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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  Top Notch Vehicle - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Sully - December 20 - 10:55 am

  This has been a great car and one of the best I have own. For a convertible it is very practical although not very fuel economical. Overall have had very very few problems and the car always provides a great driving experience.

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  The best SUV for the money - 2005 BMW X3
  By Peyman - December 19 - 10:37 pm

  We have owned our 2.5L X3 for over a year now and we could not be happier. This is an excellent crossover SUV.

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  Total Package - 2007 BMW X5
  By L.A. Peterson - December 19 - 11:32 am

  This is my third X5 to own. The interior has been completely redone and is very nice. The new body shape is also very nice. It rides great and handles like all BMWs. The added 35 horsepower to the 3.0 is noticable.

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  Wow - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By MKM - December 18 - 9:50 pm

  After 30 years owning Japanese designed cars & trucks (240-Z, Corolla, Maxima, Accord, Legend, 4-Runner, IS-300, ES- 330) this is our first German car. It is as much fun to drive as my 240-Z was: smooth, linear, predictable. I hear it will not be as reliable and will cost big bucks to maintain and repair but it sure is a blast to drive!

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  Best car Ive ever had!! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By dan - December 18 - 12:00 am

  I have had just about every make of automobile (cadillac, jaguar, porsche, s2000 and trucks), and this 5 series is the overall best car Ive ever had. The only problem is the 6 cylinder is a little underpowered. But that is what I bought. Am looking to order a new 8 cylinder, and take delivery in Germany.

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  Perfect Car - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By jetjock07 - December 17 - 12:03 pm

  I have had this vehicle for only 2 days, but it feels like Ive had it longer. Its a beautiful car. Mine came with the black leather interior and Premium Package along with the sunshades in the rear. The car handles well, not too stiff or too cushiony. Has good power, the 525i was too slow so I got the 530i. I just wish now I had seat heaters with my car.

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  Great Drive, Great Electronics, - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Bernie - December 17 - 11:10 am

  Two thumbs up for this car. Suits me much better than the S500 Benz it replaced. The performance/style/fun factor is purely BMW. The iDrive is a much better way of interfacing with the features than an overdone array of icons and buttons and is much less buggy than the Comand system on my last benz. Sound system is wonderful and the Bluetooth implementation is flawless. Well done all the way around!

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  Comfort for the body and soul - 1994 BMW 7-Series
  By Larry Q - December 17 - 12:39 am

  Have owned Cads, Audis, Alfas, Fords, Chevys and BMWs - this is first 7 after a couple 3s and shares a garage with a 5. This is a great used car - solid, goood looking, well designed, drivers car. A real pleasure to drive, V8 power and still averages more than 21 mpg! No problems - except lack of OEM cup holder! Wife loves dual a/c driver/passenger temperature control - excellent interior legroom - trunk is big enough to rent out. No exotic engineering, reliable traditional design. Make sure the trans has been serviced properly and oil changed frequently.

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  No acceleration - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By GNewman - December 17 - 12:16 am

  I had driven a 330xi for the past 6 years and loved the car. It had excellent acceleration and a great feel. The new 328xi is supposed to have more torque and horsepower but has absolutely no acceleration. The car is slow from standing to 1st and lags from 1st to 2nd. It bucks on me when going up a hill. I can feel the slow shifting in the low gears and when I make a right or left turn from a stopping position, the car haltingly moves. I am shocked at the lack of responsiveness of this car. I dont know whether I have a bad model or whether this car is simply grossly underpowered.

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  Best buy - 2004 BMW X3
  By Jarno - December 16 - 2:04 pm

  3.0i with sport package and manual 6-speed. Great car to drive in mountain spins, highway and also in city. Sport pack suspension makes car very fast to drive. Winter driving with studded Nokian HKPL4 is fun and safe. 28 mpg/55 mph, 25 mpg/72 mph highway, and 21 in city, thanks to the manual. Trunk eats 3 person weekend luggages, big emmaljunga & Graco city strollers + hunting staff, everything under cargo space cover same time - I have tried same with volvo xc70 with poor success:-)).