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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  Love this car - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By JW - November 1 - 6:02 pm

  This car is amazing, which, for the price, it should be. It is however living up to every expectation. I dont know how I ever drove anything else

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  Juicy - 2003 BMW Z4
  By bob the builder3dafa - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Awesome totally perfect top speed of 200 320 watt sound system and 400 horse power.

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  Wow! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By jbmead - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Best car Ive ever driven or owned. Exceptional performance coupled with outstanding comfort--comfortable seats, plenty of leg and head room. The sport package gives you two cars in one as far as ride goes. Feels more substantial than the Boxster (Ive always preferred the BMW ride over Porsches) and the Mercedes SLK (which had little leg room and made me feel boxed in). Wind noise is virtually eliminated with the top up, and is minimal with the top down due to the fact that the driver sits so low in the car.

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  Exactly what you would expect from BMW - 2003 BMW X5
  By hondaguy2000 - November 1 - 10:00 am

  As stylish as SUVs come, superlative handling, ferocious V8 acceleration, opulent yet understated interior. BMW clearly sweated the details on the X5 - look at the quality of the dash plastics, of the shift knob, of the steering wheel, etc. Mine can even be programmed to ventilate itself twice daily - no more leaving the office to enter a steaming car! Of course, you can always drop your foot on the gas and enjoy the 300+ ft-lbs of torque.

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  BMW X5 - 2001 BMW X5
  By Evan - October 31 - 12:27 am

  Its a cool car. Ive had many SUVs before, and this X5 is best Ive ever driven. Really sticks to the ground

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  My Best Car Ever - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By kworben - October 30 - 7:10 pm

  Bought this car used in 1997 with <20K miles. I have maintained it myself and with the help of the Bentley manual found it easy to work on. With 145K it still has the original clutch. With snow tires and LSD it handles well in the snow. Other than ball joints, have done nothing but routine maintenance. Handles great (I added Bilsteins) and gets 30 mpg on my 80 mi commute. If you find a well maintained low mileage example, buy it!

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  Cuts the road like a hot knife in butter - 2000 BMW M5
  By Dr Dirt - October 30 - 5:17 pm

  Makes one very aware of where you are... and if you want to go anywhere you simply look and go! Excellent brakes and performance.

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  Great and funny coupe - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By Osvaldo Daniel Messi - October 28 - 10:31 pm

  I have a BMW 325, 1994, black. It is fast, easy to drive. Fine leather upholstery. Classic coupe design does not look old nowadays. I strongly recommend you to find one and buy it. My car only has 50000 miles (real mileage). Probably I will pass it to my son!!.

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  What a Rocket! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Doug - October 28 - 9:20 pm

  One word: wow! This is my first Bimmer. Ive owned American muscle cars and turbo-charged imports, but nothing combines drive and performance like this 335i. It has the raw power of my old V8 camero, and sticks to the road like my 300Z - the best of both worlds. Almost all the cars on the lots were auto, and all had the premium package. We ordered ours from the factory in Germany in order to get a 6 speed manual gearbox with all the sport options and very little of the "premium" options (no i-drive, thank goodness). It arrive in 5 weeks. It feels like we got a production M3 right of the box! We have had it for almost 7 months now and its still a thrill.

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  AMAZING CAR - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By BIMMERLOVER - October 27 - 10:59 am

  I used to drive a VW Golf, but always wanted a BMW. Purchased a 325i 4dr sedan and its amazing. 5 speed, Bright Red, low suspension, 17 sport rims, sport package, heated seats.. great drive and safety.. gas mileage is good