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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  great auto - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By rmm - August 10 - 2:00 am

  best luxuary auto i have owned, first bmw always have had s series mb

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  zzzzzzzzoom! zzzzzzzzzoom! zzzzzzzoom! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By janice kay - August 10 - 2:00 am

  incredible! darling! even little kids turn to point and stare!

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  a 16 year olds dream car - 2004 BMW Z4
  By fastnfurious - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Im heading to college early, and my parents got me this car. Once i came-to and took it for a drive i had the most fun ive had in months.

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  LOOKS and PERFORMANCE - 2004 BMW Z4
  By asdl - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This is the car you drive when you leave the kids at home. It looks great, drives superbly and it even makes you look sexier regardless of your age. So, is there anything wrong with the BMW Z4? YES, as Elvis Presley once sang, THERES NO ROOM TO RUMBA IN A SPORTS CAR, YOU CANT MOVE BACKWARD OR FRONT.

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  I own all BMWs - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Lawyer1 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent car. Driving, cornering, handling is better than the C5 Vet that I owned. Less expensive, convertible top, one touch up, one touch down.

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  Great SUV - 2002 BMW X5
  By apparition - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Love it. Best handling and most fun to drive SUV ever. I have test almost all of the luxury SUVs on an offroad test track and the BMW performed the best.

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  Must buy the M3! - 2004 BMW M3
  By Stevenj - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is truly amazing!! I was looking for a sports car that was a convertable and this is even more than that. This car is so much fun to drive this is the real definition of a sports car.

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  One great Three! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By ctyson - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive! Do youself a favor a put on a set of Michelin Pilot Sport PS2s. Premium rubber will take your 3 to the next level - its well worth the cost. I recently took a trip up to CT where I blew the doors off my brother-in-laws new S-Type Jaguar with a 4.2 V8! When I hit 140mph my 328i still felt rock solid going around highway bends as he disappeared in my rear-view mirror.

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  No other car will do - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Kate Bristow - August 9 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned a 320 BMW convertible, and was persuaded to upgrade to the 330. The difference is noticeable. I love the acceleration from a standing start, and the car is even more fun to drive than its predecessor. With a BMW convertible, you can really feel the driving, and hear the engine. I like being able to sense the road beneath the wheels: a true drivers car. It also helps that I have done the BMW driver training program, which gives you more information and practical tips on how to handle these powerful cars. My only gripe is that driving in LA traffic, I dont get to push the car as often as I would like!

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  wagon lover - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Paulkevin - August 9 - 2:00 am

  Love to drive, easy to park, shorter than most wagons. Very Sexy Car. Wish I had the awd version