW Z4
  By TIM-ESEE - July 14 - 10:00 am

  the best car ever

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  Awesome Automobile! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Lomag - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Boy oh boy! Ive been waiting for this car since late 2001 and I finally got it in Feb 2004. This car is excellent however the sport package is a requirement if you choose to buy it. Active steering is incredible and the active roll stabilization which produces almost no body roll while cornering is incredible as well. These two features are a must!! The interior could use some quality improvement in materials in certain areas. Im sure minor things like this will be worked out over the cars lifetime.

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  530 - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By corkdsp - July 14 - 10:00 am

  8k miles so far and loving this car. Only a few minor computer issues that were fixed by dealer with software upgrade. Car drives amazing)

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  One of the best ever built - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Saurabh - July 14 - 10:00 am

  The new 545 has really made a mark for itself in the automotive industry with robust new technology, design & performance. The design is GREAT, technology (active steering) is none like any other & the performance is absolutely exhilirating (325 horses worth). Overall, Ive never driven a better car. Definetely worth getting for however much the cost or atleast worth test drivign.

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  Happy 545 Owner - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By JDN - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Have had 545 SMG for one month and one day as a replacement for 540-6spd. Car was delivered in pristine condition. Absolutely no defects have surfaced in the first month. Car is quieter, smoother, more stylish, more technically advanced, and more satisfying to own than my previous wheels.

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  i didnt think they could make a better5 - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By rdavidml - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful exaust note. Super accelleration of this very reliable and well tested 8 cylinder. Greatest feature with this engine is the active roll stabilization. no lean in hard curves. Very good workmanship as expected. I have had no problems with the electronics, incl. BMW phone.The large wheels/tires make the look of this car.