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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  A lot of money for a lot of car - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Freddy - August 28 - 12:05 pm

  I just bought the 550i after looking around for a few months. I wanted the performance but I was concerned about the fuel economy. If you can believe the gauge on the car, I am getting 28.6 MPG on the highway. It is only rated at 25, so that is excellent. When I fill it up again I will verify that number. This car is a pleasure to drive. Its quick, quiet, and comfortable. Sport package not necessary. Automatic is best for most. There is a 1300 dollar gas guzzler tax on the stick shift.

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  GREAT CAR - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By HUGH SCOTT - August 28 - 10:00 am

  THE NEW 5 SERIES IS FUN TO DRIVE, QUIET RIDE, AND GREAT FIT AND FINISHED.

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  my new 530I - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By jblum361 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  BMW is a pleasure to drive. Traction control on ice and snow is a good as you can expect. Heated steering wheel and seats work quickly which is a welcome relief on a chilly morning. Fuel economy is better than my previous 5 series averaging well over 30 miles per gallon on a road trip.

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  a driving machine - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By mike d - August 28 - 10:00 am

  awesome handling, have never driven a car like this before and it gets better each day. great pickup and comfort, along with all the great safety features

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  Steptronic recall is a must - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Ms Disappointed - August 28 - 10:00 am

  New 325Ci, steptronic loaded. Less than 2,000 miles car hesitates on acceleration. The car revs wildly then slowly lurches forward. Dealer and BMW of NA played DUMB. I produced documentation found on message boards. A safety bulletin SIB 2407 03. BMW tells dealers to "replace the transmission on a customer complaint basis only"? Not how makers of "The Ultimate Driving Machine" should treat customers. NHTSA defect investigation underway as of Feb 04. I have lost all confidence in my dealer and BMW for not contacting me.

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  A True BMW - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Islander Fan - August 28 - 10:00 am

  A fun car to drive. The automated softop is a must. The 2.5 has plenty of power.

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  As always - Excellent!! - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By Shelley - August 28 - 4:05 am

  Having owned BMWs over the years, I love and expect the superior quality, safety and performance these cars always provide. When BMW came out with the 645 I fell in love with the new, bold and innovative design, but it wasnt the time to buy a new car... and theres always a reason why! When I was ready to buy the 650i had been released and I bought my beautiful Monaco blue convertible. Its far and away the best BMW Ive ever owned and well worth the wait! I cannot recommend any other car more highly than this one, its worth every bit (and more) what I paid for it.

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  Z4 a Great Drivers Car - 2006 BMW Z4
  By smimbs - August 27 - 11:35 pm

  Z4 handles great and is lots of fun to drive. After 2300 miles I am very happy with everything except the Run Flat Tires.

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  A Solid Luxury Performance Convertible - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By SWFloridaBMWOwner - August 27 - 8:50 am

  This is without doubt, the best luxury performance convertible I have ever owned. I traded a Honda S2000 which I thourghly enjoyed as well, but Im getting up there in years. I will miss the Honda but, NOT FOR LONG. We now own two BMWs; the X5 and this 330CIC; I think I can honestly say we are a BMW family from this point forward. Build quality is second to none and, based on our experience with the X5, we do not anticipate any problems service or performance wise.

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  Truly "The Ultimate Driving Machine" - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Amir - August 27 - 1:53 am

  I purchased my 330ci convertible with the performance package option and I have no regrets. I love everything about the car, from the growl of the engine to the way it grips the road. I can honestly say that driving this car is such an experience that it will even cheer you up when your having a bad day (or so my friends who drive it say). It is a well engineered and designed automobile. Great job BMW!