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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  Love my BMW - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By DBCAFY - February 24 - 9:13 pm

  Best car ever build. Combination of 5 passenger seating, room for golf clubs and best of all - sports car!

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  CPO Vehicle - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Randy - February 23 - 8:08 pm

  I bought a 2006 CPO and I have never been so impressed with an automobile, even if used. The quality of build, interior and exterior finish, ride, and great gas mileage (30 mpg highway) blows me away. The iDrive system is easy to use and relieves you of numerous buttons and knobs that would be needed to run the systems it controls. I have had other luxury or semi-luxury cars i.e. Lincoln, Mercedes, and a Toyota Avalon and none, I repeat none, deserve to be parked in the garage with the 530i. So many small touches add to this car such as small orange LEDs beaming streams of dim light on door handles, gear shift, side pockets, at night. I certainly will be a BMW man for years to come.

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  Classic Roadster Formula Updated - 1998 BMW Z3
  By Teleny - February 22 - 8:38 pm

  When this car first came out I was in grad school and was smitten by the styling. So once I graduated and got a job, I bought one!!! Its an awesome little roadster. It corners flat and with the 1.9 you dont have enough power to really make it loose its composure. The 1.9 z3 has adequate power with the manual transmission and very good handling. Id avoid the automatic b/c the engine does not provide enough torque. Having test drove a MR2 spider and a Miata, I prefer the Z3. Its better looking, better value and is extremely comfortable. Oh and my gas mileage has to be around 35mpg. I drove a 2.3 (slight improvement) and a 2.8 (seriously quick), but in the end preferred my 1.9

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  Exceeded Expectations - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By S. Lash - February 22 - 4:17 pm

  This car has been everything I expected and more. There is no other car in this price range that has the combination of handling, performance and overall design appeal. I ordered a 6 speed with white exterior/red interior and aluminum trim it is stunning in my opinion and draws attention everywhere I go. While the 328 does not have the overall power of the 335, it provides just as much enjoyment as an everyday car. The X- drive handles snow and rain providing a secure feeling on par with Audis I have owned previously. I look forward to driving every time I get into the car... it is more than transportation, it is a joy to drive.

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  best of the best - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By like bimmers - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Have owned Saabs, Porsches, Evos, Wrxs &have to say BMW 3 series are the best of the lot from fun, performance, relialability, value . The list goes on. Only sports sedan we would have,including the Porsche which is obviosly not a sedan. Best all round performer.

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  me - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Matchb - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I have a manual shift, and the shifting seems to be a bit rough, other than that, the car is perfect. Handling in great. Will top 110 easily, top movement is flawless and can be done at a red light if timeing is right.

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  quick take - 2004 BMW X3
  By kevin365a - February 22 - 10:00 am

  good dealership service, handles very well ( had Z3 and are close to the same feeling ) with enough bells and whistles to keep everyone from being bored

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  My BMW - 2004 BMW X3
  By BigHipsSoftLips - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Great car....not too high off the ground, passengers fit comfortably in back seat, back doors open wide enough for my big dog to get in comfortably. The "extras" make the car worthwhile.

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  Best Car of My Life - 1995 BMW M3
  By Ron Stopfer - February 22 - 8:14 am

  I bought this red M3 in Dec 94 (a 1995 model) as my 50th birthday present. This is THE best car Ive ever owned! Fun to drive! Totally reliable! Great comfort! Bulletproof mechanically! Very nice trunk (unlike my 911)! Looks like its speeding while parked. A head turner every day. While Ive driven this luxury model over 115,000 miles, it is still a special treat to get inside this and drive it, every day. If I only had one car to drive, every day, for the rest of my life, it would be this BMW car. I currently have half a dozen cars (including a 2003 Mustang SVT "tuned" Cobra), and two BMW motorcycles, but everyday I go out, I instinctively get in the M3 and let it go. Buy one!

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  Another great product from BMW - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By Soulpatch_28 - February 21 - 6:23 pm

  Love the car overall. The acceleration leaves a lot to be desired. I am mystified by the cheap cup holders in the front seat. For $50,000 I expect more. The car takes the road well. The new iDrive is much improved from years past.