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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  Not To Fast - 2002 BMW Z8
  By FerrariLova - August 21 - 2:00 am

  Fun, but gets very boring, not very fast compared to my 550, original in style though, thats what attracted me to buy it.

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  Drivers choice - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By FatCat - August 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is simply the best. Its gives a great driving experience and serves as a practical car, with four doors and spacious trunk. Power is excellent with the V8, and control is spot on, the big tires plant themselves to the road and just dont let go. I dread the day, many years from now when Ill have to give up this car.

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  Great car - 1991 BMW 7-Series
  By psy - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Brought it at 105,000 miles, put another 65,000 in 6 years. Had of put about $1000/year into the car but a great, fun and comfort car to drive. Great car to pass on the freeway. Smooth at high speed and taking corners.

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  The ultimate worst vehicle - 2001 BMW X5
  By Miffed - August 20 - 2:00 am

  X5 simply quit running on the interstate today for the third time in 2 months. Fuel sensor and fuel pump problems before but I think this time its something else. Several workmanship issues still crop up: rear hatch pops open, window seals fall off, interior light pop out of fixture. Consumer Report rates this X5 as a "Worst" used vehicle.

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  BMW 325Ci - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By postale - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Awesome vehicle. Im am addicted to BMW!

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  vibration - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By LIZZIEBMW740Ii - August 17 - 2:00 am

  Has intermitent shimmy/vibration in front end balancing did not fix it, alignment did not fix it, new front tires didnt fix, it putting new 18" tires in place of my 19" tires did not fix it.

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  BMW rating - 2001 BMW X5
  By kartahoo - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Sports package comfortable only for the one in the drivers seat. The rest of passengers "Suffer".

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  Exotic but sane - 2002 BMW Z8
  By zetnensch - August 15 - 2:00 am

  After 6,000 miles the Z8 still amazes me. While its more GT than racer, its cornering and acceleration are fantastic. While it feels big to drive, it autocrossed wonderfully. The big stress is always where to park it so it wont get dinged by some Bozo. My 20 something childrens friends, (and almost everyone else), begs for rides. Anonymous, its not.

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  FunCar - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By CarMan - August 14 - 4:50 pm

  A smooth engine and superb handling make this an enjoyable drive in town or out on the twisties. A somewhat dated design that still attracts attention.

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  BMW New Problems - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By NC BMW 745Li Owner - August 13 - 2:00 am

  The best design in world. But flaws.At approx 75 plus MPH a high frequency begins until 80. This is not acceptable. Leith Inc. of Raleigh NC: greatest people to buy from. 11 new Mercedes and 3 740iLs ,one 745Li a loaned NEW 745i Leith went to bat for me with BMW and settled to my satisfaction.I have only driven the two cars, but I would advise testing the car. The problem will appear almost immediately. Rriend assures his does not have noise. But if you buy a car, buy it from Leith Inc. of Raleigh, NC. They sell Mercedes, Audi, BMW.