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:

• 

  Still an Ultimate Driving Machine - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By White 2 Dr Coupe - November 8 - 3:18 pm

  After owning this car for five years I still enjoy the ride & performance of this vehicle. It makes just driving to the grocery store a pleasure. Keeping it clean brings comments to me all the time, like what year is your car and when I tell them they dont believe it. They say that car still looks new. And it feels good because I stay up on the maintenance.

• 

  Awesome - 2007 BMW Z4
  By Peter - November 7 - 5:31 pm

  I was initially hesitant about buying a roadster, but after owning this for two months I wished I had purchase this sooner. Make sure you get the stick shift because thats half the fun. Also get the sports pkg with the sports mode and upgraded wheels. The sports mode provides livelier accel and steering. When driving the Z, the car is truly one with the driver (me).

• 

  330Ci - Ultimate Grinning Machine - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By BrianE - November 7 - 10:00 am

  My 330Ci puts a smile on my face every time I get in it, drive it, or wash+wax it. The car is literally a feast for the senses; the styling is pleasing down to the smallest detail, the exhaust note is throaty and powerful, the acceleration/handling is nimble and quick, and the Montana leather adds just enough to the atmosphere. Simply put, the car inspires confidence in its abilities and nurtures the drivers abilities through the responsive feedback system and a generally forgiving nature. You feel safe in this car-- the brakes, the Dynamic Stability Control, the six-pack of airbags and the visibility at night with the Xenon headlights.

• 

  Cant Imagine Driving Anything but a BMW - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Tex330Ci - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I have had the car for 13 months and still cant believe it took me 31 years to discover BMW. The chasis design, coupled with the outstanding braking power and old-school steering (mine was made after 5/1) make this one of the funnest cars I can imagine. The acceleration is smooth and refined. You will not experience torque-steer or fading of the power band at any speed. The balance in the car is indescribable. The make-to-order buying experience was fantastic and I cant imagine owning anything else at this time.

• 

  Fun Car - 2002 BMW M3
  By Fun Car - November 6 - 5:49 pm

  Great car. Gets around 25 mpg on the freeway! Only reliability issues have been the window trim, ignition modules & other minor things. 100,000 miles and still going strong!

• 

  The Z - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Cuda Jake - November 4 - 10:00 am

  The Z4 is fun to drive all the time. We have taken several long trips >1000 miles the trunk holds 2 airline roller bags + addional gear. (Golf clubs fit fust fine also). The handling, power and interior space make the car a joy to drive.

• 

  Doesnt get any better. - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By captainmp - November 4 - 3:22 am

  A classy, sports sedan. Puts a Porsche to shame. Beautiful, powerful, sure handling - great soft top with more quiet than most sedans. Take regular care of it and itll probably outlive you and still remain fun!

• 

  A Change - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By KIM - November 3 - 11:46 pm

  From having a truck or SUV for every car that I have owned, I have to say this is fun to drive. My last vehicle was a Tahoe I needed a more fuel economical vehicle. I researched and test drove several cars and would have to say this is the best one. It could use some more interior room and definitely a useful second cup holder. Still not sure what all the buttons do. Beware of pulling into parking spots that have a curb, you will scrape. Leather seats seems to get a lot hotter than my other leather seats. My brakes seem to leave black residue on them (no I am not hard on the brakes).

• 

  What took me so long - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Pacific NW Driver - November 2 - 4:46 pm

  Bought my first BMW (530i w/Sport Package and navigation) one month ago to get style plus sporty performance. Had driven Nissan Maximas for prior 12+ years. This car has delivered as Im inventing reasons to take the long way home. Went on a 300+ mile trip and it was extremely comfortable. Interior build quality, mechanical and electronic performance is very solid. The sport package with 18" low profile tires is a must as it really sets off the look and you get added handling.

• 

  BMW ROCKS WITH AWD - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By TC - November 2 - 10:36 am

  Love it, tested the 5 series and liked it but the cost was not worth the difference in auto. 325 xi handles great in the snow of Wisconsin. Get the power seats!