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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  Unreal - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Max - December 3 - 2:50 am

  I have had the 2006 BMW 325I for a relatively short period of time but I am extremely impressed with it. It has great performance and comfort and brakes that are out of this world. Not to mention all the standard safety equipment that comes standard on the vehicle. The best thing about this car is its ability to negotiate the corners. Fantastic!!! BMW has definitely improved the styling and just the general feel of the vehicle.

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  A fine automobile - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Matas - December 2 - 2:00 am

  While considered an entry level sport sedan, I think both the power and the interior ride and comfort exceed even some of its mid range competiton.

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  Sweet Car!!!!!! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By neptune27 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  This is any excellent piece of work !!! Now I see why it is called the Ultimate Driving Machine !!! I have driving and owned many vehicles, but the German Cars seem to have it all !

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  Great car - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By mgibson - December 2 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. The AWD is awesome, have spun all the wheels just once, in a high-speed accelleration 90 turn on wet pavement for about a second.

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  New levels - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By lhroadster - December 2 - 2:00 am

  You must be a previous BMW owner to appreciate the new 5. If not, dont judge it. A vast improvement in style and technology.

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  Ultimate Tanning Machine! - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By Car Nutz - December 1 - 12:18 am

  I bought my 1994 325iC with 230k miles on the odometer. I cannot believe that this car still accelerates with authority and rev to the redline, but it DOES! It does have a couple of electrical issues that my mechanic says are related to the ECU, warning lights illuminate though no real problems exist. I put Bilstein shocks and M3 control arms and a cold air intake. The handling and sound is phenomenal! Agressive handling and sound! It makes my Mercedes seem like an old mans car.

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  Florida - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Florida - November 30 - 1:10 am

  First 7 Series BMW following mostly Japanese luxury (Lexus, Infiniti) and also a Benz. This car is a lot of fun to drive and really couldnt be more comfortable. I have typically stayed away from European cars because based on my high mileage each year, I am always concerned about reliability. So far it has been problem free and more enjoyable than previous cars.

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  Excellent car - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By tom Johnston - November 29 - 1:37 pm

  I love this car. The iDrive is not that hard to use. It has nothing to do with the drive or handling. The 525 has enough power for all every day around town duties. On the road it is a dream, 30 MPG last trip!

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  Dream ride - 2007 BMW X3
  By jim zrust - November 28 - 10:35 pm

  The performance and driving experience has exceeded my expectations in the first week of ownership. I like the sporty feeling and the acceleration response and the luxurious feeling. I am happy with the 25 miles/gallon on my first tank of gas. It is a huge step up from my 04 325i that I still own. I am looking forward to a little snow at this point. Thanks from a happy bmw owner.

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  E46 M3 Coupe - One Gorgeous Machine - 2006 BMW M3
  By E46M3Fan - November 28 - 9:02 pm

  This is a car that is so good looking, I walk away from it backwards so I can keep looking at it. Ive put 7,000 miles on it, and continue to look forward to the next drive! What a balanced package taut, yet supple, suspension, quickness, and turns are fun again! The last of BMWs great inline NA 6 cylinder engines has won Wards International Engine of the Year award in its 3.2 liter class for at least five consecutive years. One drive, and I know why. The SMGII tranny is a blast to operate. Its a 6 speed manual tranny, and you modulate the gas pedal just like you would on a stick shift. I can shift aggressively, for fun and speed or smoothly, for passengers. Its all about timing.