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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  IF ITS A SPORT CAR YOU WANT, GET IT! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By wireless1 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  This is an ultimate driving machine. 6- sp manual transmission is a must for driving enthusiasts. Not many manufacturers offer this. Car is extremely fast and handling is superb. New sport package hugs the road you always feel in control, at any speed. I invested in a new radar detector immediately. Inside comfort is great and new I-drive is easy to use, especially compared to original version. If you are a driving enthusiast, you will love this car. If you want a luxury sports car this is it, if you want a luxury boat go for the Mercedes.

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  Ultimate Driving - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Seabum - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I have a 525i/w sport package and I love it. Its a sports car with class and room for the whole family at the same time. From the outside it looks like you typical luxury sedan, on the inside, well move over granny, its all sport.

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  Dont get to close - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Juno Boy - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Front paint chips easier than most cars. Dealer tacked on $1K as "Total vehicle protection" on the sticker which was a total scam. Very little thought put into cup holder placement. No leg room in rear seats even for kids. Get the 330xi(T) for the performance!

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  Top Notch - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By AirForceAuto - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Great ride, even on brick streets. Super handling, good quality inside and out. Draws admiring looks everywhere. Best new car Ive ever owned.

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  Pop-Top Nirvana - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Dotkidz - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Great lines, good power, superb sound and comfort. The BMW 330Ci is remarkable fun. Eye-catching and fun, this convertible is great to drive and great to look at across a parking lot. The options make this car good in winter and summer. Theres little to improve.

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  cars - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By zeelia - April 19 - 10:00 am

  this car is of the hook

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  Typical 1st year Bimmer - 2004 BMW X3
  By Skater - April 19 - 10:00 am

  BMW tends to use the 1st model year out as a beta tester, and the X3 seems no different. Im not a BMW basher, just someone who had an E36, then an E39, collectively, for 10 years. My suggestion is to wait a year or two, BMW will get the X3 right.

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  Finally - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Eddie - April 19 - 5:26 am

  After years of reading other peoples reviews of their BMWs, I finally broke down and got a 335 sedan. I can honestly say, this is the best car I have ever driven. The acceleration is terrific, and the steering and braking are phenomenal. The interior is gorgeous, the Logic 7 system is great,and the gas mileage is pretty good for a car with this horsepower. Way to go, BMW!

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  Great all around car - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By CJinNJ - April 17 - 11:26 pm

  I have had this car for two weeks now and absolutely love it. This car is solid, smooth, fast and of extremely high build quality. Handling is so stable and accurate. I have had two previous 3 series and this one blows them away. It’s not a slow car, but it’s not a racer either. Put it in drive sport mode and it feels as fast as my G35 coupe I traded it in for. I do think it could use about 15 to 20 more ft/lbs of torque though. My past experience with BMWs is that they get much faster as they break in. The 2007 model has 15 more HP and ft/lbs torque than the 2006 model.

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  Incredible drive - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By dublinhill - April 17 - 5:46 pm

  This car is like no other. I love driving it! I recommend it to anyone. I went with the 530i. Very smooth. Get the satelite radio, the sound system is perfect.