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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  A true dream come true. - 1995 BMW M3
  By Kyle - December 4 - 7:14 pm

  Ive been after an M3 for years. Found a superb example a year ago. Short of nothing but great. The faint of heart need not apply for ownership. All jokes aside the car is as incredible as I dreamt it would be.

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  Subtle changes make a difference - 2008 BMW 6-Series
  By Mark Yowe - December 2 - 9:41 am

  After much deliberation, I bought a new 650i coupe. I always liked it generally, but could not imagine a car at this price without an opening sunroof. You have to drive it to understand that the trade off is a beautiful panoramic experience through the roof glass with ventilation still available. The trunk area, which I always saw as ugly Bangle bungling, is subtly changed and now much more acceptable to me. The brake light previously near the back window is now integrated into the deck lid. It just looks better. People really rubber neck a nice extra.

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  GREAT CAR - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Danielle Fer - December 2 - 2:00 am

  FUN, Excellent look, very reliability, Great Interior and Exterior Design, So Comfort and VERY VERY VERY Fun to Drive

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  A True Sports Car - 2007 BMW Z4
  By Sassy - December 1 - 10:42 pm

  I love the car. Bought it w/sport & premium package - no nav. I feel like I am driving a rocketship stereo with its the THX sound and direct aux for my listening to my iPod. It still has a few minor quirks (like remote door locks - sometimes the passenger side wont unlock w/the remote and have to unlock from the center button), which a car this price should not have. This is the first BMW I have purchased and now understand the obsession. There is no better feeling than putting it into "SD" (automatic trans) and seeing all the other cars left in the dust :)

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  Too early to tell - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By jgogan - December 1 - 2:31 pm

  I just purchased this 540i (my first Bmer) in Sept, 07. The car had been well cared for with 130K. I like this car a lot. Acceleration, ride, styling and amenities are all first rate. The transmission is a 5-speed auto that keeps are RPMs down when cruising. Just developed a transmission leak and the heating comes on when it wants to. Presently waiting to be inspected by my mechanic for cause and cure analysis. Im hopeful to create a review after 1 year that comes off a little more positive. I still remain positive though realizing how much I enjoy this car when all is working well. Get back to you in a year.

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  Fun To Drive - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By 325 - November 26 - 5:26 pm

  This is a very fun car to drive, excellent performance speed and handling. Very good sound system. When you drive this car you feel like you dont want to drive anything else. The ride was very rough when I first got it but when I got new tires and rims on the car it got so much smoother. It is worth every dollar.

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  What A Ride!!! - 2007 BMW Z4
  By Mr. Incredible - November 26 - 10:05 am

  When the worst thing you can say is that the cupholders need to be redesigned, youre on to something. This car is a head-turning, sleek machine with incredible control and power. Great fun to drive.

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  really well built - 2003 BMW Z4
  By caarboy - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I traded a 2002 C5 on the 3.0l z4- everything but nav system. Big time driving fun with the 18" wheels, etc. A mini-van rear ended me at 20 mph-I did not get hurt. I had no frame damage or bags deploy and I had the car back in 10 days. Have that happen in your Miata, etc. and call me from the hospital. The critics may hate the style, but John Q. Public does not-extremely fun to drive so if it looked like a Checker cab why would I care? Only bitch-if you fail to turn gas cap two clicks, check engine will come on.

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  The best of the best - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By crusader - November 26 - 10:00 am

  Sports car handling, luxury car comfort; only BMW could make it happen. Okay, the cars NOT perfect. The cupholders are a joke. The climate control, while effective, is not very sophisticated. The radio is decidedly ordinary for a car costing around $50K. But the car coddles its occupants in the best seats in the business. The handling is the best there is with four doors. The engine delivers ample power (want more, 290 or 394HP are available) while knocking down 30 miles per gallon. The best all-around performer Ive ever driven.

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  ITS GREAT FOR SUNNY CALI CALI - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By lan - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I ACTUALLY OWN A 325I AND ITS BEEN SUCH A PLEASURE TO DRIVE THAT CAR! IT IS THE U. D. M.