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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  Dream Car - 2000 BMW M5
  By Peter - May 31 - 2:10 pm

  I always wanted one of the coveted M5 BMW cars ever since I was a kid and could read about them. I worried that I may be disappointed once I bought one with what it offered and delivered in reality. I was not let down one bit. If anything I was blown away by its power and pure joy of driving it. With its crisp 6 speed and so much power to play with, its a pleasure to accelerate off the light or pass on the highway safely with lots of juice in reserve. The braking is outstanding as always and as expected from a BMW. The sport setting tightens up the steering and throttle response for an even more amazing driving experience. I smile every time I see it parked in the driveway.

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  Perfect Coupe - 2005 BMW M3
  By Nocaster - May 30 - 6:40 pm

  I bought this 2005 M3 because I was looking for something that performed very well but had some interior room and was more flexible than a two seater. This M3 is a 6 speed manual and is otherwise stock with the Alcantara interior. I really love the Alcantara interior, it looks great and really holds you in place during hard cornering. So far the M3 has been everything I expected it to be and more. Its a very balanced package in terms of acceleration, handling, braking etc..When you factor in the fact that with a descent set of winter tires its a car you can drive all year round it almost sounds like great value. Build quality is superb and I have not had any issues at all.

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  Starship Enterprise for the road - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Induscreed - May 29 - 2:58 pm

  This car is my first BMW having had an 07 Mustang prior to this purchase. This car is a dream to drive with me looking for an excuse to drive the car wherever I can. It handles like its on rails. It looks like no other BMW and easily turns heads. Its driving at its purest unadulterated form with a chassis that flatters your senses.

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  impressed - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By rond - May 29 - 2:00 am

  only owned this car for about a week but i love it. the best car I have ever owned.

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  525i Sport Premium Package - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Spine Doc - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought my first BMW in December 2001, a 2002 525i sedan 5 speed with Sport Package (M-technic suspension, 17 inch rims, 3 spoke steering wheel with controls)Premium interior leather seats, cold weather package, 6 CD player in trunk, tinted windows, M- spoiler on trunk. Silver exterior on Black interior. Look no further, this car does it all... Its elegant lines turns heads everywhere I go, its very quick, handles incredibly and is built like a tank. Highway speeds cant satiate this cars desire to go fast! If only my friends would stop asking to take it for the weekend!

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  No competition! - 2003 BMW X5
  By MTodd - May 27 - 7:17 pm

  My X5 4.4i is the best of 20 cars I have owned! It pulls my wakeboard boat with ease and looks great doing it. The cold weather pkg even finds it uses in the summer (heated seats on cold lake nights)! This SUV drives and rides like a car, any my friends with Tahoes and Armadas get jealous after driving it. Doesnt have the most storage in the back, but enough to take camping and haul the kids (and their stuff) around. It has been a pure pleasure to own and to drive. I look forward to upgrading to new 2007+ body style and the third row seat for the kids friends. I have never met another X5 owner who did not love their car. So, go get one already. :)

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Rubens - May 27 - 6:26 pm

  This car is one of the best bimmer ever made. Reliable and performance are the words describing this baby. For best drive you will need to maintain the car...and when I say maintaining I mean it. So far I spend about 1000$ a year (its my 3rd year for breaks, oil and air filter...tune up). But I still enjoy and love this beast!!!!

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  Worth the Money - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By WILLIAM - May 27 - 6:26 pm

  IÂ’ve been in the car business for ten years and have yet to experience a car that delivers on style, comfort, quality and performance as this car does. Bought one for my wife feeling at the time kind of pricey for 3 series but have to admit that this car lives up to all BMW claims.

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  Smile on my face - 2003 BMW Z4
  By DickP - May 27 - 2:56 pm

  I have had this car for 6 years and I still cant get over how much fun it is to drive. I rented a Corvette on vacation and couldnt believe the difference. The Z is fast, refined and nimble, the Corvette was fast, loud and didnt handle as well as my 1961 Corvair. The only car I have seen that would make me want to trade it is the 2010 Z with the twin Turbo. That has to be scary fast.

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  First 400 miles E90 - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Bimmer Fan - May 27 - 11:33 am

  E90 with manual, PP, SP, Active Steering, Sunshades, Sat Radio. Wow, this car is amazing. With the sport package, the handling is superb, predictable and sticks like glue. Surprisingly, the highway ride is still very smooth and forgiving, then again I prefer a firmer ride in general. The interior is very efficient and almost on par with Audi. The technology is stunning from the Active Steering to the Bluetooth capability to the DSC/DTC. At times, the car makes me into a better driver than I am at the limit. It exudes confidence in all aspects of driving, braking, cornering and accelerating. I truly can have a sports car experience with the convenience of a family sedan.