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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  ///Mazing - 2005 BMW M3
  By m3 - August 5 - 10:23 pm

  much better than i was expecting and i was expecting a lot... best handling i have ever felt. great acceleration and looks. you wont understand until you drive it. sick nasty...

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  Great Car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By ///Mathew - August 5 - 4:53 am

  Simply, one of the best cars out there, I love mine. I love every little detail about it. Its a true BMW all the way around. It outranks it competitors. Ive been eyeing this car for 2 years. I pretty much knew i wanted it, didnt even consider wasting time with the other brands. 2 doors is the way to go

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  It Delivers on Your Expectations! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Felix_Krull - August 4 - 11:47 pm

  The car envelopes you inside of it and becomes an extension of your being. It responds to a drivers inputs like its receiving neurological signals from your brains synapses. Where other cars will go skidding off the road, a BMW 325Ci, with sport package, just digs in and asks, "is that all you got?"

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  M3 Perfection - 2008 BMW M3
  By MMMMMMMM3 - August 4 - 6:34 pm

  Ive always been a Porsche guy & even tried an 08 Vette for a while but a baby meant I needed a 4 door or I was sentenced to driving the wifes car all the time. I looked at the IS-F, E55, & C63 before buying the E90 M3. One drive and youll understand. The feel, sounds, handling etc are all unbelievable. When you are done driving like you stole it, it is a very civilized cruising car for the whole family. None of the competitors come close. I honestly didnt think Id like the M3 from reading about it as I thought it wouldnt have the torque to make me happy. I couldnt stop grinning on the test drive. Drive one and you will understand. The M3 is the best all around car on the market.

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  BMW 330 xi - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Mark Nading - August 3 - 11:43 pm

  Very Nice Riding Car. Has Great Power When Needed. My first BMW, gives you a great high when driving it.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By S. Busby - August 3 - 9:43 pm

  This is an awesome ride. Its quick and responsive and fun to drive. The stereo system is great to me, I feel like Im in concert. It has an amphitheater feel. Im glad it has the hidden cassette player because I still have some classics on cassette. I had to get used to the cd player being in the trunk.The navi system is well 01 so it wont be like the newer cars, but it works unless you go way out then it will just slap a map on the screen for you with no vocal instruction...good luck! All in all my dream car is just that a joy and a dream to drive. Yes BMW can mean Bring Money With you but if you get a trained mechanic you will do fine.

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  100% Adrenaline Rush - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Tony - August 3 - 4:01 pm

  I have had my Z4 3.0si for three years and have only put 11500 miles on it. It is strictly a weekend car. I have a mercedes E350 and Audi A4, but cant wait until the weekend to drive the Z. I still feel the rush of adrenaline when i press the sports button and rocket down the highway. I feel like a kid driving a go-kart with a big smile on my face. It is just an awesome car!!!

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  A superb car; a keeper - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By mkrauss323 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  We dont get much snow in south-central Maryland -- at least, we didnt until this year! But am I glad I bought the 330xi. The awd has kept me on snowy roads with no problem. The rwd bias makes the awd unnoticable -- it rides and drives like a bimmer. My third BMW -- Ill keep it a long time!

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  I love this BMW - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By H&H - August 2 - 9:57 am

  I bought this BMW 330XI used with 14000 miles on it. I have been driving this car for one year, no problem appeared. The car is very fun to drive, I feel very safe driving this car, it is heavy and it grabs the road very well unlike the Toyota which I traded in, we love it very much. My son and I had a lot of fun driving it from Canton OH back to Buffalo NY that day. This car is very responsive, very reliable. The dealership is very friendly in my city. I will recommend this car to all my friends. My next car will be another BMW. However, I dont like the style in new model of 3 and 5 series, the rear looks ugly.

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  3 series - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Georgia - August 1 - 1:38 pm

  I got this car used for my sixteenth birthday. I have been driving it for four years and couldnt have asked for a more reliable vehicle! Minor problems include a reverse light that is easy to fix, a/c with a mind of its own, and temperature readings are never right for whatever reason. Also, I have had people steal the BMW stickers off my rims..but they are cheap and easy to replace. Great vehicle overall!!!