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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  Great car to buy for the money - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By IK - February 17 - 2:41 am

  I bought this car used. It already had 92000 miles. I drove for one year and it is over 100K. The car runs perfect and in a very good shape. The only thing is you have to change the oil on time and the car will last you for a very long time. It is perfect for short or long trips. You can be a single person or have a family, this car will work for you no matter what. When it comes to snow, it is not that difficult to drive if you know what youre doing. Overall, the car is great and I would recomend it to anyone who can afford it.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 BMW X3
  By Fabio - February 16 - 10:35 pm

  We wanted to buy a Lexus RX 330, but we decided to test drive the X3 as well. We were so amazed by the drive and the performance that we changed our mind. X3 gives you the peace of mind while driving, some undescribable sense of safety, and it has enough power to satisfy you under almost every road conditions.

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  Absolutely fun to drive - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By urbina77 - February 15 - 5:15 pm

  This car is a great to drive! It seems small but when I get in Im 62" 250lbs. the leg room is amazing! The controls are within easy reach and the acceleration is always ready to push it when I need it. Corners are easy to make and the car responds excellent.

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  I love my car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Jackieno - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I ordered my Topaz blue with black leather in the summer. I had one of the first 2002. It has been the greatest car I have owned. It looks good, handles well, and very comfortable. There is no comparison to any other car in its class. I went with every option available. It is just a beautiful car. My only beef is not enough storage room. Need sunglass case, bigger center console...oh well. I have a whopping 3200 miles on it. No problems at all.

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  Great Car!!!! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By cnc - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have ever purchased. From now on any car I purchase will have to be a BMW.

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  WOW - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Birdman - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Test drove the Audi A6 and the Acura TL and there is nothing like the BMW 325. It drives like a dream because of its silky smooth transmission, fast acceleration, and great suspension. Once you drive this car not other will fell the same.

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  loving it... - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By davidy - February 15 - 2:00 am

  bought the car 4 days after 9/11 got a great deal, and thought it probably helped our ecnonmy... anyway, the car is a blast to drive, so much more comfortable than my 330i:)

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  Great Car - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By EC530 - February 13 - 8:17 pm

  After owning Benzes for 10 years, I was a little hesitant about owning a 530, but my apprehension was misplaced. This is a great car, handles much better than the Benz and the fit and finish is superb. This car handles like it is on tracks with little roll. I feel very safe in the car and iDrive is very easy to use. Geting close to 30mpg on the highway much to my suprise. I love it!

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  Steves Review - 2005 BMW M3
  By swaxmd - February 13 - 12:38 pm

  Third M3 convertible I have owned. This is the best of the bunch. No problems at all in the first 6 months. Less rattles and electronic glitches than my 2002 M3. SMG works well once you get used to it. I highly recommend this car.

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  Still the best - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By HJCrowley - February 12 - 9:18 pm

  This is my third 5, and the first 8 cylinder version Ive owned. Great engine, solidly built car, and the best mid-sized luxury sedan available. My only regret is that the 545 in the non-sport model configuration only offers an automatic transmission - not as fun as my previous manual but if I had to take an auto, I couldnt have done better than this. I heard so many negative comments about i- drive, I was prepared for the worst. Now that I use it, I cant imagine what people were talking about. Its very intuitive, and gives me greater control over the vehicle and my driving experience. BMW will be vindicated as having been ahead-of-the curve on this groundbreaking interface.