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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  quick take - 2004 BMW X3
  By kevin365a - February 22 - 10:00 am

  good dealership service, handles very well ( had Z3 and are close to the same feeling ) with enough bells and whistles to keep everyone from being bored

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  My BMW - 2004 BMW X3
  By BigHipsSoftLips - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Great car....not too high off the ground, passengers fit comfortably in back seat, back doors open wide enough for my big dog to get in comfortably. The "extras" make the car worthwhile.

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  best of the best - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By like bimmers - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Have owned Saabs, Porsches, Evos, Wrxs &have to say BMW 3 series are the best of the lot from fun, performance, relialability, value . The list goes on. Only sports sedan we would have,including the Porsche which is obviosly not a sedan. Best all round performer.

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  me - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Matchb - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I have a manual shift, and the shifting seems to be a bit rough, other than that, the car is perfect. Handling in great. Will top 110 easily, top movement is flawless and can be done at a red light if timeing is right.

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  Best Car of My Life - 1995 BMW M3
  By Ron Stopfer - February 22 - 8:14 am

  I bought this red M3 in Dec 94 (a 1995 model) as my 50th birthday present. This is THE best car Ive ever owned! Fun to drive! Totally reliable! Great comfort! Bulletproof mechanically! Very nice trunk (unlike my 911)! Looks like its speeding while parked. A head turner every day. While Ive driven this luxury model over 115,000 miles, it is still a special treat to get inside this and drive it, every day. If I only had one car to drive, every day, for the rest of my life, it would be this BMW car. I currently have half a dozen cars (including a 2003 Mustang SVT "tuned" Cobra), and two BMW motorcycles, but everyday I go out, I instinctively get in the M3 and let it go. Buy one!

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  Super fast and smooth saloon - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Szutao L - February 21 - 11:00 pm

  Got this car used for a fraction of msrp. My strongest impression is the low rpm punch and the acceleration. Engine and transmission is super smooth, lots of features are standard, interior is classy. Lots of room, very comfortable for long rides, especially passengers. Seat adjustment was unbelievable. Exterior look was an improvement with facelift, going back to classic bmw look. Why wont you buy a cpo executive car, it is a bargain.

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  Another great product from BMW - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By Soulpatch_28 - February 21 - 6:23 pm

  Love the car overall. The acceleration leaves a lot to be desired. I am mystified by the cheap cup holders in the front seat. For $50,000 I expect more. The car takes the road well. The new iDrive is much improved from years past.

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  A Non-Truck! - 2005 BMW X3
  By ProMariner - February 21 - 11:50 am

  I am not a big fan of SUVs, but finally needed something larger than my car. This baby does the trick! Styling, versatility, comfort, and performance all rolled into one! Inside you dont have the feeling of being in a truck or mini-van. Outside, theres no mistaking it for a pick-up with a cap. With the 3.0 liter engine you fly and if you feel sporty, the 5-speed automatic lets you shift manually. Between the roof rack, trailer hitch, and cargo bay you can put your bicycles on top, out back, or inside! It may not be enough room for a party of six, but its more than enough for a couple or small family. Only knock is that the AWD gets 16MPG around town and requires premium gas only.

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  Living with a legend - 1991 BMW 8-Series
  By Acapulco - February 21 - 10:58 am

  Painted in non-factory Lamborghini yellow and with M5 18 inch "parallel" chrome rims, it looks simply stunning. Since I live in Acapulco, my son living in San Diego keeps the BMW garaged and serviced. The 850 is driven every other day, and I personally get to use it for a week every two months or so. There are few cars for any amount of money, that offer this fabulous driving experience. A real head-turner, even in La Jolla people just stop and stare. The rear seat, once you get in, is extremely comfortable, and regularly drive around with 4 passengers. The 850 is so quiet and stable that it is easy to go 100 MPH without noticing. In Sport Mode, performance is awesome.

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  2006 330i - Beautiful Car - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Douger - February 21 - 7:38 am

  Car is the complete package. Sport & Premium Package. Love the wheels, looks and performance. Transmission is smooth. I owned a 1995 325i for 9 years and it was the best car I ever owned. This vehicle is very nice as well. Run flats arent cheap. $510.00 per tire at the dealership. Radio rocks, car handles great, looks outstanding and my wife steels it from me 3-4 days per week. We fight over this car. Lots of fun! Black on Black. Highly recommend this vehicle. After these run flats wear out may just switch to normal tires and a can of fix a flat. Outside run flats car is outstanding!