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 owned. - 1998 BMW Z3
  By Will - January 1 - 1:39 pm

  Fun, fun, fun. I bought this car used with 50,000 miles on it and drove it for two years and never had a problem with it, not one thing broke. The only thing I did was do oil changes and put gas. I would have still it if the car wasnt manual transmission and I didnt live in Miami (traffic is horrible here). Clearly the Z3 is one of BMWs best built cars.

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  Fun car to drive - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By MMRPharmD - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I just traded in the Cadillac CTS after having it for a week for this car. I hated the cadillac and love this car! It has so much power and it so beautiful to look at. A good car if you think less is more and want a classy car that gets attention.

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  The ultimate driving machine?? - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By iseedipp - January 1 - 10:00 am

  Great looking car i was fortunate enough that my parents bought me a black one for my bday with 29,000. Dont feel very classy with squeaky brakes (31,000 miles) yes i drive my bmw hard but then again its "the ultimate driving machine" its made to be driven and looked at. BMW work on your brake quality

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  Just got my 525xi and love it - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By buzz - January 1 - 6:31 am

  I have finally received my 5er (prm, spt,nav, comfort access) and I have had so much fun driving it. Driving this vehicle on the German Autobahn gives you a greater appreciation for German engineering. I love this car it handles great and I dont regret not getting the 530 this has plenty power. If you have not driven a BMW go test drive one you will not want anything else. Drive it you will own it!!!

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  Fun to drive X5 - 2004 BMW X5
  By Andrew - December 31 - 11:44 pm

  Our X5 is the most fun auto I have ever driven. It truly handles like a sports car except with the amazing X-drive. On the slippery wet pavement we have the X-5 is simply something special, when other cars would break loose the X-drive digs in and pulls you through the corners, push this machine to its limits and you will be amazed. When my wife drives it becomes the smooth and docile SAV she loves. This vehicle is an awesome combination of great handling qualities for either the conservative or the demanding driver.

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  An awesome car. - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By fuzeboxny - December 31 - 6:37 pm

  I have loved driving this car since May of 03. The feel of the BMW on the road is unmatched in this class. Im sadly turning this baby in, but, for a new 06 530xi.

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  BMW 325ci - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By JACEK - December 31 - 6:19 pm

  I bought this car on 12/3/05. The car is absolutely mint with sports package and clear euro lenses plus 5- speed manual. It has 42,000 miles on the speedometer. This beemer is absolutely great. The styling in and out, brakes, cornering. I love to take it on serpentine roads and zoom thru the turns. Acceleration seems to be sluggish a little bit from 0-60, However when you reach 60 forward it feels like a bullet. The maintenance can be vey expensive. After 3 weeks of ownership and hard usage of brakes. My brake light came on. I went to the local dealership and was told I need to wait 2.5 months for the first spot cost ($600).I did job myself for $120.

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  Cant Imagine... - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By PEB - December 31 - 3:06 pm

  My 4th bimmer. Didnt think Id ever spend $80K for a car, but figured now or never. The car is fantastic!! No glitches, no trouble using iDrive. Ten thousand trouble free, love filled miles. After 8 months Im still finding features that surprise and delight me. I cant imagine a more perfect car.

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  1999 BMW 323I - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By John doe - December 31 - 12:08 am

  This car is the best car I have ever owned in reliability, fun to drive, and utility. It has only been in the shop a few times for routine maintenance and performs nicely to this day.

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  What a blast - 2004 BMW M3
  By Mr. CD55 - December 30 - 11:37 pm

  Ive owned a few sports cars, and nothing can match the fun factor of my M3. It makes me smile every time I drive it. Great power (esp for a 6), great handling, looks awesome, and my local dealers service dept is the best to boot. I am in the process of ordering a new 06 M3 coupe and will be doing the European delivery. I will never buy anything but German cars from now on.