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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  Best car Ive ever had - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By jek1601 - July 3 - 3:48 pm

  After driving Honda Accords for many years, I finally decided to step it up and get a faster car. But was wary of rear wheel drive so went with the sedan AWD due to Chicagos snow. I have a 5 speed, which was ordered from Germany since the dealership didnt have one in stock. Ive had the car three years now and dont regret my decision, even with gas prices so high. I get 25-27 MPG and with 38,000, Ive had no problems with the car, other than occasional alignments. The car is fast, exp. with the 5 speed and cruises at 70-80 effortlessly. Id recommend it to anyone who loves to drive.

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  BMW - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Gabriele Moison - July 3 - 2:36 pm

  We purchased this beauty and love the car. The only problem we have is that the convertible top is not working like it suppose to. It has been in the shop 4 times since we purchased the vehicle. The first time it was a computer chip where they literally had to take out the back seat. Then it was another computer glitch and now the top when it is closed makes noises. The runflats I am not impressed, the ride is rough when you hit a bump and then the tire light comes on. Other then that we love the car.

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  2006 BMW 330i - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By fastdriver123 - July 2 - 3:46 pm

  Bought a 2001 330i and modified the suspension slightly. This was the best handling car I ever owned. Traded that in to get the 2006 330i. Better looking, more sophisticated and refined, and just as fun. These cars are the most fun you can have in the under 50k price range. BMW is the only automaker that tests every single model at the Nurburgring racetrack in Germany. If it handles that track well, it will handle anything well.

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  BMW 530i from RLA - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By RLA - July 2 - 3:24 pm

  This car makes me feel good to drive. I love it! For about the first year, we had some software problems -- nothing that affected performance, but created a nuisance (e.g., couldnt sense CDs in CD changer, difficulty recognizing voice commands). BMW found the problem and upgraded software. Since then, its problem free. Inside styling is chic, but its a bit cramped. Little storage room.

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  bmw 325i - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By asdf;lkjoiweur - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Great car, would recommend for all. Awesome handling

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  One CoooL Bimmer - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Zzero_CoooL - July 1 - 12:35 am

  This is one very nice BMW, I have owned the car since day one! This baby has it all and has never gave one minutes problems! I have driven it from the South to the North with no problems what so ever! It is now about 6 years old and still looks and drives as good as any 06 model on the market in my eyes! The styling is super sleek and very demanding! I get glances everytime I pull up to a traffic light! This is the best BMW I have owned to date. Note: Ive owned 7 NEW BMWs since 1996, By far this 2000 323i is the best!

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  A bit pricy, but fun to drive. - 2005 BMW X3
  By Ed - June 30 - 11:30 pm

  I never thought I would purchase a BMW. While delivering some documents to the dealer, the owner of the dealership took me out for a test drive during a heavy downpour. The X3 handled like a champ! It performed like a sports car ... it feels like one.

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  Cool Ride - 1992 BMW 5-Series
  By Duane Barrett - June 29 - 7:34 pm

  I recently bought this car with 168,584 miles for $3000.00. This is my first BMW and aside from the interior cosmetic problems, the body is still in excellent condition and the car runs GREAT!!! Looking forward to owning and driving the Bad Man Wagon!!!

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  Red rocket - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Robert - June 27 - 1:25 pm

  We purchased our car from the factory and had the opportunity to legally drive it at Autobahn speeds. At 120 mph, this car is stable and quiet. Since weve been back in the States, we dont drive that fast, but this car is comfortable- even when in tight turns at speed - and even with the "small" engine has the power to comfortably pass at highway speeds. The fit and finish are just great. The transmission shifts smoothly and the car drives well in all types of weather and road conditions. This is a great car.

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  As good as it gets! - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Flyby - June 27 - 9:48 am

  Its hard to explain the joy this car brings. Everything works together perfectly in the Z4 to create one awesome driving experience. BMW has to make some of the best engines Ive ever driven. Smooth strong power from any RPM range. The sport suspension mode is incredible!