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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  I love this car - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By cee - February 13 - 1:00 pm

  This car is the 1st car that I have ever bought and completly love. The power this car has is unbeliveable. One hit on the gas, and you feel how much power this car possess, The car hanldes like gem. The nav gets kind of tricky, and steering is tight, but other wise the car is a must have.

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  Ultimate Driving Experience - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By JamesP - February 11 - 3:00 pm

  I purchased the 325i to replace my Acura RL. The driving experience is like no other. Six speed manual versus sluggish Acura RL automatic transmission defines the driving experience. Quick, fun, and sporty. Integrated iPod auxillary port was a nice bonus making a CD disc changer obsolete.

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  The best ever - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Tamer - February 9 - 8:46 pm

  I was initially interested in the 3-series because of the unparalleled road feeling, but with the new 535 300 HP twin turbo, I got that same feeling but with the luxury of a 5-series. Outstanding performance and sportiness.

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  REALLY DISAPOINTED - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By FishXIX - February 9 - 2:00 am

  The car was built Jan 4/03 which allowed it to be titled as an 04.This car is fun to drive,no doubt. However it is plaged with problems and getting quality warranty service is nearly impossible.I get 13 mpg in city(sane) driving. The car has a new engine computer,engine computer software patch, new fuel log,both doors reworked and distorted windshield replaced with another distorted windshield.I would turn in as a lemmon execpt BMW wont admit to some obvious problems. First and last BMW.

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  Needs more power - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By ken325i - February 9 - 2:00 am

  This car needs just a little more power -- 20 hp. Also, BMW does not finish the car out with the extras -- you have to pay for every little thing, like garage door opener. A car this price should include these things.

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  Amazing Whip... - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Frederick - February 7 - 11:18 pm

  I have a Jag Portfolios just is rare... Now I have a 2000 528i wagon... Its fine like new.. better gas mileage than I expected... Compliments on the car often... If you can get your hands on one do so... Quick

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  Amazing Whip... - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Frederick - February 7 - 11:18 pm

  I have a Jag Portfolios just is rare... Now I have a 2000 528i wagon... Its fine like new.. better gas mileage than I expected... Compliments on the car often... If you can get your hands on one do so... Quick

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  AWESOME - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By hhanjali - February 4 - 4:36 pm

  I finally received my 325i last week (maunual, graphite metallic w/black leather, premium pckg adn premium sound) after waiting for 8 weeks. It was definitely worth the wait, I am so glad I did not decide to go with something else. This is my first bimmer and I think I finally found the right car for myself. The ride is amazing and definitelly a car is a head-turner. I strongly recommend this car!

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  Great car, if you like to drive - 2004 BMW Z4
  By ChrisLee - February 4 - 10:00 am

  The best two-seater I have ever owned. Great acceleration, great grip, cornering is a pleasure, it is very safe and the drive is always controlled, the steering is unbelievable, it is very comfortable and it looks great. What else do you need from a sports car? On the downside, I have had several warranty issues, there were material flaws and the repair crews were not always familar with the car and with their own job (e.g. destroying things as they fixed others). Last, my 2 cents: get the SMG (semi- manual gearbox) if you can. It is the best shifting experience I have ever had and far superior to the other alternative of manual shifting.

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  WOW - 2004 BMW Z4
  By cory - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I drove this car to New Orleans right after I bought it. This car stopped traffic on Bourbob Street. People were gawking and taking pictures. When we pulled up to the hotel, people walked across the street to ask about the car. People coming out of the hotel stopped to ask about the car and look at it. I thought the doorman would never have a chance to unload our car. This car still causes a stir wherever I go! WOW!!