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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  Ugly! - 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By BettyH - October 4 - 7:36 am

  This Car is the perfect example of a love/hate relationship. The interior is flawless, its simply gorgeous, handles good, But what was the designer thinking! Its the ugliest car in the world! It must have been beaten with the ugly wand! Ugh!

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  X5, The Other Side Of SUV`s - 2006 BMW X5
  By Diego - October 4 - 3:50 am

  I love driving, and I mean driving, searching for the limits of my car in a twisty road that I have to take to go to work everyday, but I have never driven something like my brand new BMW X5is. It is powerful enough to climb any place I want, and it can go offroad with style too, but that`s not what this car is about. This thing is just perfect for those who seek true sports car performance and need a little more room in the rear seat plus go offroad some times.

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  not a great bimmer but a bimmer - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Carlover - October 3 - 11:52 pm

  We have owned it for 4 years.I now have it at college. Looks are nice yet little to understated for me. Handling is awsome! Much better looking then E- class. Interior is fitting of a 40k german luxery sedan.We havent had any reliability issues at all, just regular maintenance. Good for starting business person. However it lacks the power (which is the ultimate luxury) and prestige of an M5 or 760i. Which I know cost more. Also decent gas mileage.

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  Roadster God Z4!!! - 2005 BMW Z4
  By smiffsmack - October 2 - 8:55 am

  I bought a CPO z4 3.0 with the steptronic tranny heated seats, sports and premium package. This car is a god of the road. If you try it, I PROMISE you will buy it. It has breakneck speed, awesome sound system, nice engine sounds, looks beautiful (especially sterling grey) I get at least one compliment on this car every single day. I bought mine for 32.5K with 16K miles on it. Get an 03, since their is no real difference between 03 to 05!!!! Just drive it, trust me!!

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  not too bad - 2005 BMW Z4
  By barry - September 30 - 12:32 pm

  Not the worlds greatest car, but a lot of fun, works well, made well and good value for the money with special lease deals now on. but it is not a lux car like my 911 that went off lease. I got this because I have just retired and was interested in a more affordable car. It has free maintenance and a long warranty. Very good lease deal and it works very well. Does it make me forget my Porsche, no, but on most days it is more than I could hope for. Not bad gas mileage, over 28 on the highway at 70mph.

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  TONS OF FUN! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By JRW22 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  GREAT CAR, SOLID HANDELING AND FAST OFF THE MARK. OVER ALL BEST IN CLASS.

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  needs a little work though - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By charlie hong - September 26 - 10:00 am

  when the rear windows are down, the car makes vibration noises that are not pleasant to the ears. Aerodynamics are all wrong on this vehicle

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  "Simply Awesome" - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By WEN1 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Simply,I cant imagine owning anything else. The service has been the most pleasing of any auto Ive owned. The purchase was hassle free. I never cease to receive complements on the car. Ask yourself ...when is the last time youve heard "awesome car" stated in reference to the one you are currently driving. it happens to me all of the time (even when its dirty).

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  A very unreliable experience - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By kling994 - September 25 - 12:32 am

  Excellent perfomance, fun to drive, very solid grip on road, very smooth, however in 2,1/2 years from purchase date, I had to stop at the dealer 11 times for repairs, without counting oil changes and brakes. I have had mostly electrical problems, signal lights burning out just months after getting vehicle. 2 engine coils, at different times. water getting into the driver side floor when strong rain, even if car was parked. door rubber gaskets had to be replaced on 2 doors, getting worn out (can you believe that..) transmission thump noise when stopping (took 2 years to fix), window switch broke off. etc.... a very disappointing experience for such a expensive and such a good brand name.

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  Outstanding - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By sergio - September 24 - 8:09 pm

  I love this car and all the features especially the electronic seats and computer system