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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  Recent Convert to BMW - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By JP - June 6 - 4:41 pm

  Im a long term Audi owner (have had six), who decided to look around when they dropped the free maintenance. I test drove the new Audi A6 wagon and the BMW 530xiT. The BMW did just about everything better than the Audi and the monthly lease rate was better. The choice was a no-brainer! The 530xiT ride and handling are first rate, as is the build quality. The engine is exceptionaly smooth but could use a bit more low end torque. Winter performance, especially with snow tires, is exceptional. The iDrive is not as scary as expected but could be better. I like my BMW so much that we replaced my wifes Audi with a BMW 530xiT too!

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  Good Choice - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Maine-ly Bimmer - June 5 - 5:06 pm

  Bought my stripped-down 325i off the lot, on-impulse, though I had test-driven last years model. Compared to that car, this is roomier and more attractive. Its zippy and the ride/drive is effortless. Suspension, great,q uiet compartment and first fun car Ive owned in 10 years.

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  Top notch - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By D.B. - June 5 - 3:46 am

  I have owned this car for a little over a month and I do not have any regrets. The ride is excellent and so is the handling. I had considered a Mercedes E350 4-matic and an Audi A6 Quattro. I am glad I went with the BMW, I think I received much more for the money. I have also found the "very difficult" iDrive system very easy to use. Overall I rate this the best European luxury car that I have ever owned.

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  This car has far exceeded my expectation! - 2007 BMW 6-Series
  By W Broussard - June 4 - 8:51 pm

  The second day I drove this car down a two lane road with the top down listining to the purr of the engine I was filled with satisfaction that Id made the right choice. WOW! What a beast.

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  Im Hooked - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Dave - June 4 - 3:58 pm

  I recently traded in my perfectly fine 2006 Honda Civic EX coupe for this car, and I absolutely love it. I was looking for a little more fun than the Honda provided, and also something the family would enjoy. This car is all that you read about and more. It offers the perfect blend of fun, performance, and practicality. This is my first venture into BMW-land, and Im hooked so far. I was looking for a used model with low miles, and I came across my 2002 330 CiC with just 38,400 miles and a clean Carfax. The beauty of BMWs is that they often look much younger than they actually are. I walked away with my "almost new" car for just $25k, down from $46k new. Very happy so far.

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  I Love My 318is - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By Bimmerhead - June 4 - 3:30 pm

  I purchased my car from the original owner with ~68,000 miles on it in 1998. It now has 165,000 aggressive miles on it and it has proven itself to be a VERY well built, reliable, fun to drive car. It has no torque and doesnt accelerate off the line well, but once up to speed on the highway, this car is very quick. You have to learn to keep the revs up. It eats gas for a four-banger, but it loves to rev. Ive done H&R springs, Bilstein sport shocks, Hawk HP Plus pads and the car is very nimble and tossable. Its very reliable, entertaining transportation.

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  Super Machine - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By JCM - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This is a very nice car, everything was perfect especially the interior leather and the xenon lights. The performance was great such as the brak system and how fast it accelerates, prevented me from a few accidents! However, it is very expensive, overall it is a great car!

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  Every drive is great !!! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Brad S - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my third BMW . First car was a 1973 3.0 CS , next was a 1976 2002. As a car dealer I get a company car so its been a long time since I actually owned a car. After Sept 11th I decided to get a " real car" if that makes any sense . I love this car, have a 5 speed w/ Sport package ,Premo pack , Cold pack ,gray leather, Xenon lights & dark blue met paint.In a over a year its been completly problem free . I had to get snow tires living in NY but that,s all .

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  I love my 325i - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By rjg96 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2001 325 (which I think is better looking than the later facelifted models), and really enjoy it. I picked it up in Germany, and drove it on the autobahns for 2 weeks-- I HIGHLY recommend you take advantage of BMWs european delivery program. The car has been absolutely reliable-- but there have been a few rattles that bugged me (I fixed them myself w/ some felt). options 5 speed manual Cold-weather packaged moonroof leather sports package Get these while you can-- as you can see from the new 7 and 5 series, BMWs are becoming quite ugly!

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  Another happy 5 series consumer - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By snake327 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Very quiet and great MPG on the interstate (30MPG). But those cupholders!!! When will the Germans get it right for the American consumer.