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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  BIMMER - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By hooperlauderdale - October 5 - 3:52 pm

  First Bimmer ever owned and never going back... most likely an M5 in a year or two as I crave more raw power!!

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  Alpine white beauty - 2006 BMW Z4
  By JeffM16 - October 5 - 2:46 pm

  Have had my Z4 for a week now and even with trying to take the car from my wife and constantly arguing about whose car is it, its still worth every second of owning. After owning my first BMW I dont believe I could ever own another brand.

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  Build roads with more curves - 2006 BMW M6
  By Bob - October 5 - 10:18 am

  At its most sedate settings in freeway trafic, the M6 is so comfortable that my passenger falls asleep almost immediately.Then, without realizing it, I exceed a pre-set speed (90 mph in this case) and set off a loud chime. This car wants to fly. Push a few buttons to adjust horsepower, transmission, suspension and steering and the highway cruiser becomes a taut road-hugging muscle car that makes challenging roads seem way too easy. Almost everything is software controlled and adjustable. Much of it by voice command in case you are too busy driving to push buttons. More good news.The EPA predicts 12-18 mpg. My M6 averages 18.5 mpg overall with one 800 mile road trip yielding 19.5 mpg.

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  Unreal - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By ttrain71 - October 5 - 3:16 am

  This car is simply unreal. The performance, handling and styling of this car are second to none. The power is always there with the driving dynamics to match. BMW has done it again.

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  Good showing from the last true M-car - 2006 BMW M3
  By LT - October 4 - 9:17 pm

  My E46 really is an awesome vehicle. In this car you can enter a turn using all engine-braking, turn the wheel and the car will seem to make a perfect pivot, as if it had been planted on that point. If you go in too fast, an instant of understeer will slow the car to the right speed and then the lightning quick turn will begin. It really is tough to drive it poorly (in good driving conditions of course). The engine sings. I saw a review that said the exhaust note is inadequate, I found the engine to have a beautiful sound, it actually sounds similar to a racecar, very nice.

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  Like Napoleon sez - 2006 BMW M3
  By AugustaM3 - October 4 - 7:09 pm

  If you have not had the chance to drive this car, then like Napoleon D. says, "You dont even know!!" I have owned Porsches and recently driven a Z06 this car is way more fun. It is easily the best sports car under 75Gs. Unfortunately the last M3 with a straight 6 has already been made, and only a few are still available. (By the way - get the stick!)

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  I Love My Car! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Nicole Mostafavi - October 4 - 12:16 pm

  I am very happy with my car. Its fast and fun and zippy, just like I had hoped it would be. I am actually shocked that I havent gotten a ticket yet (knock on wood). It doesnt feel like Im going that fast, but before I know it, Im pushing 90! It was a pleasure driving an hour and a half each way to Palm Springs for a weekend, except for the seats made my back sore. I guess I have gotten used to it, though, because I dont have that problem anymore. I highly recommend this car. It gets a lot of looks, but its not so flashy that I feel uncomfortable.

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  Awesome! - 2006 BMW M6
  By Pennsylvania Rebel - October 3 - 9:23 pm

  A pleasure to drive. The automatic transmission seems sluggish. Using the paddle shifts improves performance significantly. The heads-up display, which includes not only speed, shift spectrum and gear, but also the cruise control information. Gas mileage is less than EPA figues, my onboard computer calculates it at about 9 miles per gallon around town.

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  Fun to Drive - Nav System a Bit Off - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By djinn - October 3 - 9:08 pm

  Great car - got the manual transmission - full loaded - fun to drive. iDrive complicated but easily learned - just need to sit with the book. Only downside thus far is Nav System - I found the maps to be outdated when compared with my Garmin C330 GPS - interestingly both BMW and Garmin get their maps from the same source (Navteq). Hoping a new and better map will come along soon. This is a peppy and fun car to drive. Cant wait to test the AWD in the winter. Highly recommend the stick shift.

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  Worth the extra money! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By David - October 3 - 12:56 pm

  I just traded my 02 3 series, and BMW has done it once again! This is a drivers car, the perfect balance of road feel vs. luxury. My advice is buy the car because it is beautiful in design & awesome to drive. Also, you have to get some toys. if you find your self looking at stripped ones, dont bother. You have to pony up the extra money for the premium package at least. I think the sports package and xenons are worth it too. Satellite radio is an option, but it is awesome.