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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  Bad Bimmer - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Bimma Boy - April 15 - 12:57 am

  I bought this as a second car so I dont have to drive my Evo all over the place an I have to say, this thing, this BMW is excellent. Accelereration is quick and stable an smooth at speeds up to 120mph, it can be decieving unless you look at the speedo. You think your doing about 70mph when youre actually doing 90. Handling is superb! Find the speed limit for the corner an double it an you will find that BMWs are not just overpriced cars. This car looks good, rides well, and can perform very well. It gets looks from everyone espcially the ladies, unlike my Evo which gets more looks from 15 year old boys. Go full throttle into the turn and youll find a new love for cars.

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  Great car once its imported from Germany - 2012 BMW 7-Series
  By Mr. Sampson - April 14 - 10:14 pm

  Great car once its imported from Germany. Be sure not to get 1 assembled in the USA.

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  The 750 is the Best! - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Rick Alsema - April 14 - 2:20 pm

  I agaonized about a what new car to buy after losing interest and patience with MB. Looked at Jag Super V8, A8 but the 750 was miles ahead of either. The iDrive is a joy and it makes you question the capabilities of current auto journalists who have not gotten used to this in the past 5 years. Love the power, space and most of the features. Extremely comfortable on any road surface. The car just looks great and does everything the way a car should. The power rear seats are a must and the rear DVD system is great on trips. The car has been totally flawless up to this point and everyone who sees it is impressed and curious.

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  A fun car to own - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Swiss Ag - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I had wanted this car for a while and I could not be happier with my purchase The car turns a routine jaunt on the freeway into a sublime journey. My wife was slow to come around, but after she had some alone time to bond with the car we find ourselves making excuses for who gets to drive the Bimmer each day. If you like performance, you have to go with the manual as you just do not get the same performance out of an automatic. If you are looking for a plush, supple ride this is not the car for you. If you want to feel as though you are an extension of the road, you have to at least give it a try.

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  Best in its class - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By jpnwdc - April 14 - 10:00 am

  After exhaustively looking for a 4-door sedan in th $30-$35K price range, I finally decided on a 2002 325i. Im very happy with my selection. It is simply the best compared to the competition. Sure the Infiniti G35 may be faster, and the Mercedes C240 may have a more refined and quieter ride. However, the 325i has the best combination of fun and comfort in this price range. Everything about it has a quality feel - the way the doors close, the sound of the Inline 6 cyl. engine, and the textures and materials used in the cabin.

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  My First BMW - 2006 BMW X3
  By Keith - April 13 - 8:53 pm

  I originally was looking at the Mercedes ML350 but, I wanted a German made automobile. Im very glad I chose the BMW X3. Man, is this car fun to drive. This car handles the road extremely well. Is very comfortable inside and also has plenty room. The quality of the leather interior is amazing. When sitting inside you know you are in a luxury car. Hats off to BMW - this is a top notch automobile.

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  Best BMW Ever - 2006 BMW M5
  By M5Racer - April 13 - 3:42 pm

  I recently purchased a 2006 M5 after retiring an Infiniti G35 and 2001 525i. In a nutshell, this car rocks! It has all the features and benefits of a luxury car, yet when asked immediately this performs like a Formula 1 racecar. Two thumbs up for BMW!! If you can afford one, get one. I promise you wont regret it.

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  Finally got my 545i!!!! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By ab - April 13 - 1:59 pm

  After much debate, I decided to let go of my 2006 330i for a 2005 545i. So far, the car does not disappoint. The iDrive is by far one of the best gadgets the car has to offer. You have to be computer illiterate not to know how to use the iDrive. These are the gadgets that make the car exciting!! As far as performance, the engine delivers!!! I could only image how the 550i performs. In addition, the car is very spacious and the seats are very comfortable. I cant wait to drive the car because it is that exciting!!

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  My first bmw - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By victorrrq - April 12 - 8:37 pm

  The car is fantastic...when its fixed. When I first bought the car it was all right, but when the warrantee ended, I was forced to go fix the car. Cooling problems, electrical problems, I probably spent over 10gs of repairs and upgrades to the car. I love the car but the repairs for it are a...you know what. And the car is awful in winter, but that could be fixed with newer winter tires.

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  One Great Used Car! - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By 78280z - April 12 - 3:57 pm

  I bought this car on eBay with 82k miles. I have changed belts, spark plugs, oils. At 100k I changed the valve cover gasket (piece of cake) at 105k I had the tie rods change. I have done some little things to keep it looking and operating like new. The car is easy for the "DIY" to work on. This is the finest car I have driven. Im a car salesman and this is not the brand I sell. It will be the brand I drive from now on. A Car To Be Proud Of!!