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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  Awesome drive - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Dan - June 16 - 3:31 am

  I dont understand what the fuss is about this car. The iDrive, while it has its quirks, its great after you learn to use it, after all this is the computer age. But regardless it is the best driving car on the road unless you want a really bumpy and loud sports car, this car has the performance and handling of a sports car that is actually comfortable to drive. There might be prettier luxury cars out there but none drive like this one.

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  The Greatest 5 Series - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By BMW Lover - June 15 - 10:00 am

  The newest 5 Series is the best ever the ride, quietness and new features such as hud Diplay.

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  The best!!! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By linkay - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I have never owned a BMW before now. I can say that I find the experience to be incredible. The car has kick A-- attitude and it looks good too. I have only found 2 drawbacks so far. 1. The fuel economy isnt what I expected, but I should have known better and the back seats sit so upright that they lack comfort for even a 1 hour trip. All in all I would buy this car again and again and again. However, I reserve judgment on winter driving since I havent experienced that yet. Lets see how the car handles the North East winters!

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  love it - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By GSR - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several BMWs, this is by far the best. Im 6-4" and this is one of the few sports cars I can ride comfortably in. The performance is amazing, and I make lots of extra trips just to drive the car. I have really enjoyed it. Ditto on the concern about the long interval between oil changes.

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  wow! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By drPatrick - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I have never been so happy with a car as I am with my BMW. I graduated from medschool last year and I thought what the heck I will treat myself to a nice car. I eventually picked a 528i 2000 blue to purchase for around $34,000. When we went to cough up the money the dealership had rolled in this beautiful 323i in the rarest color... Fire red. I NEVER imagined myself driving a red car but this car was the most beautiful car in red I had ever seen. took it for a test drive and realized it was so much easier to drive than the 528i. Must more responsive. It drives perfectly, the features are so accommodating to the driver with the prem pckg.

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  Best Buy Classic - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Jose - June 14 - 3:05 pm

  After months of research and comparisons with MB and Lexus, I found my 525 5-speed. Considered a 98 but the 95 has the styling that wont look dated. After a year and 12000 miles no mechanical problems to speak of. Only gripe is brake light circuit warning light that has a mind of its own. Average overall MPG about 20 so far with the ability to get 28 or more on the highway if I can drive under 70 mph. Great car. Still under 100k so looking forward to many more ahead. Not a burner off the line, but better mileage than a v-8.

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  To Live For - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By Henry - June 14 - 9:33 am

  I just knew on the day that I test-drove both the coupe and the convertible that I was going to get my own coupe. The look says: Thats right, I am mean. You insert the key and you hear that aggressive rumble in the back. You press on the throttle a couple of times and you realized that youve been smiling like an idiot. Depress the traction control and activate the Sport button and the car takes off likes hell on wheels. Find a loop and keep pushing against the curb -never touch the brakes- and youll feel like you are ready for NASCAR. All the while, people will try to catch up with you so they can give you the "thumbs up". The car makes you want to drive while making you look better.

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  Uncompromising performance with good MPG - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Scott - June 14 - 1:43 am

  All around this has been a great car for the past year. It has averaged 21 MPG with a 65% city 35% freeway driving mix, and that is with some spirited driving on many occassions. On a recent road trip (400 miles) I averaged nearly 30 MPG. So to get that kind of MPG from a car that has 300 HP, 300 lb-feet of torque and can 0-60 in 5.5 seconds is amazing! One complaint has been the runflat tires (Bridgestone Potenzas.) They tramline, ride harsh and dont have the best traction. If I MUST have runflats, the Michelin Pilot Sport ZP would be a better choice. Overall, the car has been nearly flawless and completely reliable. My mirrors have a memory setting problem.

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  A Blast! - 2006 BMW M3
  By Alan - June 13 - 9:07 pm

  A real thrill to drive. A 10 in the turns. The car never feels out of control. Racecar handling and phenomenal braking at any speed. The best ride in the price range. Competition Package was well worth the 4K.

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  Love My Z - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Z4 - June 13 - 8:29 pm

  I love driving my Z along the beach with the top down. I have had some maintenance problems but it came with a six year warranty. The service from BMW has been great. The trunk space is limited but with duffle bags we have made some wonderful trips. I would not recommend this car to anyone only because I like having the most stylish car in the parking lot...