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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  Excellent Car, buy it, but negotiate - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By tommyj - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This car has all the performance: steering, handling, braking, acceleration that I expect from a BMW. Its my second BMW, but this is the first 5. Im a stick shift driver so Im surprised that I like driving an automatic. The 530i has enough power to overcome the automatic.

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  whatever happened to quality ? - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By HI800 - June 23 - 5:50 am

  I purchased a new 325i and when the car had 600miles, the problems began. The instrument cluster blacked out for about 30secs while I was driving on the freeway at night and that reset everything, but the total miles driven. Quite a frightening experience not knowing what was going on with the new car while driving 65mph. Soon the service engine indicator came on and when the car came to a complete stop, it was shaking violently. I brought the car back to the dealer and the mechanic made it out to be a tiny little problem, peanuts he said. So they supposedly fixed the problem, but after a month, the service engine light is on again at 2000miles.

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  Truly the "Ultimate" - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By H328i - June 23 - 2:00 am

  When we had the second child, my wife suggested I get rid of my truck for a "family" car. With the only requirements to be an automatic and a 4-door I set out to find my new wheels, trying like mad to avoid a mini van at all costs. Missing my old sports car from high school and tired of seeing everyone in Camrys and Accords, I wanted different and unique. I found this 328i to be just the cure for the "midlife" and still making the wife happy for the rare transports of the kids. This car is awseome. Sometimes the best part of the workday is the drive to and from work. BMW is the Ultimate Driving Machine.

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  FUN...at a price - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Susieb - June 23 - 2:00 am

  What a great car to drive...for the first 80,000 miles. Since then, one thing after another has started to fail, and of course, it costs a fortune each time. If money isnt an issue to you, I would recommend this car to anyone. You cant beat the adrenaline rush of dropping a gear at 80mph and feeling the car jump forward!

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  2001 740iL - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By fpfarr - June 21 - 2:00 am

  The car is docile and surprisingly sporty for a large sedan (mine has the sports package). You have to look behind you to remind you of the amount of metal thats following you. The car does everything for you. The interior is well crafted, extremely roomy. It is likely the safest car on the road. Acceleration is impressive. The best car Ive ever owned by a long shot.

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  medium - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By ias - June 18 - 2:00 am

  The mannual shifting is not smooth. It is big for a sports car. The sunroof is small. Continuous problems with the allignment

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  645ci... - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By SChow - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I waited a year for this car. Overall, the vehicle is unbelievable! I get an adrenaline rush every time at a stoplight.

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  Not quite what I though it would be - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By chanandaler bong - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Great commuter...not quite the performance I thought it would be, really not much quicker than my old vw jetta, except that it handles the corners much much better. Fun on the off and on ramps!!!

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  Still the ultimate driving machine. - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By johnbmw328 - June 1 - 2:00 am

  The car handles like no other. Haven driven many other types of cars, BMW is the most fun. It gives me a sense of security while driving, and for that I would pay any price. Yes, the cost is high for repairs but all good things do not come without a price. Find a reliable mechanic. Avoid the dealership.

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  Ulimate Discomfort Machine - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By cobo - June 1 - 2:00 am

  The sport seats have nearly crippled me. The seat cushion sags even under my moderate 170 lb. frame. This causes spine to flatten and forces a slouch position. The lumbar support tries to force your spine into normal curvature, but it is poorly positioned, hard as a rock, and not adjustable. Ive never been so pleased with a car, and yet been unable to enjoy it due to the major discomfort of the seats. Ive owned 10+ cars and driven countless European, Japanese and American cars on business trips. Ive never had a seat bother me before, despite very long trips.