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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  Love my new 05 X5 3.0 - 2005 BMW X5
  By Laurenxesq - March 2 - 1:53 pm

  Just traded in my 04 X3 for 05 X5. Roomier, better handling, better safety rating then the X3. Love the xenon lights. Went for the base model with all the bare minimums. It was the only black 05 X5 on the lot.

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  PeRfEcTiOn - 2003 BMW X5
  By ke;yyan - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Nice ride, nice everything else.b Interior is full of nice things.

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  Truely the Ultrimate Driving Machine! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By WakeUpAlone - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Very responsive and fun to drive -- especially on the highways. The best coupe I have ever driven.

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  Four Door Sports Car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By The Barvarian - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I would say this 325I is truly a four door sports car! It drives and acts like a two seater. I had a 91 Maxima that had 4DSC(four door sports car) sticker from the factory. I must say that it wasnt anything close to the perfomance of this 325I. The build quality is great. It just looks so cool sitting in the parking lot. My red 325I will still look good ten years from now. It actually looks more expensive than it was. Take a test drive, then you will understand why the automotive press sings its praises.

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  Worth it!!! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By avenge69 - March 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car and worth the money. You feel great when driving it, and the quality is outstanding....

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  Love used convertible - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Bill - February 29 - 9:41 pm

  I bought it used with 75k miles and warranty until 100k. Have had only 1 minor problem with O2 sensor, covered by warranty. Very fun to drive, especially with top down. Didnt spend much on it, but everyone thinks Im loaded because I drive a Beamer. No neck snapping acceleration, but slowing down for curves is a thing of the past. People still ooh and ahh over my 8 year old BMW.

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  2007 BMW Z4 3.0si - 2007 BMW Z4
  By Jay - February 27 - 3:36 pm

  Wow, I compared this vehicle head-to- head with Porsche Boxter & new Audi TT. The classic design along with BMW safety and technology won me over hands down.

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  Re-connected to the Road - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Bill - February 27 - 2:43 am

  Driving this car is pure pleasure. The interior ergonomics are excellent, and very intuitive. The steering, braking and suspension are superb, putting me in very close contact with the road surface. I can feel this car the way a driver wants to, as an extension of my will.

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  I love my 330CiC - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By jspringstun - February 26 - 9:30 pm

  This car is amazing. It was what I wanted for my 16th birthday, and what I was able to purchase for myself for getting into graduate business school. I could not have made a better investment. Not only is the car responsive in its handling but also an eye catching beauty. BMW also strives to employ the best in customer service, so even when there is a minor adjustment to be made, its still an enjoyable experience.

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  Wagons are Back - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Kelly - February 25 - 10:35 pm

  Love driving the 525 wagon. It has the utility of an SUV with better gas mileage, lower insurance rates, and great handling & performance. Always have sufficient power when needed. Originally bought the wagon for our dog (in our 20s, no kids), but now wouldnt go without a BMW wagon! Would have never expected strangers to stop us on the street complimenting a wagon, but this happens frequently. Were already planning an upgrade to the 08 535xi Sports Wagon!