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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  WOW - 2000 BMW M5
  By Amazed - March 7 - 12:56 pm

  Style, poise, and muscle. What a trio!!!

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  BMW 330ci - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By newton - March 7 - 10:00 am

  A fun car to drive. Well behaved suspension and ample power encourage high speed touring.

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  Best urban luxury car in the Northeast. - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By jdevoy - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive decided to buy out the lease on my 330xi because there is not a better car on the market in terms of: ability to drive and park in the city, handle snow storms, tear up the road on long trips. If you leave in the Northeast, and want to drive a sport sedan, this car combines the best of every world.

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  2001 X5 3.0I - 2002 BMW X5
  By jmoriarty - March 6 - 11:52 pm

  Doesnt start on first turn of key about 40% of time. My 20K Honda always starts on first turn. Dealer doesnt recognize problem. Window Shade clips break easy..poor design. 2001 model assumes that casette tapes are in and thus provide storage for them...Car is loaded with features..Navigation system is difficult to turn off(voice) once it is on. Computer infor system loses its brain occasionally requiring user to inout the dates/times,etc. I reported this but BMW cant find the bug......

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  One little problem after another - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Looking to Sell - March 5 - 11:34 pm

  Buy the extended warranty while still under manufacturers warranty and go long. Lots of $400 repairs with bigger ones to come

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  MY 1996 BMW 318I - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By BILAL - March 3 - 12:47 am

  Well, the car is exellent German quality, good fuel economy,and performance ratio in its class.

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  Still one of the best roadsters - 2002 BMW Z3
  By Rob B. - March 3 - 12:21 am

  Love this car. It corners so flatly that it almost begs you to take it around corners even faster. The straight-six is ultra smooth, and strikes a good balance between low-end power and a willingness to rev. Reliability has been excellent, and build quality is pretty good (BMWs are good, but Japanese cars still have the best fit and finish). I rated gas mileage as average, but I think thats probably because I never let off the gas pedal : )

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  Z8 is hands down the best roadster ever! - 2002 BMW Z8
  By mezorn26 - March 1 - 8:28 pm

  This car peforms like a Ferrari.....but feels like a true German sports car.....I have driven Ferraris, Porsche, Lamborghinis, and I have never recieved more stares, and compliments.........I would only recomend this car if you can use it as a secondary car...........I also have a BMW X5....

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  Sports car for families - 2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By livesmile - February 28 - 7:02 pm

  It may be difficult to think of a better *sports* car that can carry four people in comfort. This is as much a sports car as typical driving situations allows nowadays. In my view, to enjoy any more sportiness you need to go to the tracks, so it is a moot point for me to demand additional driving dynamics when I cant use them 95% of the time. The 335i GT is perfect blend of power, handling, and comfort. It looks great from most angles except may be a couple of side ones. The iDrive system is flawless. The only thing that could improve it in my view would be gesture recognition, which BMW is already working on. The sport mode is awesome and makes me forget that it is a GT and not a 3sedan.

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  323 IC - fun in the sun - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Randall - February 26 - 3:17 pm

  The 323IC is best with the top down and driving with the open air feel. If I could only use a one word description for this car, it would be "SMOOTH".