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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  My 1st BMW - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Tom Feddor - July 10 - 3:21 pm

  All in all I have enjoyed this car. I wish I could afford the bigger model, 5 or 7 as the only drawback Ive had is the small back seat in the 3.

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  Best since 750iL - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Jane Lustig - July 10 - 2:51 pm

  I am enjoying my new 750i 2006! My only complaint is when it is hot the shift gear is too hot to the touch. Otherwise this is the perfect car. This vehicle has everything you can imagine.

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  545 series rocks - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Bruce in Florida - July 10 - 2:02 pm

  Having grown up in the fifties and sixties with muscle cars I really wanted another one but not some me too machine that had no class or handling. After driving everything out there from the Corvette to the Chrusler 300 I found the 545i with the sport package to be the best handling car I have ever driven. The progressive steering is awesome and stopping is as positive as is the neck snapping acceleration from the luxury type car. Once you get used to the screwy iDrive its not as bad as it was in the earlier models and you get quite good at it. The Nav system isnt as intuitive or easy to use as the Lexus SC430 my wife has (which also boogies) but its Okay. BMW has me two more years.

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  Is that the New 3???? - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Lisa Z. - July 10 - 1:34 pm

  I get that question just about every day. I love my New 3. I had a 2001 322i before I bought the new 2006 model. The new sleek style is great - lots of bells and whistles when you purchase the navigation and other upgraded packages. I love the new dash, the absence of all that trim, the bluetooth technology... I dont particularly care for the cup holders in the front, how easily the material around the gear shift scratches or the four plugged holes in the rar bumper - but overall I enjoy the ride.

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  It ROCKS - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By ProTalk - July 9 - 2:15 pm

  Best car Ive ever owned...remarkable blend of sport and luxury. You can feel as though you are in a refiined automoble -- or driving a killer sports car. I cannot say enough about how I totally LOVE this car.

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  WOW - 2005 BMW X3
  By Eric Morteson - July 9 - 2:02 pm

  this car handles wonderfully. We had a huge snow storm, and we all felt safe in our X3.the interior of the car is very nice. We have owned Saabs,Hondas,Audis,and Mercedes, and we have never had a car this good.We will commit our car business now to BMW. Also the dealership was very nice to us, and gave us a great price on the car

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  the fabulous 6 series - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By frank t gaglione - July 9 - 1:07 pm

  a truely fine machine. outstanding performance with one of a kind style

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  sun loving - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Jeanne - July 9 - 12:42 pm

  This vehicle is fun to drive & gets a lot of attention on the road. Even though its not the powerful 330 engine, it handles the Texas hill country curves like a dream!

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  bmw 6 - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By kevin f jursinski - July 9 - 8:05 am

  An awesome combination of power, style and comfort. A luxury coupe that handles better than most sports cars. I took advantage of the BMW performance driving school which is free to all 6 series purchasers. This vehicle is one ultimate driving machine. The glass sunroof fills the entire front compartment--like a glass top convertible. Excellent.

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  Highly recommend - 2005 BMW M3
  By Jazzman - July 9 - 3:14 am

  If you looking for a high performance, drop top, with utility, luxury and 4 seats this is the car. Its drinks gas of course but its a high performance sports car what do you expect. You feel the bumps around town but its tuned to corner like a demon and it delivers. The fit and finish are suberb not one flaw could I find. Its fasts, loves to rev and corners like its on rails. The top is a masterpiece. One button and its up or down in 22 seconds. The top neatly stores in a hard cover area behind the seats. Make sure you also get the wind screen. Its an accessory the dealer can order for you but its something you want on those chilly nights. It cuts about 80 percent of the wind.