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:

• 

  German Bank Vault - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By My first BMW - January 5 - 12:46 am

  I was going to buy a G35 but thanks to limited headroom and no help from Infiniti to improve headroom, I picked the 328i. What a machine... ordered from the factory with Prem, Sport, Xenon, Comfort Access about a month ago and Ive been smiling ever since. Razor like handling, & ample power. The traction control works VERY well on wet or slushy WA roads -- no regrets for passing up the xi.

• 

  A perfect 4 door sports car - 2000 BMW M5
  By les hodges - January 3 - 6:33 pm

  I bought this vehicle with 19,000 miles and drove it for 30,000 enjoyable miles! Its fast, comfortable, gets around 19 mpg around town, and handles like a true 4 door sports car. This series of M5 is now the bargain of the new century.

• 

  2001 - 740i - Sports Package - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By BMWOWNER - January 3 - 5:34 pm

  Best built sedan by far the sports package makes it even better. An absolute dream machine to drive for the past 6 years. Unmatched style and performance compared to any new BMW sedan or other comparable sedans dont even come close. Great MPG on highways. Without a doubt a better car for you than new, if you find an 01 one with low miles (40k to 60k) get it. You wont do better money wise or performance wise anywhere else at this price level, around $20k.

• 

  Beautiful Car - 2008 BMW 6-Series
  By rasvegas - January 3 - 1:38 pm

  I havent owned a convertible in years so I thought it was time. I added the sport package, upgraded sound system and 21" chrome wheels. The car is stunning. I get comments and looks constantly, especially when the top is down. There is still not enough storage space inside the vehicle. Glove box is small, center console storage is small. Owners manual(s) dont even fit in the glove box. There are no cupholders in the front. But for styling, power, comfort, and electronic amenities, this is a great car. This is a true drivers car.

• 

  BEST SEDAN/SPORTS CAR - 2007 BMW Alpina B7
  By NO - January 3 - 2:33 am

  I was blown away with this car- sport car. It continues to be an enjoyment to drive. In the AM on the way to work I get a little blue then I just say well my chariot awaits and off I go with a big smile on my face. It is fast, quite (I can enjoy the classics) handle like a dream. Right after I got the Alpina, I took possession of a Porsche 997 turbo cab sport package. I am sorry I got the Porsche because I am having a blast with the Alpina. The bars are quite high now thanks to Mr. Alpina.

• 

  The ultimate driving machine - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By john - January 2 - 10:19 pm

  Zippy fun to drive car! handling is excellent. pick up is decent for a 4 speed automatic, 4cyl car. In my opinion you can hang with any other sports sedan on the freeway with this car. One thing about BMWs that the owner must stay on top of is the maintenace. these are VERY sensitive cars and if you ignore the maintenance the end result will hit you in your wallet hard!

• 

  Fun to drive, not to pay for - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Mark - January 2 - 5:34 pm

  Torque out the kazoo, lots of grunt for passing, throw it in to corners as hard as you want. I regularly drove the car on 600-mi trips and was very comfortable at the end. However, exceptionally expensive maintenance has been a downer. I spent over $3500 (incl $650 to replace a window motor) in 8 mos and could be spending another $1500 as the car has >100K mi. Will not buy another BMW w/o warranty (and probably not with warranty until iDrive tumor is removed).

• 

  One car does it all - 2002 BMW X5
  By Just me - January 2 - 3:26 pm

  After owning Land Rovers, Land Cruisers, we tried the new 4.4 X5 It drove like a performance car on highways and mountain roads. Yet, we have driven the X5 on the same off roads and forest trails, it handled them as well. Only limit, road clearance less than Land Cruisers, BUT, far more power, handling, braking. Best overall car we ever had. Solid quality, excellent finish.

• 

  Trading Up - 2003 BMW X5
  By Screech503 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  After driving a 4.4i X5, I decided to trade up to the 4.6is. I was always "wowed" by the 4.4i, but the 4.6is with the 340 hp engine blew my socks off. I think its the best car Ive every owned (this my 4th BMW, so thats saying alot!) The interior design is very nice, and comfotable yet gripping "sport" seats. The thing handles like a M5. And the wheels, oh the wheels, 20inch 5 stars. They make the car.

• 

  IN LOVE WITH MY BMW CONVERTIBLE - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By shari drerup - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I AM TOTALLY IN LOVE WITH MY 325 CONVERTIBLE- DRIVING ALONG CURVY COUNTRY ROADS AT SUNSET IS NOW AN OFFICIAL PASSTIME OF MINE- I NEVER MISS A SUNSET- TOP DOWN- WIND IN THE HAIR- SOUNDSYSTEM BLASTING -AND A VEHICLE TO FALL IN LOVE WITH- HANDLES LIKE A DREAM- NEVER KNEW DRIVING COULD BE SO THERAPUTIC--AND THE BMW 325 CONV. GETS THE LOOKS- TRUCKS HONK- KIDS WAVE- PEOPLE STOP TO WATCH YOU PASS- PEOPLE LOVE THIS BODY STYLE-SO MUCH FUN TO DRIVE- PEOPLE MOUTH TO ME AS I PASS--I LOVE YOUR CAR-----HEAVEN ON 4 WHEELS