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 Car - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By meko - January 7 - 2:00 am

  What a Great car, quick, comfortable, responsive, all you need

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  Jules Review - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Jidge33 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I absolutly love my BMW! I had an 89 325i for a couple of years and it was a real treat to get a newer one. Once you drive a Beamer you never want anything else! It handles like a dream and is just a really superior car.

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  2005 325i BMW - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By gregory - January 6 - 2:19 am

  The 325i BMW 2005 model. Is smaller and more sufficient here in Germany. I have had no trouble at all and it still runs like it did when I drove it off the lot.

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  Truly the Ultimate Drving Machine - 2006 BMW M5
  By archangel - January 5 - 11:43 pm

  This vehicle is a pure drivers machine, it is what other cars aspire to be. The design, the handling, suspension and cornering are unmatched, as is the fluid acceleration through all gears... the moment you hear the engine turn over, you know you are in for a great ride... the bosy turns heads, and the engine pulls your neck straight back.. I wouldnt own anything else after driving this car.

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  My First BMW - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By ANDREA BABICE - January 5 - 4:52 pm

  This is my first BMW and I am a very happy owner! I am a female and was very intimidated by the car but in a few days I mastered the iDrive and now I would not have any other car. It blows the Mercedes S class away, and the comfort is beyond words. The keyless entry and massage seats are a must! The only improvement could possibly be the gas mileage, but everything else is unbelievable!

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  First Month Review - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By E. Unger - January 5 - 5:05 am

  Overall this car has been great fun to drive--a great performer with solid construction. The big V8 provides ample acceleration to dust away those pesky Mustangs. The interior treats the driver and a single passenger to indulgent comfort, but back seat passenger = contortionist. Style, comfort, acceleration, fit and finish all get high marks. Less impressive is BMWs implementation of the iDrive interface, with special admonishment for the MP3 systems inadequate display of song information. Stalwart critics of the Bangle Butt have a point, but are typically so far behind me in traffic that I cant hear them. This is a car that demands attention while putting the driver in command.

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  My little "ugly" coupe - 2001 BMW Z3
  By lawrence thompson - January 4 - 8:34 pm

  I bought my 2001 Z3 coupe about a year and a half ago. It has never stopped turning heads (one of the reasons I bought it in the first place). The car performs the way one would expect a BMW to perform... with elan and enthusiasm. The styling is what I love about the car, above performance. Its been described as looking "like a high top tennis shoe", but thats usually with an appreciative smile. The car has been very reliable, as one would expect from this manufacturer. I expect Ill keep this car forever... after all, since the coupe is no longer manufactured, it will only become more unique with the passing of time.

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  BMW is the only car for me - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Mike - January 3 - 4:56 am

  This is my 11th or so BMW. Last was the 1999 528i which I loved. At first, didnt like the direction of the new styling, but at least it is not as gaudy as the 7 Series. Forget Audi A6 and Mercedes E class. There is no drive like this one and it gets better all the time. The new sports trans is really nice. I basically drive in that and use regular drive like an overdrive on the highway. There is no ride like the the BMW, the ultimate driving machine.

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  A German Delight - 2004 BMW M3
  By Payam rahimifar - January 2 - 6:00 am

  This vehicle has proven itself both in drive and in park. It breaks necks, causes people to stare and attracts attention thanks to its positively defined look which equilibrates muscle with class. However, when the car is in drive, it is a different story. Very quick, sounds great, not too many cars that can keep up with the 333 horses energizing this machince meant to race down the autobahn. Feels great, handles great, and loks great... what more can you ask from a car that gets from 0 - 60 mph in 4.5 seconds ?

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  Big Fun - 2006 BMW X5
  By AMorgan - January 2 - 12:28 am

  Outstanding handling, performance and a thrill to drive! BMW focuses on the driving experience vs "gadgets". It didnt take long to decide on the X5 after test driving the competitors.