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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  The bad beast - 2000 BMW M5
  By brunosam - February 3 - 9:47 pm

  I echo most other reviews - a pure rocket to drive, very comfortable, I think the best sedan ever built! I have owned 911s, 924Ss, 3-series bimmers, this car blows everything away! Ill probably buy an 03 M5 next, since I am not a fan of the E60 body style (yet, anyway!).

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  Great car - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Leif - February 3 - 1:33 pm

  Have had my 325i for 2 weeks and I absolutely love it. Used to drive the Maxima SE and they just dont compare. The BMW quality is second to none

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  Not a good car - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By cao - February 2 - 12:11 pm

  As a new car with decent pricing, the car is not up to the standard: 1) encountered a total electronic system shut-down during a freeway driving. After that, the dealer couldnt figure out the problem 2) fuel tank has to be replaced after 13K miles, due to its inherent defect (unspecified). After replacement, it is still having trouble taking a full tank. 3) air condition/heater never seems to be working complete fine in "auto" mode.

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  Outstanding Job - 2007 BMW X5
  By ali - February 2 - 11:13 am

  They did a great job revamping the car. Lots of power and stabililty. Upscale interior especially with the upgraded leather option.

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  Can it get better? - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By M3 Convert... - February 1 - 2:26 pm

  Highlights: Liquid smooth power delivery/drive train. Handling is not too bone breaking but sporty excellence! Comfort is in spades and its roomier than all of the competition. Style is beyond compare; I like looking at it more and more every day.

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  Almost same performance as my lotus - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Chris - February 1 - 11:20 am

  I have owned this car for 1year and 2 months. All I can say is wow. My 0-60 times are 4.8 seconds. The car handles like no other 4 door. Car handles great in snow and ice. The DTC is out of this world and doesnt let you spin out the car in the snow.

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  Try it, youll like it! - 2007 BMW X3
  By Very Pleased - February 1 - 10:11 am

  This one has it all, styling, handling, utility, safety and everything you would expect from BMW. I thought it was too overpriced until I drove it. It is but it is such a wonderful vehicle I thought I would give it a try and was amazed at the lease payments because the residual value is so high. I dont think you could find a better small SUV or SAV, as BMW dubs it. I love the size, its agile and offers utility. Its definitely a sport ute!

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  Nothing more fun to drive - 2006 BMW Z4
  By eastofeden - January 31 - 11:07 pm

  This car is amazing in terms of overall styling and quality. This model looks like BMW designed the coupe first and then sliced the top off to make the convertible. There arent many of the coupes around so if you like to have an unusual car that performs well, this is it. Ive had mine for 7 months and have never seen another one on the road.

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  First BMW after One Week - 2007 BMW X3
  By Sean - January 31 - 5:28 pm

  Just bought this X3 last Saturday. It was a great experience driving it since this is the first BMW we own. The exterior and performance are perfect. The interior could be improved. We may know it more after we drive it more. Not so sure now about reliability and fuel economy.

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  Great Roadster - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Uol_Koras - January 30 - 4:22 pm

  I tested all of the competition (SLK 350, Boxster S, S2000, etc.), and I found the Z4 to be the best in class, especially considering the price. The Z4 has excellent power (and the sound of the I-6 is like tearing silk!), great fuel economy (averaging 26 mpg+ in mixed driving), tight, buttoned-down handling, plenty of room and great safety features.