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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  Nice SUV - 2007 BMW X5
  By Pdx BMW - July 14 - 3:15 pm

  Very nice SUV - weve had other BMWs but this is the first with iDrive and I agree, iDrive stinks. In spite of the iDrive this is the only SUV I have ever driven that is actually fun to drive. (Weve had a few Denalis and Tahoes.) It drives like a BMW. Overall, its a good car, fun to drive, Id buy another.

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  Outstanding - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By 04/645ci - July 10 - 7:50 pm

  A dream come true. I am a car fanatic and I have had cars ranging from Fords to Mercedes to a Viper. The moniker "the ultimate driving experience" is so true. I love my 645ci with the sport package and 6 speed manual. Performance and handling is exceptional and the sport seats are so comfortable yet will hold you in place when you zip into the twisties. No complaints against the car not even the I drive which once you get used to becomes second nature.

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  318is - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By pbs - July 10 - 7:03 pm

  Excellent balance of performance and economy. A lot quicker than the numbers suggest - because of the 4.10 diff and close ratio gearbox, 3rd and 4th gear acceleration is very good. I also get an average of 30mpg (25 town, 35 motorway). Dont shoot me m3 boys, but the 318iS is the best handling e36 you can get it comes with proper ///M suspension, but with a lot less weight up front and the whole engine is set behind the front axle, giving excellent turn-in and balance.

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  Great 2nd Car - 2007 BMW Z4
  By DaveinCT - July 7 - 10:47 am

  The car does what youd expect... great acceleration, exhaust note, handling. When driven with the top up on those not-so-perfect days, there are a few rattles in the roof/seats. Its not as fast as a Vette off the line, but the seats are exceptionally comfortable, the THX stereo sounds awesome, and the nimble handling make it all worth while in the end. However, if you plan to do most of your driving with the top up or in the winter months dont bother!

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  Mid Life Crisis - 2003 BMW Z4
  By burnsmw - July 6 - 9:49 am

  I traded in my 740iL for something a little smaller and more fun to drive and was not disappointed. I have been driving BMW since the early 90s and have had nothing but positive experiences with them all. I started in Europe where the BMW is at home on the autobahn then moved here to the States. The Z4 is quick and nimble, and though I chose the smaller 2.5 it has more than enough power to get things moving. Mileage is great for the power it has. The engine is typical BMW, VERY smooth and quiet. Trunk space is large for the class but interior storage is lacking. I have the sport suspension which is, at times, stiff enough to jar you when large bumps are found. Handling is great.

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  A MUST GET - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By june bug - July 5 - 7:30 pm

  Speed and suspension are excellent. Handles like a champ on turns. Not many people know about it right now so its a sleeper.

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  Maybe Will Keep Another 50,000 - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By PAUL WILSON - July 5 - 12:02 am

  I purchased the car while living in Germany, although it was a U.S. made car. I now have 205,000 miles and I have always had it serviced at authorized BMW dealers. No engine or transmission repairs ever. It is a really fun car to drive, and overall I would say economical. The first five years of my ownership were in Germany, and the car really did well at high speeds. On the Autobahn I usually drove 85-95 MPH, but I have driven it as fast as 140 MPH with no problems. Although the car has 205,000 miles on it I think it will be good for at least another 50,000 or more.

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  Get one - you wont regret it - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By P2 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  In the 38 days that I have owned and drove this vehicle, I am just as excited today as I was the day I purchased it. I am a firm believer of their MOTTO: This is the Utlimate Driving Machine. Will definitely own BMWs for a long while now.

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  Best Car Yet!!! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Feed em Beans - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Almost three years and 41,000 miles and I love this car as much as the day I bought it. Still tight, fun to drive, great power curve. Looking ahead a few years to my next one!!!!

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  New 5 Series is Outstanding - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By sascholfield - July 4 - 2:00 am

  An absolutely outstanding vehicle. Looks fantastic, drive beautifully and has the best interior features Ive ever seen on a car. Congratulations to BMW on an incredible job!