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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  BMW 2002 325XI - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By mroneil - January 30 - 2:00 pm

  Im a believer! I thought that I was just purchasing an over-priced sedan with a fancy name. Much to my surprise, this car is amazing. Its like being at the amusement park everyday.

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  Unbelievably fun to drive - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By MadJoe - January 29 - 7:36 pm

  I have to say that I was expecting a lot when I ordered this car. And I wasnt disappointed. Its everything I could imagine and more. Driving has never been so enjoyable, and Ive always loved to drive. The comfort access is a must have option, as is the sport package and Xenon headlights. Its not a BMW w/o the tell tale headlight "halos". I love the look of the new 3 series, and the fit & finish is all, if not more than I would expect in a $40k car.

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  A real Bahn-stormer! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By kenneth - January 28 - 6:16 pm

  We bought this car when we were stationed in Germany and it has been absolutely terrific. The brakes are phenomenal at autobahn speed and the engine is silky smooth. Build quality is excellent. The car is very agile and the steering is almost telepathic. We have been extremely pleased at the fuel mileage both in Europe and here in the States. All in all a wonderful car and a joy to drive!

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  I love my 760i - 2007 BMW 7-Series
  By Randy - January 28 - 5:17 pm

  This car is so quiet and pleasant to drive I have stopped flying on all my close business trips.

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  I Love This Car - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By bcanza01 - January 28 - 5:13 pm

  This was my first BMW purchase. I must say, I have never driven a car that was so much FUN to drive! It handles like a dream. The car is absolutely beautiful. I would definitely recommend it.

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  2008 BMW 328xi - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By bob - January 28 - 3:16 pm

  Everything about this car is gorgeous and high quality. It rides like a BMW should. Its just simply amazing with a fuel efficient but fast engine, a comfortable interior and eye catching styling all for under forty grand.

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  Only thing better is an M5 - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By beat - January 28 - 10:36 am

  Incredible. BMW has created a 911 with four doors and a comfortable ride. Last year of the current car, sold a 98 to buy the 02. Cant say enough about it.

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  BMW X5 3.0i - 2003 BMW X5
  By Northeast - January 28 - 8:09 am

  The SUV is very nice. Very comfortable and easy to drive. I have owned since new. Good build quality, many nice features. Operation has been trouble free. Ride is slightly "bouncy" on bumpy roads. Performance of engine is fine. I would recommend it.

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  Solid - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Leathery - January 27 - 12:27 pm

  Great car. You will not be disappointed. Solid handling, fun to drive, great stereo and I love the Sirius radio. A drivers car. What more could you ask for? Will definitely be a repeat customer. Take the plunge.

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  Love it. - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Davidson - January 27 - 9:08 am

  I bought this 530i to replace another luxury sedan. Riding in the 530i is incomparable, you feel like a billion bucks, well at least a million. Go compare a test drive with other luxury autos, youll feel the difference. In the end, all else is just not a BMW and you get what you pay for.