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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  Franks car - 2004 BMW X3
  By FRANK WERTH - August 9 - 2:50 pm

  an absolute pleasure to drive and the navigation system will get you anywhere you want to go. Plenty of power in the engine and response is immediate when needed to make a quick pass.

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  What a Ride! - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By The Vicar - August 8 - 9:59 pm

  What a car! Speed, comfort, and luxury! Traveling 300 to 500 miles a day several times a month and I feel refreshed when I get out of the car! My car has been perfect!

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  The Drive of your Life - 2003 BMW Z4
  By jdimas - August 6 - 9:15 pm

  We love our BMW Z4. It handles well in all weather conditions and by far looks about the best of any convertible in the market.

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  Lots of fun - needs more storage - 2006 BMW Z4
  By LasVegasPhil - August 6 - 5:35 pm

  I have out about 500 miles on this in two weeks- took it over the mountains to go to court. Lots of curves and twists, and the car hung in there every step. I also own an 06 Boxster that holds the road better but cant complain about this car. Storage is always a problem in a roadster, but even BMW should have a coin holder/tray of some kind. Maybe should have gotten the 3.0 si but this car has plenty of power. Love it!

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  Incredible value - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By adp - August 4 - 3:43 pm

  I got my 650i convertible with most options in mid-June and it was delivered flawless and has been flawless in the first 2000 miles. The iDrive is easy to use, although boot-up sometimes takes a while. A few minutes with the manuals is worth the time. The 650 is very well balanced and after break-in seems to get better mileage and has better response. I have owned more expensive cars that do not come close to this one dynamically or stylistically . It is not the fastest car, but it is fast enough for me. Lots of compliments on the design. When compared to cars costing over $20000 more the 650 comes out on top, IMO.

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  Best Car I ever owned - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By Rick B. - August 3 - 2:51 pm

  I have owned 6 BMWs in my life starting with the 2002tii in 1974 and continuing through a 530i, 633csi, 740iA, 745i and now the 645. It is by far the best car I have ever owned and still makes me smile after 2 years of driving.

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  ALZ - 2003 BMW X5
  By ALZAZ - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Easy to drive, comfortable, performs like a 5 series sedan.

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  WOW - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Guy - August 2 - 1:26 pm

  This is my third BMW convertible and by far the best. The SMG transmission is great and really adds to the fun of driving. Absolutely no problems. I would recommend this car to anyone considering a convertible - two or four place.

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  My first bmw - 2002 BMW X5
  By beckner - August 1 - 4:25 pm

  Every time I switch cars with my wife and son I realize what a real driving machine this vehicle is - you just have to sit behind the wheel to experience how it performs - it is such a solid well built vehicle.

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  Repeat Customer - 2006 BMW X5
  By redrocket - August 1 - 10:17 am

  This is my 3rd BMW and this absolutely the best so far. There was no question as to what car to purchase when we wanted a new vehicle. As an added bonus, BMW has improved this model with better mileage, better handling and a few interior changes such as the huge sun/moonroof, (my last one was identical but 4.6is). I enjoy driving this car because it is so safe, solid, comfortable and responsive. I like the SAV aspect because I can fold the back seats to accommodate my bicycle or opt to put a rack on the rear. I would recommend this car to everyone.