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:

• 

  Turning 50 - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Dave - December 31 - 2:35 pm

  As the saying goes, when I turned 50 I had a choice between a toy car or a young bride. My wife convinced me the car was cheaper than the divorce. Its also been a great deal more fun. Though our New Hampshire winters are "wicked" nothing beats having the top down on a summer day while cruising the seacoast. And the Z4 is even comfortable for a cruise down to PA for a visit with the relatives. So if youre turning 50 and have a craving for something fun and exciting, take my wifes advice (and mine) and buy the Z4. Youll have a great time!

• 

  I Love My X5 - 2005 BMW X5
  By Beth Vilarello - December 31 - 2:34 pm

  My X5 is an awesome vehicle. It handles fantastic. The interior is very luxurious. I feel very safe driving it. Unfortunately, 3 weeks ago I was rearended by a hit and run driver while stopped at a red light. The vehicle held up so well considering the impact. My husband and I were not injured at all. This is a quality vehicle well worth the money.

• 

  Im obsessed with this car!!! Soo fun - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Bloodline - December 31 - 2:00 am

  This car is extremely fun to drive! with good looks to match. I have a hard top too and I love it. I love the Z4. The performance and handling is wayyy above average!

• 

  Enjoying It - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By 1stBMW - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I also test drove the Infiniti G35 to compare. The feel of this car is what sold me. Though it has less power than the Infiniti, it is much more fun to drive. Ive never driven a vehicle that handles this well. Have put a little over 6,000 miles on it since purchase, and no problems so far.

• 

  I love it - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Dreman - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY CAR THE HANDLING IS GREAT AND IT LOOKS GOOD TOO. ANYONE WHO WANTS THE CAR YOU HAVE TO GET A STICK SHIFT. THATS GOING TO BE THE UTIMATE RIDE. I LOVE THE WAY THE LIGHTS INTERACT WITH THE MOTION OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE LIGHTS CURVES AROUND THE CORNER. THE NXT CAR IM GOING TO GET MIGHT BE THE 330CI CONV

• 

  Excellent car ever!! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By sweet325i - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Best Bimmer for sports driving

• 

  2003 BMW 760 LI - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By KaziConstruction.com - December 30 - 3:46 pm

  Couple of months ago I bought BMW 760LI, in the beginning I was kind of scared about all the talk about iDrive and reliability issue, but honestly I figured that one out in less than 5 minutes, without a manual. All the reviews regarding iDrive were written by people who really dont know how to use a computer... or were born in a generation (you know what IÂ’m talking about...) where computer skills are non-existent. I love the fact that almost ANY function in the 7-series can be accessed through iDrive. It is actually fun but I can understand how my grandfather or even father would hate to mess with it. The drive is beautiful, reliable, attention getter, comfortable and smooth ride. 10+

• 

  sweet ride - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By zip - December 30 - 2:17 am

  This car met all my expectations. Its fun to drive (except in rain and snow - it sucks), has enough power and great mileage. I get comments on it all the time. The manual is a must for this little car. Its very spacious for a hatchback, and it handles great, especially at high speeds. The interior is a little cheap, a few cosmetic issues but who cares, its all about the driving.

• 

  Return of the 6 - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Spo1343 - December 29 - 10:56 pm

  The looks eventually grew on me and a test drive had me in love with this car. There is nothing like it on the road and its closest competitor, the CLK500 cant keep up. The M6 with 500bhp will be a higher degree of perfection. Everything about this car shouts fun, style and triple digit speeds.

• 

  BEST CAR EVER! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By vinnyny - December 29 - 1:48 pm

  I bought my 04 330CiC two weeks ago and absolutely love it! This is my 10th car in the last 5 years but it is one of the two I will keep long term (05 Acura MDX the other). It has performance package, xenon adaptive lights, BMW Assist and automatic. The powertrain and handling are so smooth that I constantly find myself driving twice as fast I think Im going. I was an Audi fanatic for years, but Im a BMW convert now...