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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  The truly Ultimately Driving Machine - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By luckyguyinla - December 13 - 4:49 pm

  I have this car no more than 2 months old. I took a spin everywhere i go .. Everything about this car is awesome beside. the miles. BMW allow you to drive at your own speed. The gas mile meter is not correctly because it depend how fast you are accert your car. I m going to keep this car until the 2008 car model come out. its fun car and attention grabber. Great car for age 18-40.. Save up your money. and wait for the 2008 new design. I loving it right now.

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  Own it till it stops - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By ritzcook - December 13 - 1:41 pm

  Have owned 5 series since 85 - 528e, 535is, M5, u name it. This car has been the best of the lot. Beautiful classic exterior and interior lines - 2.8L is BMWs most reliable in-line 6 with plenty o power (yes the M5 clearly is the pocket rocket, but 2.8 can get up and go and is easier on the gas guzzling.) The E39 is also the last 5 model without the ridiculous iDrive computer, which is completely unneccessary for driving, a safety hazard and blight on the dashboard. No major repair issues to date. When this stops running, Ill buy another used E39.

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  BMW 528xi - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Steve - December 13 - 2:13 am

  This car is great! A very comfortable ride. I have owned a 3 series, 740i, two X5s and now this. The comfort is great, performance is great and it has good gadgets. The iPod adapter and navigation system are fun and work very well.

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  Sexy, Sporty, Sleek - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By CV - December 12 - 10:30 am

  This is my 1st BMW - Jet Black with Terra int, except it didnt have the navigation system. I have to say, I will never go back to any other vehicle again. This car screams with style and class. I did a lot of research before purchasing the 330i. Theres just no comparison. I am truly impressed with every detail of this car, from the self adjusting xenon lights, to the start/stop button. And the stereo system is amazing. It is truly a driving machine and handles the road impeccably. My patience for a new vehicle was definitely worth the wait.

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  BEST CAR IVE EVER OWNED - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Matt - December 11 - 11:25 pm

  Absolutely the best car Ive ever owned. Could tell the second I started the test drive. My first road trip summarizes it all. 1200 Miles from LA to Lake Tahoe and Back. 4 People in the car, full trunk, AC on, many 100+mph sprints, two over 120, 130 top speed, and two passengers SOUND ASLEEP AT 130MPH!! Up to well over 7000 ft on the Climb up to the summit, driving around for a week at altitude in city driving conditions. Round trip gas mileage 28.6 MPG!!! AMAZING AUTOMOBILE, the quintessential BMW, 2.5L inline six + manual transmission + two door coupe= BMW!! Definitely the ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE!!

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  SPORTS CAR QUALITY BUILT - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By BMWOWNER - December 10 - 11:39 pm

  The biggest thrill is with the top down. Very little wind in the front seat. All the great accesories are included with the car. Very well built and low maintenance car. Great gas mileage. This is my second BMW and it wont be the last. The car handles great and has good acceleration. The only draw back is there isnt much room in the back seat. This is a great car.

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  BLUE BMW Convertible FAN - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Ronda Davis - December 10 - 12:04 am

  Great car that really handles well and is super fun to own!

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  Thrilling ride !!!!!!!!!!! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Denny - December 9 - 10:45 pm

  This is the first BMW I have owned but it will not be the last. From the moment I drove off it was like I was in another world. One of the first things I noticed, besides the fast acceleration, was the lack of outside noise. This is a great first BMW to get into--its pricey but worth every penny.

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  1st BMW...not last for sure. - 2004 BMW Z4
  By secularist - December 9 - 9:48 pm

  Originally got this for my wife. Im stealing it from her and getting her a 5 series. I still dont understand why the styling is "controversial"...I get more approving stares and chatter about this car than I ever thought possible. We have the 3.0 with the Sport Pkg. Ride is firm for sure, but its such a go-kart when it comes to the twisties...love it. Gets great mileage for something thats so fast.

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  Great car - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By MMorton - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Great car so far. Excellent performance. Did not like sports package, ride too choppy. Ordered several options. Handles and rides very securely. Chose this car over Mercedes E500 after I test drove both.