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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  Outstanding Vehicle - 1999 BMW M3
  By Mike - January 18 - 11:59 am

  I love this car. Its the best car I have ever owned. Its an exciting vehicle. The acceleration is superb. Taking a trip is a pleasure. Just a great car!

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  Sporty yet practical. - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By Dr. Karl - January 17 - 4:18 pm

  Just invested in a used 2004 645Ci convertible, Sapphire black on cream leather with a 6-speed manual transmission, with only 16000 miles... great vehicle!! Combining performance, fun-to-drive factor and practicality (can take some friends in comfort in back seat). Although the design is now nearly 3 years old, the 645s beauty will never age. Would recommend the car to anyone with car-fever.

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  Great SUV... could get a little better mpg - 2006 BMW X3
  By BostonB6 - January 17 - 3:01 pm

  Fantasic automobile. No problems in first 6 months/8k miles of ownership.

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  My first BMW Experience - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Drew Garguilo - January 17 - 11:39 am

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  Love this Heavenly Car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Trish - January 17 - 1:26 am

  I love this car so much. It has increased the overall enjoyment of my life. It really has! I get happy when I drive it. It FEELS good... it FEELS good to drive... I mean it FEELS good to drive. There is no other way to say it. When I get pulled over by a cop, I feel like giving him the keys and saying, "Hey, YOU try driving this car under the speed limit! Go ahead!"

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  2001 BMW 325ci - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By PatrickB - January 17 - 12:09 am

  This has been a great vehicle to own and drive. It is extremely fun to drive and has been very reliable especially considering it is a European sports car. One of the only places it suffers is in fuel economy which is none the less good for the class of vehicle. I highly recommend buying this car and trust me, the 325ci does not want for power and it is not necessary to buy the more expensive 330ci. I must include a word of caution. Since it is a rear wheel drive car, sometimes it can be harder to drive on snow and ice than a front wheel or all wheel drive car. BMW has an absolutely amazing product. Test drive one and see what a great all around car it is.

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  Very happy - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By Marc Weiss - January 16 - 7:28 pm

  This car is a true driving experience. It is very comfortable even with lower back issues. It has more power than we can use on most California highways. The stereo and blue tooth phone systems are outstanding. A truly wonderful ride in either Sport Mode or Comfort. Recommend that all new car purchases have a complete detail outside their respective dealership and do not forget to include a "clay" of the finish. This brings out the full metallic or standard colors in a beautiful way.

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  4.8is - 2005 BMW X5
  By mike - January 16 - 3:39 am

  Ive owned a 4.4 prior to the 4.8is. The the difference is fun. Knowing you have muscle under the hood is exhilarating. Handling is superb.

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  Great car. - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Sixpaqs - January 15 - 2:23 pm

  Very fun to drive, and big enough for me inside. I am 64". I love driving this car. Literally, I take the long way home.

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  Life is Short - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Jim - January 15 - 9:10 am

  Life is short, so invest in this first class piece of automotive genius -- 530xi. Other than 26 mpg, the engineering of BMW shows through in every element of the innovative design. As for the "infamous" i-drive goes, it requires a 20-minute investment with the manual and then it is a non-event. Go for it, life is short.