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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  The Best Car... Ever. - 1995 BMW M3
  By Pandoras3of9 - June 23 - 8:26 pm

  I have had this 1995 BMW M3 for 50k miles. Ive driven it 2300 miles only stopping for gas cross country 3 times (about 35hrs per trip). Its paint is still glossy, the auto shifts and pushes just as hard as the manual version I tested. The driving position is perfect for me (Im 6ft). I have pushed many cars to their limits, but by far this car has the most crisp handling, strongest braking, smoothest power delivery, and best high speed stability of any car you could buy for 20K and any new car under 35K.

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  550i Manual Loaded - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By JPaul - June 23 - 1:43 pm

  I bought a manual 550i about three weeks ago. Previous car was an 05 Lexus and drove a 00 540i manual before that. This new 550i is awsome. I searched hard for a manual. Suddenly there were two and both were loaded with mile-high sticker prices. This is a dying breed. A compelling reason for choosing a 5 Series BMW over a similar sized Mercedes or Lexus is the availability of a V8 with a slick shifting 6 speed manual. I have only run up several hundred miles but its obvious what a great piece of machinery it is. Oh, and all the negative iDrive hype is a total red herring. It is simple to learn and operate and very intuitive. My commute to work is suddenly a lot more interesting.

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  Great Convertible - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By BMW128iOwner - June 22 - 4:53 pm

  This car is both comfortable and very fun to drive. Being six feet tall, I thought the back seat would be a little tight for me, however when I have sat in the back it is more than enough room and also very comfortable. The materials and interior design are very excellently crafted, as well as the beautiful exterior. Automatic roof works great and car is amazing with the top down. The engine sounds powerful and exhilarating, and yet the ride is very quiet. The premium Hi-Fi sound system sounds great with the top up or down. iPhone compatibility is great and sounds great on both sides of the phone, even with the top down and strong winds.

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  2008 335i Convertible - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By gm77 - June 22 - 4:13 pm

  This our first BMW and probably will not be our last. First impression is very favorable. This car has great balance and performance and room for 4 and iDrive isnt the nightmare some make it out to be. Trunk size works for us. A large suitcase fits sideways under the top spacer along with my wifes makeup case and odds and ends. Plenty for a long weekend. My biggest gripe is with BMW making a decent iPod connection and sat radio an option. On a car in this price range in todays world, these should be standard. The wheels are ok, almost "boring". Fit and finish is good, just one dash rattle.

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  530I - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Stoney - June 22 - 4:00 pm

  I bought mine with 15000 miles on it. I also owned a previous certified pre-owned 2000 (I cant get myself to puchase a new one). While I enjoy the "sedan" feel, it is not as responsive as my previous 5 series and also my wifes 335i blows it away in the fun category. But with that said, I bought a sedan and I love it (120 mph feels like 45 mph)! I only wish the ergonomics were a tad better (cup holders, cruise, tilt, wipers, etc.). For the money, give me the beemer and keep the lexus/acura!

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  A Perfect 10! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Garrick - June 22 - 10:00 am

  The new body looks very aggressive! The new iDrive system is much easier to use compare with the 7 series. The cars handling at corner is great! The interior feel roomy and luxury, more like a 7 series! Lots of optional equipment to choose from!

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  BMW 2003 530i - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Enzo - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Best car on the market!

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  Tremendous Automobile - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By SharonAF - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Spectacular handling, performance and styling.

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  Buy one if you can. - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Dutch - June 22 - 10:00 am

  It is the greatest vehicle I have ever owned. The dealer told me that it would be likely that the next car I purchase after this one would be a BMW and he was very likely correct. Not only is it fun to drive but the chicks love it too. An unbeatable combination.

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  I LOVE MY BEEMER - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By luis montano - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I love this car