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:

• 

  My Favorite SUV - 2003 BMW X5
  By jerusha60426 - July 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. When I first saw it I knew it was love at first sight. It drives like a dream. It was a little pricey but it was worth it. I would recommend this car to anyone.

• 

  Went from 2000 Z-3 Coupe to 2003 X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By Pete7374 - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive been a BMW fan for about 20 years! This X5 has all the comforts of a luxury car yet the zip of a sports car! Got about every extra except the V8. Love the heated steering wheel. The cheapest thrill in years. The GPS isnt as good as my 2002 Lexus but I would never buy another car without a GPS. Your never ever need another travel map once you get the hang of them. My first BMW had about 300,000 miles on it when a 1 Ton PU ran a stop light & Totaled it. (Not Me) Ill live by the sword (BMW) from now on!

• 

  Awesome.... - 2003 BMW Z4
  By houser - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding handling & acceleration, 2.5 liter engine is adequately powerful to leave SLK & Boxster behind, great looks, and excellent service at dealership

• 

  2006 325i - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Rich K - July 19 - 12:16 am

  It took a little time to adjust to the new styling, in comparison to my previous 2004 330Xi. But Im liking it more as time passes. This new 325i is about as fast as my 330Xi was. It corners about 20% better, even though its a little larger car. The ride is fine, even with the run flat tires. I can accept it as an evolution of my previous car and would agree with the positive new model reviews Ive read about it. The relocation of the control switches took a little getting used to, as in most new cars.

• 

  I GOT THE RIGHT ONE, BABY!!! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Bimmamma - July 18 - 8:40 am

  Ive had this car for a little while now and I really like the quickness of it (mind you, I said quickness, not fastness). The handling is unbeatable!!! Doesnt seem to hug the curves like my 92 525i does but it still knows its a Bimmer and it comes in at a close second!!!!

• 

  Speechless - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Artin A - July 17 - 9:51 pm

  Well dont buy it if you dont like people to stare at you and to have random people start talking to you. Comfortable interior easy opening of roof, big trunk both men and woman of all ages enjoy.

• 

  Great value + safty - 2002 BMW X5
  By Barry A - July 17 - 10:36 am

  10 years ago I was in a bad auto accident. Since that date I have taken notice of safe autos. The X 5 might be the safest SUV on the road. Style and confort are great. 10 air bags. The gas milage is like most SUVs. The X 5 drives like the 530i. Great value and all wheel drive lets you go in the snow. Buy one, you wont be sorry, just broke.

• 

  Awesome Vehicle - 1991 BMW 5-Series
  By tcana6 - July 16 - 5:03 pm

  This is the very first BMW that I have ever owned. Its really perfect small to my style and sporty looking.

• 

  world reknown for a reason - 1995 BMW M3
  By eric - July 16 - 12:52 pm

  few auto companies have the distinction of making an affordable top performance car. BMW has been doing it for decades. I promise you this... the M line is the best all-round car series of any manufacturer. The silky shifting of the manual digging through a turn, confident in leaning on that outside front tire, will pressure your nervous system into buying your mind that exhilaration that youve always wanted. aside, the E36 M3 is the most popular of the M line for a reason. The low body, hard lines wrapped and melding with sexy curves, 50/50 weight, and ohhhh that long hood will make you yearn for an open, yet not too straight, lay of asphalt. World reknown for a reason.

• 

  The best of all worlds - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By j528i - July 16 - 6:27 am

  A classic vehicle that offers a truly sporty ride, with excellent highway handling, while comporting itself with that slow lingering class often found in high-tea cosmopolitan settings. Refined, elegant but full of secret agent type surprises.