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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  First BMW, Its Amazing! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Quetzalcoatl - October 23 - 12:50 am

  This is my first BMW. I fell in love with German engineering when I owned the 98 Passat. This is that multiplied by 10. The car is a pure joy to drive. It makes the slog of the commute worth it, at least for a little while. I-drive is nowhere near the horrible extra everyone says. The cupholders arent great, but they do the job. The one complaint I have is minor, and that is the odd compartments in the center armrest. Whats the point?

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  What a Car! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Randy - October 22 - 7:17 pm

  Just purchased Automatic Sport package 540i. The build quality is so noticeably different than other makes. As my wife stated after driving it "What a sweet ride". Says it all.

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  2007 650i - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By Redbmw - October 22 - 2:35 pm

  Total cost of ownership compared to competing cars is much lower. Acceleration and handling is great, so is the sports suspension.

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  530 BMW - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By ali ilker - October 21 - 7:42 pm

  I love the drive, acceleration, the grip feeling that gives when you are getting into curves.

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  4th BMW and I love it! - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By mhowe325i - October 20 - 12:33 pm

  This is my 5th BMW and my first 5 series! BMW has once again blown me over! I absolutely love the way this car drives & the stickshift is like butter. I live in CT/NYC area where the traffic is bad constantly and my BMWs performance in traffic is one less thing to stress over.You just cant beat BMW engineering. I have seen complaints about the iDrive but its very simple. The warranties are the BEST in the industry.We have 3 BMWs in my driveway making us loyal to a manufacturer who delivers high quality

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  Very Happy 525iT owner - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By WDD - October 19 - 4:17 pm

  Bought it certified preowned and love it. For an avg family its a great car and very fun to drive. I have a 91 240SX that Im having a problem giving up, but this is just as fun to drive and much more comfortable. Ive been getting 26 to 29 mpg and the interior is comfortable and relaxing on the hwy. Overall I love it. I got the newest GPS disks and it made the GPS much more usable. The original 2001 disks were very weak in rural areas. Ive owned it for 4 months now and am very happy with the decision.

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  My First BMW - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By DJ - October 19 - 6:46 am

  Generally, Im pleased with my 328xi and looking forward to winter in the Colorado mountains. I like the 6 speed manual transmission, although I think the car is slightly underpowered compared to my Audi A4 2.0. I love the convenience locks and the pushbutton start. So far, no mechanical problems, but I think the no flat tires are overly loud on the freeway. All in all, the car sticks to the road like glue and is fun to drive on mountain roads (not so fun in tight parking lots).

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  Amazing - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Captain of Sports - October 18 - 4:55 pm

  No more power is ever necessary unless youre racing. The car is smoothly quick, quiet and secure. No matter how I try, I havent made it feel the least bit insecure on windey roads at high speed. It really is AMAZING how much fun it is.

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  Most fun and comfortable to drive. - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Edward - October 18 - 1:44 pm

  Best handling car and most comfortable to sit in for long drives that I have ever owned (including Lexus, Benz, and Toyota). Most costly Ive ever owned to maintain other than Benz.

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  Best built car Ive ever owned! - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By garys - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I have owned most cars that are made. This is my first BMW- a 525 with auto, and premium package. Extremely responsive, quick, the smoothest transmission I have ever experienced. I have owned a Mercedes E320. They are two different animals but I prefer the BMW-and I do think it is a higher quality car-fit, finish-not much bad to say about it-the 530 is quicker, but the 525 is a good compromise.