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 Drive - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Drewo - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Took delivery of my Z4 3.0, 6sp man. with performance and convenience pkgs a month ago. Outstanding from all aspects from the dealer service to the driving experience. A surprisingly comfortable ride (17" wheels - non-sports pkg - which is not missed), conveniences, and everthing works as it should with even some pleasant surprises.

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  Excellent driving machine - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By doctor_elkin - October 25 - 10:00 am

  After owning a new Maxima and a Passat for 3 years, having a BMW is a real thrill. The car is built well and grabs the road by the horns. The power may not be there but the fun of driving sure is.

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  Whats not to love - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By enzoandpiero - October 25 - 2:00 am

  a perfect sport sedan. Our 4th BMW and they just keep getting better. No problems whatsoever. Great dealer support and attitude.

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  Simply the best!!! - 2004 BMW M3
  By orion7701 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  The car is simply amazing! I test drove the S4 and CTS-V, no comparison. If you want a true high performance machine that will put a smile on your face every time then get the M3. Power, handling, styling, and comfort, its all there.

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  Outstanding 645Ci - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Kennekb - October 24 - 2:00 am

  The 645 is the marriage of a sports car and luxury touring coupe. The result is a car that can be justified as a family as well as a personal performance car. Interior is roomy enough for a family of four. Handling is what sold me on the car as well as the build quality and solid feel going down the road. I couldnt justify the convertible having owned Mercedes and Lexus hardtop convertibles. The coupe is outselling the convertible models according to dealers. Great car.

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  Great SUV - 2004 BMW X3
  By italiafam - October 24 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I were looking around for a new suv for both of us. We test drove many SUVs. After driving the X3, we were sold. We purchased two X3s August 2004, one black and the other silver. Unfortunately, after 3 weeks, I was T- boned by a toyota on the passengers side.The other vehicles whole front end was demolished. My X3 stood the test. I was protected by its well built solid body and I was not harmed.

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  I have driven alot of cars..... - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By falkonv7l - October 24 - 2:00 am

  And this one ROCKS!!! The most pleasant car I have ever driven. I have the sport pkg, constantly in contact with the road yet the suspension is not rough, the grip is amazing, the steering is on par with a Porsche! This is truly a drivers car. The chasis is as stif as the day it was built (now I have over 80k miles) Oh did I mention it is a very good looking car as well!

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  Great experinence in progress. - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Luis Angel - October 23 - 5:46 pm

  I did not like the style initially, but got used to it and saw the advantages and improvements in design as I drove it. Every day I fall in love with it.

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  2004 bmw 745 i - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Egon - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I just love that car 26000 miles and I have had no problems .

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  Great Car - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By duncan0802 - October 22 - 2:53 am

  I havent really had a lot of time to drive this vehicle but it is incredible. After test driving this and several competitors, this was the one that stood on top. It just handled like you wanted a car to but felt you were riding in a more expensive vehicle. I highly recommend this car to anyone who loves to drive and wants to enjoy the ride and relax at the same time.