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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  330i Performance Package - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By qvu - September 8 - 10:00 am

  This BMW is my 3rd one, and it is an awesome car. I had traded my 2001 325ci for the 330i Performance Package, and it was a great decision. The cars handling is great in wet condition but totally amazing in dry weather. The 6 speed manual is really easy to operate. The car is just overall fun to drive. I test drove the Infiniti G35, and for the price, the G35 wins. However, the G35 doesnt drive or perform as well as the 330i ZHP. I think that the 330i wins the emotional factor between the two cars. Besides, the 330i looks great next to my 1999 E36 M3.

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  Fun sporty car - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Elizabeth Morrow - September 7 - 1:32 pm

  This car is a lot of fun to drive. It has great power and control, nice features as well. It is somewhat expensive to maintain, but thats true for most European cars.

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  Fun and Reliable - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Michelle - September 7 - 11:06 am

  My 330xi is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. Not only is it extremely safe, but its performance and handling is better than any other car I have driven. Before purchasing, I test drove several others in this class, none of which compared to BMW.

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  Critics need to calm down - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By bimmer35 - September 5 - 7:27 pm

  I purchased this car about a week ago, and all I can say is that it is fabulous. The ride quality is superb, and it offers every creature comfort one could need. The seats are comfortable and there is ample room. Why then do critics mock BMWs premium sedan continuously? I believe iDrive is their central concern, but after only two days in the car, I grew quite comfortable with the GPS, entertainment, communication, and climate functions of the car. The only real problem I have with this car is keeping my kids away from all of the buttons that control the interesting features. All in all, i believe this to be a better car than the other competitors.

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  After 8 years of ownership - 1992 BMW 8-Series
  By Jim S - September 5 - 4:48 am

  The 8 series is a super-coupe, the king of the heavy cruisers of the autobahn. Although heavy, it still responds well to driver input and was a major departure for BMW in that it was a heavy coupe with all the creature comforts. In town it is a little ponderous, and sometimes shows its 4100lb curb weight. However, on the highway, it shines. The E31, as it is known in the BMW world, has a timeless and artistic form that draws a crowd of admirers wherever you stop. The main question Ive gottn about my now 14 year old car is, "is that the new model?" Truly a beautiful and unique automobile.

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  Affordable luxury car - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By weterb - September 4 - 8:36 pm

  Excellent acceleration, handing, fuel economy. Sounds like a symphony as it works. A car with design depth. A 15 year old car that still is up to date and still turns heads.

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  Great SAV...better then Japanese - 2002 BMW X5
  By qamarmu - September 3 - 10:59 am

  I was in the market for a month, and test drove x5, fx 35 and rx330 and rx 300. Finally picked up the 02 X5 best bet for the money. Got all the looks and style and performance. Sportronic is great, and my wife can drive it too with autonomic mode. Great stability and ride comfort Exterior styling is more aggressive then rx 300 or Rx 330. Its a great performance handling truck

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  Youll Love it..... - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By rz9z58 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for about two months and taken on a road trip of 1000 miles. This car is fantastic, its has the tighness of a sports car and the ride of a much bigger car. Even with 18" wheels and the sports suspension. Everything is at the drivers finger tips, its very well laid out, good pick up to enter the freeway.

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  Love this car - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Dave - September 1 - 12:12 pm

  I would have never expected to loke a car this much. Great car to drive. It feels like it is part of you. Could use air outlets in the rear with maybe a little more rear leg room when front seats are all the way back. Im extremely happy with the car and have no regrets.

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  Should not have bought new - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Jim - August 31 - 7:15 pm

  I bought this new in 98 -- mistake, I should have bought used and saved some depreciation. The vehicle is trouble free. Below normal wear and tear-no real system failures. I still love driving the car and it looks great. The seats wear like iron-even with my considerable weight. At 121,000 miles it is tighter than my wifes Acura was new. I do agree that the cup holders are junk. I make several long trips a year and average over 30 mpg at speeds well in excess of posted. The braking and handling have saved my bacon several times in Atlanta traffic.