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:

• 

  Love this car... - 2002 BMW M5
  By will - September 14 - 6:42 pm

  This is the most fun in four doors available. Service is expensive after factory maintenance ends. AC fan cost me $850, Clutch around $1200 but car is truly awesome. Seats are a bit tight for bigger guys.

• 

  Awesome Z4 - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Jim - September 14 - 1:28 pm

  The most fun auto to drive in my 40 plus years of driving.

• 

  Red made me say WOW! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By BlakeAustin - September 14 - 10:00 am

  There is no doubt that the combination of ggod looks and rock solid handling and braking are what sells this car. Those items cannot be improved a great deal. It got me to shell out the money. I think the sport seats have good lateral and lumbar support. What could be improved is the horsepower. By the way, if you want a BMW dealer that treats you as you would expect, go to BMW of Peoria, IL. I live in St. Louis, MO and it was worth driving 6 hours round trip. My salesman and the sales manager jumped through hoops for me with a smile on their face.

• 

  A thrill to drive - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By joemorris - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Friends told me if I test drove this car, I would buy it--they were right. It feel like a small luxury sedan that handles like a sports car. This makes typical driving fun. It provides a firm ride, but it soaks up the bumps-- best balance between handling and comfort.

• 

  330! Premium Package - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Br6685 - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Bad Ass car! Fun to drive!

• 

  My X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By Spikeyhairboy12 - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Great car! Best car I ever had

• 

  This is the Last Car I hope to Own - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By jakedogdog - September 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd BMW. I had two 328s - a 97 and a 2001. I wanted a little more room this time round. I intended to buy a 530, but this one was sitting on the lot - a program car, $10K off MSRP... I just couldnt resist the opportunity. The car had 6000 miles on it when I took delivery. I thought it had been broken in. Now, at 13000, things are really coming together. This car is balanced, strong, wonderful to drive. The only seats that I am aware of being more comfortable are the old volvo seats. But, still... No volvo drives like this. It settles in right at about 78 and is smooth smooth all the way past 120.

• 

  My Dream Car - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By betattack - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I finally got my dream car. This thing handles GREAT! Looks GREAT! Feels GREAT! I love to take sharps turns and feel the car hug the road. The seats are real comfortable too. Well worth the price.

• 

  A Lifesaver - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Judy - September 13 - 11:44 pm

  I commute 50 miles round trip to work by way of a winding, mountainous road and this car made me look forward to going to work each day. It was easy to add an iPod cable, and the telescopic/tilt wheel and adjustable seats personalized the car to my body size. I had had the car for almost five years when a deer came out of nowhere and ran into my car, breaking the windows and spraying deer matter all over me and the inside of the car. I survived the accident, only receiving many small glass cuts, some bruising, and a few stitches. The bodyshop people were sure the car saved my life. I cried more for my cars death than for my injuries. What a great, reliable, fun car.

• 

  Best pound for pound - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Rob A. - September 13 - 7:43 pm

  The funnest, safest and biggest smile any car has given me. Handles turns at ninety that most cars can handle at only fifty. And feels like fifty instead of ninety. The head lights that follow the curves and the cockpit lighting that enhances rather than distracts are absolutely smart and aesthetically pleasing.