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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  Good not great - 2006 BMW M6
  By Mike Till - June 24 - 9:46 pm

  Automatic lags, better punch from my suburban, sticks like glue to corners and is quite comfortable

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  Best bang for the buck! - 1995 BMW M3
  By JBFMCAR - June 24 - 4:22 pm

  Cant stress it enough the E36 M3 is the best sports car for the dollar hands down. Handles, Sporty, Great looker, Fun Factor, Gas MPG, Reliable cant be beat for 10-13 grand.

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  Exceptional sedan - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By BMDUB1 - June 24 - 11:35 am

  I have recently purchased the 530xi. I am still infatuated with this car and cannot wait to drive it. The car is comfortable and fun to drive. I have driven a lot of cars but this car is unique. It looks great and has sufficient power and stability for any style of driver.

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  BMW X3 - 2005 BMW X3
  By Spo1343 - June 24 - 6:23 am

  At first I was skeptical to this SUV. With only 184bhp and a large body I was seriously considering a 325xi. However, the new body style, lower price and test drive of the X3 had me sold. It has a turnk the size of an X5 but drives like a 3 Series. The steering and suspension are tight but not harsh and if you really push it, the X3 hustles.

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  Sam - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Samuel - June 24 - 2:06 am

  I love this car. It is great.

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  Solid Fun - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Wolf - June 23 - 8:55 pm

  I purchased this car in March, 2005, CPO. At first I thought the car felt too heavy but now, Im impressed with how solid it is. Nothing fazes this car. It goes, stops and corners at your command regardless of weather or road conditions. Now I know why BMW garners so much praise from the press and devotees. I have had one unscheduled service for a faulty sensor that was covered under the CPO warranty.

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  Love our Bimmer - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By Reston - June 22 - 8:12 am

  We bought the car used and had to sink some money into it right off the bat, for items not covered by the sellers warranty. Wondered about the choice for the first year. Then the car settled down and weve had routine maintenance since. Its a joy to drive, city or highway, and its a joy for passengers. If you dont keep up with routine maintenance, and replace things at the first sign of trouble, expect to sink a lot of money into repairs. We do routine maintenance, and change the oil frequently, and weve been very satisfied. We plan to run the car for ten more years at least.

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  Senior Bimmerman - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Ed A - June 21 - 9:48 pm

  This is my 3rd BMW and it is the smoothest, quietest, best performing of all. It has the driving performance and still has creature comforts. I tried an Infiniti G for a year, but had to get back to a car that had superior driving characteristics and a strong feel and smooth ride.

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  The most fun on the road - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By deb - June 21 - 5:16 pm

  This car handles so easily and it has a safe and sturdy feel on the road. Plenty of power for on and off the highway. The iDrive isnt as difficult to operate as some have claimed. Just take some time to learn it pick your settings thats it. The heated steering wheel is a real luxury. Interior appointments very nice.

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  Unbeatable package! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By BimmerNuts - June 20 - 2:34 pm

  You will not find a similar package of handling, power, space, luxury and economy. Yes, its not a drag racer, not a 48" TV hauler, not a Cadillac, not an ultra luxurious butt massage machine and not a 50mpg machine - BUT its an extremely well executed compromise of all of the above that no other car Ive driven or owned car copy. Read reviews of all competitors and you will find that they all compare with BMW 3-series - its not a coincidence.