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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  best car yet - 1990 BMW 7-Series
  By bmw spokesmen - August 4 - 4:46 pm

  well first off i live this car best experience yet drives great for having so much mileage on the car had the car a few months maintenance was kept up to date. very fast car never have problems going around people on the high way.

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  BMW 330 xi - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Mark Nading - August 3 - 11:43 pm

  Very Nice Riding Car. Has Great Power When Needed. My first BMW, gives you a great high when driving it.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By S. Busby - August 3 - 9:43 pm

  This is an awesome ride. Its quick and responsive and fun to drive. The stereo system is great to me, I feel like Im in concert. It has an amphitheater feel. Im glad it has the hidden cassette player because I still have some classics on cassette. I had to get used to the cd player being in the trunk.The navi system is well 01 so it wont be like the newer cars, but it works unless you go way out then it will just slap a map on the screen for you with no vocal instruction...good luck! All in all my dream car is just that a joy and a dream to drive. Yes BMW can mean Bring Money With you but if you get a trained mechanic you will do fine.

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  Shark eats a lot of fuel - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Vochman - August 3 - 6:58 pm

  I bought this 06 750i on the last day of the month and got a great deal. car is certified. my only complaint is the around town gas mileage - is it me or do you get about 10-12 mpg in city driving on a tank. Freeway does much better. I have the two different size tire layout with 40s on back 45s on front. perhaps that contributes. Car is a rocket ship on the freeway I have also had trouble with passenger door lock - it sticks.

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  100% Adrenaline Rush - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Tony - August 3 - 4:01 pm

  I have had my Z4 3.0si for three years and have only put 11500 miles on it. It is strictly a weekend car. I have a mercedes E350 and Audi A4, but cant wait until the weekend to drive the Z. I still feel the rush of adrenaline when i press the sports button and rocket down the highway. I feel like a kid driving a go-kart with a big smile on my face. It is just an awesome car!!!

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  Its still a BMW - 2002 BMW X5
  By Josh - August 3 - 11:52 am

  We purchased our X5 to haul a family, and its definitely an interesting compromise between sport and activity/utility. Agile for an SUV, when you drive it like a BMW, its rewarding. The 3.0 lacks some punch for a car of this weight, but the mileage and agile handling still make it a good choice. BMW didnt package the X5 as a minivan substitute its still lacking the big-gulp capable cup holders and clever use of interior storage of dedicated family haulers, but again, this is a compromise when a driver needs a family car.

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  they are everywhere - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Cael - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Just got over the break-in period. So far the car drives like what everybody has been raving about.No wonder I see more beemers on the road, esp. 3 series. Could have had more functional storage pockets around the car.

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  Objective Review - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Mason J. - August 3 - 2:00 am

  1.Chasis & exterior build very impressive. Howver, there creaks & noises from the interior. Also, my cars transmission makes a whirring noise loud enough to make conversation difficult,dealership just said "Its impossible to have no noise."Engine light comes on, they cant figure out why. 2. Dealership attitude. Combine 1+2, anticipate to have a very antagonist ownership. As a physician, seeing over 7,500 patient/yr in their most stressful & oftentimes angry state,I possess excellent personal skills, diffusing any confrontations.I have been to four different dealerships,& each time, I was invariably yelled at or ignored for some small incident.

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  A superb car; a keeper - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By mkrauss323 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  We dont get much snow in south-central Maryland -- at least, we didnt until this year! But am I glad I bought the 330xi. The awd has kept me on snowy roads with no problem. The rwd bias makes the awd unnoticable -- it rides and drives like a bimmer. My third BMW -- Ill keep it a long time!

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  I love this BMW - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By H&H - August 2 - 9:57 am

  I bought this BMW 330XI used with 14000 miles on it. I have been driving this car for one year, no problem appeared. The car is very fun to drive, I feel very safe driving this car, it is heavy and it grabs the road very well unlike the Toyota which I traded in, we love it very much. My son and I had a lot of fun driving it from Canton OH back to Buffalo NY that day. This car is very responsive, very reliable. The dealership is very friendly in my city. I will recommend this car to all my friends. My next car will be another BMW. However, I dont like the style in new model of 3 and 5 series, the rear looks ugly.