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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  Old Mans Sports car - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By TPIII - October 20 - 11:16 am

  I purchased the wagon to accommodate my granddaughters weekend stuff for getting to my house. Anyway, thats my excuse for buying the 328i wagon. It has been a great road car. It turns corners just a good as the sedan. Looks great and the sunroof is wonderful in place of my droptop I traded. The wagon is a better deal than an SUV for gas mileage and getting around town. More headroom than the sedan in the rear. Great car for older folks vs. the minivan look. Provides extra space in the rear with the split seats for getting back and forth from shopping.

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  Love To Drive This Car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Rhm4BMW - October 19 - 7:15 pm

  This is my second BMW, had a 325I which was really a great drives car. The 528I is a little more refine to drive, but step on the gas and this baby gives no pause. Had mine at 141 mph. Straight as an arrow, never scared. Do Not Try This. I can only imagine the 535, 550, M3 or M5. BMW is the best.

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  WOW OMG! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By bimmerfan - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the most fun car I have ever driven. I love the way exterior looks. It is definately in the top 5 best looking cars on the road, definately the car with a serious "PRESENCE"! I- Drive is very easy and can be learned in a very short time. The comfort seats are awesome. Premium sound is awesome. I test drove MB E500 and it is a very nice car as well but this new 5 series is definately more fun to drive, handles better and to me, it looks way more interesting.

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  5 series owns - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By MaTRiX - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Just go test drive it and you will understand the ratings ;)

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  BMW 530i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By DFWRaider - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for those who love to drive. The handling is the best Ive ever driven (better than the previous model 530), and the car sticks to the road even in the fastest and sharpest turns. The interior layout is a big improvement over the previous model because of higher quality materials, more luxurious layout, and fewer buttons crowding the dash.

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  WOW - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By alphonsomartin - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is really stylish, comfortable and fun to drive. I have owned a 3 series before but after this experience I will always be a BMW fanatic.

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  My BMW - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Jill McKay - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I have wanted one all my life, the day I got my BMW 325 Ci was the best day in my life. I love how it drives, never have a problem with it. It is a wonderful car. Wouldnt change a thing about it.

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  Best Convertible we have ever owned - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By LHSerene - October 17 - 10:00 am

  We are a convertible family, having owned several. The handling, performance and comfort of this vehicle is by far the best. If you love to drive a car, you will love this one.

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  The best 3-series yet! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Gabe P. - October 17 - 9:26 am

  This car is a beauty to drive, be in, and look at. It hugs the road, has virtually no lean in tight curves, accelerates well and is ohhh so smooth and quiet. The inline 6 is peppy, and the handling is what you would expect from BMW. The interior well appointed (with the premium and winter packages) and the finish is flawless. Try the automatic transmission if you are uncomfortable with manual: the difference in 0 - 60 is there but is not that significant. All in all this is a fun car to drive to work, on weekends, or whenever you just feel like tainkg a spin.

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  Absolutely LOVE this CAR - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Wendy - October 16 - 9:45 pm

  Third BMW for me. Two 3 series previously and this new 550i is miles above and beyond what i had already decided was the best. The iDrive so complained about, I picked up easily. I find the whole vehicle experience exciting and extremely enjoyable. Speed, handling, build quality, style... all trend setting as usual. I have only liked cars before this one.