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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  Just over a year and love it - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Jeff Allen - July 20 - 8:24 pm

  The car is solid, goes like mad and is a blast to drive. The V8 is a hoss, smooth and has lots of power. The balanced handling is also incredible. It is hard to believe you are driving such a big car. No reliability issues to speak of yet. The car sucks the gas if you drive it - not much of a surprise there. The stereo is also very good and feature list goes on and on. Sport package is a must. Mine has no GPS but I dont know if it is necessary - less to worry about breaking.

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  Z4 3.0si Roadster... simply amazing - 2006 BMW Z4
  By JLong - July 20 - 1:26 pm

  We ordered our car, chose every option and all colors. We chose Silver Gray Metallic paint, Gray Top, Aluminum Trim, Heated Dream Red Leather M Sport Seats, Premium Package, Sport Package, Xenons, and a 6-Speed Manual Transmission. We absolutely love our car and couldnt be happier!

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  Cruising on the East Coast - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By lilyfirecracker - July 20 - 10:00 am

  My previous experience with BMW was through my 99 323i 4-door sedan. While I was ecstatic with the cars style and overall performance, winter driving was obscene. In my search for a new, front wheel or all-wheel drive, vehicle I learned of BMWs new AWD sedans. While I regret not getting the sport package (the seats are simply not comfortable for long drives), I couldnt be more delighted with the Premium and Cold Weather packages and Harmon Kardon sound system, all of which include invaluable options. The car drives like a dream, holding the road in the most severe snow storms. I recommend this car to everyone!

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  Z - one for me!!! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By NB - July 20 - 8:25 am

  After owning MGs, Eclipses, and Triumphs, I finally found the one true sports car that "fits". It is reliable, handles like a dream and is truly beautiful to view. I get excellent gas mileage and have the pickup and speed to feel confident, even in the worst traffic. The 3 cubic feet of trunk is enough for my wife and myself to go on weekend trips and she can take ALL her stuff!!! All in all it absolutely meets my needs.

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  BMW X3 - 2004 BMW X3
  By Riederer - July 19 - 10:36 am

  Nice SUV (SAV). If I were shopping for a vehical today I would buy it again. This is the first vehicle I have owned that I can say that about.

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  Best Car Ever! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By mareo - July 19 - 6:03 am

  I have always wanted a Bimmer, and could not get the X5, so I settled for the 325I just to get my foot in the door. Now I have no desire for an X5, I love this car! It has great speed, and it also has an incredible smooth ride. I get lots of compliments on it, (because I got Midnight Blue instead of Black or Silver like everyone else). I would tell anyone buying a sports sedan to go with the BMW! Even if it is the smallest engine, it packs a lot of punch!

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  Amazing - 2000 BMW M5
  By Mark - July 18 - 3:30 pm

  My dream car was a 911 forever. When I went to buy one, I didnt fit. This became my dream car and I am so glad. Amazing performance - AMAZING. Faster than most everything, subtle looks, comfy and did I mention FAST! Great mileage for a 400HP sedan - 23+mpg when cruising on the freeway. Its a 911 with 4 doors. For the money I dont think it can be beat by anything on the road. Very refined vehicle.

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  BMW 650i is the one to get - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By fitmaster - July 18 - 3:30 pm

  This car is just an extreme pleasure to drive, the handling, acceleration and features far exceeds the my other luxury coupe test drives. The complaints on the iDrive are understood, but I use the voice control to access just about anything on the menu, without touching the iDrive. I live in the Miami area where there are many, many lux coupes out there, but the BMW always turn heads. Absolutely, no regrets buying this car.

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  Extraordinary! - 2005 BMW X5
  By Mimi - July 17 - 2:40 am

  I bought a new BMW X3 2006 this february, and had a very bad crash in which the car was totalled. I only suffered from whiplash for 3 days. If it had not been for the amazing new safety system of this car and the frame, i would not be writing here. So I made my decision that I will only drive BMW cars, which left me again with the decision: should I buy a new X3 again or should I upgrade and buy a used 2005 X5? I went with the latter option, and I am completely in love with the car! So much bigger inside than the X3it makes you feel even safer to drive, and the drive, outstanding - I have the sportspackage. I really love it!

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  Z4 Coupe - A True Sports Car from BMW - 2006 BMW Z4
  By blacktalon - July 16 - 11:56 pm

  When I saw the photos of the Z4 Coupe concept at the Geneva Motor Show, I knew that if its performance lived up to its style, I wanted one. Ive been car shopping on and off for the last couple years -- and seriously since last November. Ive test driven the Boxster, S2000, 350Z, G35 Coupe, RX-8, and even a Mustang GT. All fine cars, but none of them exactly what I was looking for. I wanted a fast, nimble, two-seater hardtop sports car that was equally fun when you floored the accelerator as when you took it through the twisties. The fact that the Z4 Coupe was drop-dead gorgeous sealed the deal. Ive owned it for a month, and I love it. Its everything I thought it would be.