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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  Great SAV/SUV!!! - 2006 BMW X3
  By vegawoo - September 9 - 1:36 pm

  This is the best car Ive bought so far. I love this car. It is really a luxury car with the capabilities of a sports and utility vehicle but small for easy loading and driving.

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  Unbelievable!!! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Mike in PA - September 8 - 10:23 pm

  Just bought launch car last week.. Love everything about the car. Simply amazing combination of ride, handling, power, racy looks. Always wanted 3 series, but never enough room. I am 6 6" and the new larger 335i interior fits me perfectly. Lots more performance than Z4, much better ride than M3. Makes my old 540i feel like a Buick :).

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  2006 BMW X3 - 2006 BMW X3
  By carboy - September 8 - 9:02 pm

  If you want the smoothest x3 ride avoid the sport package and stick with the 17" higher profile tires. The handling is still great. This is all the advantages of a truck in a package that drives like a sports car. Nav system is easy to use and pops up out of the top of the dash. Upgraded sound sytem sould be a little better but isnt bad. Seats and driving position are great but the bottom line is the x3 is just plain old fun to drive.

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  Buy one if you can... - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By ERA - September 7 - 10:12 pm

  Well-rounded car is an understatement. Great torque & power, smooth inline 6, best exterior design BMW ever made, handles really well for a large car. Only regret is not buying a new one because I know I would have babied the car a lot better.

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  Great Drive! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By JACpa - September 6 - 10:53 pm

  My first BMW and have owned for only 3 months, but what a great experience! What a change from Lexus. Performance is smooth and acceleration exhilarating. Shiftings a pleasure and smoother after the first 1K mi. Sport seats fit perfectly and adjust in all direction; sport suspension is taught but supple; this car sticks to the road with no lean in the turns and is very quiet. Have RFTs but no problems with noise or jarring rides. Sirius radio is too complex and sounds better at higher volume. A/C works quickly. Inside is suprisingly roomy even in back. Aluminum trim is great. Comfort access is handy - just leave the keys in your pack and save the pain.

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  Z4 in VA - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Mike - September 6 - 11:09 am

  Car is a kick in the pants every day. Once you get in, the fun starts. I have a 6 sp and it is butter smooth with a light clutch. The car is what a sports car should be all about.

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  Best Car I have ever owned - 2011 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By FormerLexusDriver - September 6 - 10:00 am

  I have owned all the luxury brand cars. This is the best car ever! Some of the reviews suggest ugly styling and grabby breaks. I really do not know what they are talking about. This car is quite wonderful in every respect. It drives like an M5, is as comfortable as any car out there, both front and rear, is full of every possible gadget imaginable, and has looks to die for (in my humble opinion). Dissenters, get a life! :-)

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  3rd Bimmer - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By al privitera - September 5 - 9:55 pm

  This is my 3rd BMW, two 3s and now the 530i. Had to have tires replaced at 2000 miles, car was shaking, sun roof malfunctioned, other than that ,car is great, nice handling, braking, great looking very quiet. The iDrive is not as bad as most people say.

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  Pure Entertainment - 2003 BMW Z4
  By jackflash - September 4 - 10:07 pm

  Bought car with 28,000 miles on it and its a dream sports car. Great performance, responsive and quiet, even with the top down. Its nearly as quiet as my lexus with the top up. Very comfortable, very fast, very happy. Im always looking for a reason to drive somewhere.

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  World greatest car - 1999 BMW 7-Series
  By redskins23607 - September 4 - 8:46 pm

  Ive owned mercedes, lexus and bmws. This is the best. I will pick Bimmer over all others. The performance is amazing. This one is stock and runs with the best of vehicles. I am going to chip it out so I can get all I can out of her. I love this car!