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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  Lexus Upgrade - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By panoral - October 27 - 10:00 am

  After trading in a 99 GS400,the BMW is like another world.I took it easy for the recommended 1500 miles and got over 25mpg on a round trip of 2000 miles-at an average speed of over 65mph. The new car is quieter than the Lexus,especially at speed where the L had much more wind noise.The styling is much more appealing than the rather bland L. The only minor gripe is lack of space to store things in the console-the L had very good accomodations here. Safety seems worlds above and I had no fears about driving at 60+ in torrential downpours on the Interstate-visibility and tractin were astounding.

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  Fantasy Car - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By sbu - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Car is great, dealer was horrible.

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  325xi a must in the snow belt! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Deano - October 27 - 7:53 am

  I absolutely love my new 325xi. It is amazing in the snow and a true sports car to drive on dry pavement. Interior room is superb for a car of this size and the features are like that of a James Bond car! I truly believe it handles better than my old Corvette! If you are looking for a luxury sports sedan and you are in the snow belt, you will love this automobile!

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  Outstanding Performance and Handling - 2006 BMW M3
  By Dave - October 26 - 10:28 pm

  I considered the Cadillac CTS-V, BMW 335i, Audi S4, and Infiniti G35 before deciding on the 2006 M3. This was the most expensive of the lot, but the overall quality and driving experience gave it the edge. The back seats are large enough for adult passengers, the instrument cluster is user friendly, (no iDrive) and there is enough storage space to make it a functional car for daily driving. The suspension and handling are better than any car I have ever driven, including my dearly loved 99 corvette. The manual transmission is excellent. I highly recomend this car.

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  BMW Lover - 2005 BMW X5
  By BMW Forever - October 25 - 4:33 am

  WOW What a Truck, I personally never like BMWs I always though that they drove too hard and the leather interior was just to stiff. But this truck has made me a BMW Lover. This truck handels excellent in all weather even the rain....

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  The best BMW yet - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Michelle - October 24 - 3:19 pm

  This is my 4th BMW and I have never been disappointed. It wasnt until the new 07 525 that I was actually blown away. It is light years ahead of my old 528. All the new electronics (voice activation, navigation, iDrive, iPod, bluetooth) are worth every penny especially if you use your car as your mobile office.

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  Fantastic Car - 2016 BMW 3-Series
  By Paul Tighe - October 24 - 2:22 pm

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  04 330 Sport 6speed - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Butler - October 24 - 12:24 am

  BMW Certified with 26k miles. Driving to work has never been so fun (even with traffic and a manual transmission)! The sport suspension is a bit stiff but not M3 stiff. Mileage is good (22 in city driving and 31.5 on highway the 6th gear really does well for road trips). Corners like a go-cart you point it, it goes there. Stereo system needs to be totally revamped limited improvement by adjusting controls. Very noticeable tire noise with OEM Continentals (I look forward to changing them). Very clean, classy interior layout. Sport suspension, low profile tires and front facing give a very athletic look. Short throw shifter is a hoot. Small car, so spend some time in it prior to buying.

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  What a Car! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Randy - October 22 - 7:17 pm

  Just purchased Automatic Sport package 540i. The build quality is so noticeably different than other makes. As my wife stated after driving it "What a sweet ride". Says it all.

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  2007 650i - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By Redbmw - October 22 - 2:35 pm

  Total cost of ownership compared to competing cars is much lower. Acceleration and handling is great, so is the sports suspension.