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:

• 

  325 I - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By deshy - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car. more expensive then other makes. You pay for every option, but everything is quality and one step above anything else

• 

  1st time BMW owner - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By 1st time BMW owner - January 25 - 1:00 pm

  I think I did more research on my new vehicle purchase than my marriage candidate. I test drove them all -- C350, IS 350, G35 etc.. It was the 335i that captured my senses. WOW! What a car! What an engine! This car is worth easily over $60k. BMW 335i is so underrated.

• 

  Bmw 530i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By MaTRiX - January 22 - 2:00 am

  This car has it all. The sportness for driving, comfort and luxury cabin, and the excellent feeling while driving/riding in it. It sure is kind on roads.

• 

  ANOTHER STEP UP - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By CASEY4777 - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I BOUGHT A NEW BMW 325 THREE YEARS AGO AND WAS BLOWN AWAY BY ITS PERFORMANCE AND THE SERVICE OF ITS DEALERS. BASED ON THIS I DECIDED TO GO ONE STEP FURTHER AND BUY A NEW 2004 525. IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE BUT IT IS EVEN BETTER THAN THE THREE. I LIKE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT.

• 

  BMW 545 - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By cjkstar - January 22 - 2:00 am

  The car is quite fast and handles very well especially when cornering. Driver comfort is excellant but could use some more space for storage in the glove compartments. The 6 speed shifting is the only way to go with this auto. Beware of bad weather as the car does not handle well in snow and ice. The i drive system is easier than the old one but still is a bit tricky and sometimes takes your eye off the road.

• 

  the perfect car!!! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By keith mccarthy - January 22 - 2:00 am

  this is our second bmw 330cic. the look is a classic.the drive is perfection.the car is as tight as adrum. we drive it all four seasons. even on the snowiest new england day the performs brillantly.we love it.

• 

  Z4 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Ayanru1 - January 22 - 2:00 am

  The styling of the car is quite different than what people are used to, but nevertheless the car speaks for itself once driven. It is an amazing driving experience if of course you know what you are doing. The only thing that bothers me sometimes, is how hard the suspension is. I love the sports option on the 3.0i engine included with the sports button. The sports button on the car actually does make a diference. The already tuned engine, gives more power to the tires once the button is pressed.

• 

  Wow - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By BimmerBoy - January 21 - 10:00 am

  This is simply the best purchase i have ever done. The car is magnificent, drives smooth, its comfortable and its quiet. Simply the best. BMW lives up to its name as the ultimate driving machine. I have a SPORT/PREMIUM PKG with 17 inch alloy rims with crom tip exhaust and with FULL OPTIONS. The premium sound is spectacular, the steptronics on this car is the best. I know for a fact my next car will be a BMW.

• 

  White San Diego 335i - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By MattJ. - January 19 - 8:50 am

  I stare at this car all the time, even in my garage. White, premium, sport, paddles and heated seats. Fast, fast, fast! 130 mph not a problem, dont suggest doing it though. Love the low rumble of the dual exhaust pipes, suspension is tight and xenons are bright. Ive always wanted an M3 (still do) but best bang for your dollar.

• 

  great - 2004 BMW X3
  By stuart g - January 17 - 10:00 am

  The Best aotumobile I have ever purchased