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 great and timeless BMW! - 1994 BMW 7-Series
  By Rusty - July 3 - 11:58 pm

  Although Ive owned this car for less than a month I can already tell that itll be in my possession for years to come. Its the perfect mix between luxury, sport and all-around quality.

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  Worth the patience - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By LiftThis - July 3 - 6:06 pm

  Ya know how you never buy a 1.0 release of software. Consider that for a car. While the dealership was wonderful, and we would definitely buy a car from them again, it took several trips back and forth to the dealership to work out some of the bugs in the cars firmware. Once that was fixed, WOW! I love this car. Its faster, handles better than my 2001 Porche 911 cabrio, and is quite the sleeper. I have also driven a 2005 E55 Mercedes Benz AMG, and I will take my 550 any day. The handling and braking are superb. Most folks wont be disappointed in the acceleration either. After a few M3s and Porsches, as a car lover, I can tell you that I love this car.

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  Great Car! - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By J. Gray - July 1 - 10:33 am

  I bought this car after owning other luxury cars. It outranks the others by far. The handling and solid ride speaks volumes. The downside is it is so smooth on the open road, you have to watch the speed - it is moving faster than it feels. Quality and handling along with style. One small issue is that the cup holder needs to be re-designed, its not in a good place. I am totally sold, all my cars in the future will be BMW.

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  the best car I have driven - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By goozgkh - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This car has everything you would want in a luxury sedan. The ride, performance, the looks and comfort are top shelf. Has great fuel economy also.

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  BMW X3 - 2004 BMW X3
  By Kelly Ann - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Its the best mini SUV you can find. Every peny is worth the spend. Drives like a 325 with lots of room in the back.

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  The best car Ive ever owned! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By loud - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Great ride/handling, excellent materials and build quality, well- thought out features, a quality entry- level performance/luxury vehicle.

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  Classy ride - 2007 BMW X3
  By SharonChristiansen - June 26 - 9:43 pm

  My husband and I love our new X3. We were originally going to go with the Volvo XC90, but after test driving the X3, we loved it. It handles better than the XC90 and its cheaper.

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  Fun to drive! - 2005 BMW X3
  By jackdogdc - June 26 - 2:33 pm

  I moved up from a Subaru Forester, which was a great, reliable little SUV, but no where near as much outright fun as the X3. The X3 goes exactly where I point it, on curves and straightaways. It accelerates smoothly and responsively, with a nice engine roar. The only drawbacks are a rear cargo compartment that could be roomier, and a rather clunky exterior design that you either love or hate. Fuel economy could also be improved. But none of that matters too much to me because of the funI having behind the wheeel.

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  Clean Tight Ride - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By UT@Austin - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Graduated from college, got a job, back on the singles scene, what to do? Bought a new BMW 325ci and love it! I researched the benz, lexus, acura, but BMW was it. I kept it pretty basic, metallic paint, manual trans, sport package, moonroof and paid close to MSRP at 32k. Met a girl the first hour I drove it off the lot, a fellow BMW owner. But forget the girls, this car handles like nobodys business, the engine grrs, the 17-inch tires inspire, and the stick is awesome. For a coupe the roominess is great. Im blown away by Grmn Engineering, they thought of everything. From the full size spare w/ rim to the flip-over trunk mat. This car is AMAZING!

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  THe best got better - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By lekkousa - June 25 - 4:20 pm

  Traded in our beloved 2004 325i wagon, the wife actually cried when we gave it to the dealer, for the 2007 328i which we knew couldnt be as good as our 2004 model. WE WERE WRONG! The 07 is more refined, better handling, faster, and smoother than our old wagon. Only area of concern to me is run flat tires, I much prefer a spare, but have had no issues at all.