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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  Amazing - 2000 BMW M5
  By Mark - July 18 - 3:30 pm

  My dream car was a 911 forever. When I went to buy one, I didnt fit. This became my dream car and I am so glad. Amazing performance - AMAZING. Faster than most everything, subtle looks, comfy and did I mention FAST! Great mileage for a 400HP sedan - 23+mpg when cruising on the freeway. Its a 911 with 4 doors. For the money I dont think it can be beat by anything on the road. Very refined vehicle.

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  BMW 650i is the one to get - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By fitmaster - July 18 - 3:30 pm

  This car is just an extreme pleasure to drive, the handling, acceleration and features far exceeds the my other luxury coupe test drives. The complaints on the iDrive are understood, but I use the voice control to access just about anything on the menu, without touching the iDrive. I live in the Miami area where there are many, many lux coupes out there, but the BMW always turn heads. Absolutely, no regrets buying this car.

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  Extraordinary! - 2005 BMW X5
  By Mimi - July 17 - 2:40 am

  I bought a new BMW X3 2006 this february, and had a very bad crash in which the car was totalled. I only suffered from whiplash for 3 days. If it had not been for the amazing new safety system of this car and the frame, i would not be writing here. So I made my decision that I will only drive BMW cars, which left me again with the decision: should I buy a new X3 again or should I upgrade and buy a used 2005 X5? I went with the latter option, and I am completely in love with the car! So much bigger inside than the X3it makes you feel even safer to drive, and the drive, outstanding - I have the sportspackage. I really love it!

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  Z4 Coupe - A True Sports Car from BMW - 2006 BMW Z4
  By blacktalon - July 16 - 11:56 pm

  When I saw the photos of the Z4 Coupe concept at the Geneva Motor Show, I knew that if its performance lived up to its style, I wanted one. Ive been car shopping on and off for the last couple years -- and seriously since last November. Ive test driven the Boxster, S2000, 350Z, G35 Coupe, RX-8, and even a Mustang GT. All fine cars, but none of them exactly what I was looking for. I wanted a fast, nimble, two-seater hardtop sports car that was equally fun when you floored the accelerator as when you took it through the twisties. The fact that the Z4 Coupe was drop-dead gorgeous sealed the deal. Ive owned it for a month, and I love it. Its everything I thought it would be.

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  If I werent typing Id be driving!! - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By axelro43 - July 15 - 11:39 am

  I love this car!! Handling and speed are superb. Xenon is wonderful. The Interior is plush and driver friendly. Cupholders arent great but you wont think about drinking anything while driving this performance machine!! In addition I believe that this is one of the best looking vehicles on the road as well as best performing! Youll never sell it!!

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  Love it! - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Jannet - July 15 - 6:28 am

  I love my Z4! It handles extremely well in the rain. Its a great looking car inside and out. I leased it but am planning to buy it because I can not be without my Z. :)

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  Wow, a BMW! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Kim - July 15 - 3:23 am

  I have always dreamed of owning one of these! I have the silver one, with black interior. I bought it less then a month ago and went back to have the permatex paint and interior done. It was around $750.00, but well worth it. It protects the paint and interior. The car sells itself. To make it a bit sportier I also had the windows tinted, Wow it looks great. This car is well worth what I paid! Go for the BMW!

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  I love my car - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By aerokittie - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Coming from an Audi S4, the BMW 530i 6 speed manual is quite luxurious. I do have to say I miss the torque in my Audi S4. However, once in third gear the BMW starts to perform. Handling, cornering and the xenon headlights are awesome.. so far I really enjoy driving it. A very nice car to take a baby step up, in.

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  Joes review - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Joseph Simonson - July 15 - 2:00 am

  A very good car next to a Masarati its the best fun car there is.

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  BMW vs Audi - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By kent green - July 15 - 2:00 am

  After having a Audi6 and loving it i didnt think i would find a car that was better then my Audi.I was about to lease a new Audi when i saw the new 2004 530I I drove it and the rest is history.I think its such a safe feeling to drive the 5301 i love how it handles, the stering is precise and so much fun to drive.I love my new BMW.My son loves the stereo as well.