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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  Billys Machine on Wheels - 1991 BMW 5-Series
  By Bill D - July 4 - 11:07 pm

  I have always dreamed of having a bmw because it has been in our family for around 25 years. That same car is still driving to this day with over 200,000. When I purchased mine with 130,000 miles. I loved the way it drives and how it handles the road and curves. I had my brother who owns a lincoln continental 1991 same year as mine and he test drove it for around 80 minutes and he told me that he should purchase this car and looked at him and said we are car shopping for me not you. he said this bmw drove better then his car. So I bought it and love. I never have any issues and my bmw now has over 161,000 miles and still going strong.

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  Ultimate Driving Machine - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Wease944 - July 4 - 9:31 pm

  I love driving this car. The Sport package makes for a stiff ride so watch out for pot holes if you get this option.The engine has more than enough power, (the 2006 has 40 more horsepower). The "I" drive took a little getting used to but its ok now. The car is solid, quiet and fun to drive. I just wish they had an option to install XM Radio instead of Sirius. I highly recommend this car.

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  325 xi winter driving - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By pete n - July 4 - 9:20 am

  Bought our new 02 325xi in november after selling our 92 325 w/210,00 miles. My wife drives 20,000 miles per year and loved her 92, except that it tended to slide around in the wisconsin winter. I used to drive the 325 then, and she took my jeep. Since getting the new 325, I hardly ever get to drive it. She loves how it handles in the snow, and ice. Likes it better than the jeep actually. Highly recommend the car.

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  Best car in its class - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Playa - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2001 325i wagon and loved it so I got another 325i sedan. Interior/exterior was great and acceleration is as expected. I dont think Ill ever buy another car other than BMW again.

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  Bets car I ever owned - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By bimrman01 - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle three months ago. Initially I was little hesitating to go for a used car (its a 2000) model.But I know now that my choice was the best. Awesome handling, Good gas mileage (around 29mpg). This car has Manual Transmission with sport package and I love the way it performs.

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  Best Car - 2005 BMW X3
  By John Jinglehammer - July 1 - 7:12 pm

  Rode very well. Perfect amount of horsepower.

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  Head Turner - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Dub - July 1 - 12:17 pm

  These cars are nice, this is my second 3 series Ci and I really enjoy driving it. The fun factor is the selling point. Mechanically, they need some improvement. I have an 05 325ci that has 4k on it. Already my windows squeak, my back shocks squeak and the windows dont seel real well. I have taken top care of the car, so it is nothing on my end...

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  Croys BMW 325i - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Croy - June 29 - 6:00 pm

  Nothing better on the road for performance. I know its piddly, but I hate the seatbelt. Not very user friendly.

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By ffarnesi - June 29 - 5:46 pm

  The 530i is a fantastic car to drive. iDrive takes some time to learn but spend the time in learning at the front end and you will eliminate the frustrations. Handling is wonderful, pick up is great, and I personally like the styling. I cant say enough about this car.

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  Shes a Smoker! - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Blue Charvel - June 29 - 1:43 pm

  Awesome car, got a CPO after coming to the end of my 99 328i lease. Powerful and quiet, it does everything with a touch of class (even beating the pants off a CLK430 the other day :D ). I didnt buy it for the cupholders or fuel economy so really the only thing I could complain about is the standard stereo system... could be better, not quite crisp enough, gets too mushy at high volumes. Other than that minor detail, I love this car! Went through an adjustment period after the 3, the 5 handles much differently being quite heavy but after the last 5 months Im hooked.