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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  ALZ - 2003 BMW X5
  By ALZAZ - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Easy to drive, comfortable, performs like a 5 series sedan.

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  WOW - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Guy - August 2 - 1:26 pm

  This is my third BMW convertible and by far the best. The SMG transmission is great and really adds to the fun of driving. Absolutely no problems. I would recommend this car to anyone considering a convertible - two or four place.

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  Worth The Price - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By M. Young - August 1 - 11:50 pm

  She isnt the least expensive car to own, but shes worth the price. If you love driving, the flagship 7 Series is a dream. Sure afoot, "broad-shoulder" powerful, smooth, quiet, and regal. This is before Bangle. No iDrive either! 14-speaker sound and top quality materials everywhere you look. It always feels like it could be driven across the country with ease. Only 10% of BMWs are 7 Series so you dont see them everywhere when youre driving. Very advanced tech for a 1998 car. Most 2006s still cant compare. Change oil often, replace radiator, treat her nice and she will make you happy.

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  BMW 7 series - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Doug1958 - August 1 - 7:14 pm

  This Car is so fun to drive the way it handled around big bends is legendary.

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  Disappointing for this much money - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By BMW Owner - August 1 - 6:23 pm

  After thoroughly enjoying my 3 series, I looked forward to the 530. What a disappointment, I have never had any car in for service so often, the high battery drain others have mentioned, iDrive replaced, tires have been replaced twice at no charge due to noise and excessive cupping, brake sensor malfunction resulted in having brakes replaced at 10K miles. While BMW has replaced all these items, having to take car in over 10 times in a year is just ridiculous. Not what you expect for this much money. Also just cant get this seat and steering wheel adjusted to point its comfortable for more than a little while. All in all, a great looking car, and I enjoy it - when it runs correctly.

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  My first bmw - 2002 BMW X5
  By beckner - August 1 - 4:25 pm

  Every time I switch cars with my wife and son I realize what a real driving machine this vehicle is - you just have to sit behind the wheel to experience how it performs - it is such a solid well built vehicle.

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  Repeat Customer - 2006 BMW X5
  By redrocket - August 1 - 10:17 am

  This is my 3rd BMW and this absolutely the best so far. There was no question as to what car to purchase when we wanted a new vehicle. As an added bonus, BMW has improved this model with better mileage, better handling and a few interior changes such as the huge sun/moonroof, (my last one was identical but 4.6is). I enjoy driving this car because it is so safe, solid, comfortable and responsive. I like the SAV aspect because I can fold the back seats to accommodate my bicycle or opt to put a rack on the rear. I would recommend this car to everyone.

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  Pure power sports car -- Fantastic buy - 2008 BMW Z4 M
  By JD - July 31 - 2:33 pm

  A pure sports car -- everything you need, nothing more. Feels like 400hp strapped to your chair with phenomenal handling. Love the car. There are times I wish it had the iDrive and with it the front/rear parking sensors -- long nose and difficulty sighting corners make me fearful at times I nick a curb, etc.

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  The truck that drives like a car - 2002 BMW X5
  By Cid - July 30 - 8:49 pm

  Since day one with this car Ive never regretted its purchase. It handles better than any non German car Ive ever owned, let alone any other SUV. Its never left me stranded, and has always been a pleasure to drive. That includes two cross country trips with the family.

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  OK - 2005 BMW X5
  By cabinduncan12 - July 30 - 1:17 pm

  The BMW X5 is a great car to drive on the highway, but is completely unsafe to drive in the snow, even with snow tires. The rear wheel drive is too unreliable. The seats in the front of the SUV are comfortable for about 20 minutes, but after that, your back will get sore. The back seats are too stiff, for there is no siding for your back, and no grip.