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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  Back To A BMW!! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By MRG - June 13 - 9:03 am

  It has been almost 11 years since my last BMW and this one does not disappoint. It took only a short time on the test drive to know that my wait for a new 325 was at long last over. I now have a new 2006 325i in Monaco Blue with Beige Leather. The new 3.0l 6 is a vast improvement over the previous 185hp engine. More fun to drive than ever. I find myself looking for reasons to go to the store. The new body is awesome. The sport package is worth every penny. The sport seats take comfort over the stock seats to a new level. Fit and finish are good. Drive one then drive anythig else in its class and see why they call them The Ultimate Driving Machine!!

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  BMW=Best Made in the World! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Michael N - June 13 - 6:44 am

  I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this car. This is the first manual transmission I have ever even tried to drive and after owning this BMW Z4 I will never drive an automatic ever again. Besides the fact that it has superior craftsmanship, great styling, and is a blast to drive I get great gas mileage that really helps with the rise of prices at the pump. My next car will definitely be a BMW!

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  Delighted with first BMW - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By FB - June 13 - 12:03 am

  This is my first BMW and we waited until the 5 was available in AWD before taking the plunge. After an initial issue with a too-dark Nav screen that was replaced, this car has been fantastic. The bottom line is that driving goes from being a chore to being something I look forward to every day because of this car. And I have lost count of how many people have commented on how great it looks! BMW, I hope you never stop making manual transmission cars like this one. And Bluetooth makes using the cell in the car so much easier and safer (not safe in an absolute sense, but safer if you have to be on the phone). BTW, the cupholders may look corny, but they actually hold cups quite well!

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  Better than expected - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By Bob - June 12 - 5:29 pm

  I love this car. Driving it is even better than I imagined it would be as I waited for it to arrive.

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  BMW 325i - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By mpt2222 - June 9 - 12:43 pm

  I just switched from an A4 to the 325i. I wish I would have made the move sooner. Even the base 3-series handles well, is smooth, quick enough, and has a comfortable interior (albeit small rear seat and trunk). Ill be looking to move up to the 330 for my next car.

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  Blew me away - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Car Lover - June 9 - 3:06 am

  When I first heard of this car, I had a feeling I was going to buy it. At the dealer, they didnt have any to test drive because it is 100% custom made to your liking. Instead I drove the 750Li and liked it but I felt like I needed more so I put down an order for the 760. While driving, it accelerates like no tomorrow. Though its numbers are less than the Merc S600, it is a naturally aspirated car with no Turbos unlike the merc. It fits the demeanor of a luxury car. The interior is extremely well fitted with a leather suede top. Though slower and less technologically advanced as the Merc, Id choose this anyday. Luxury cars arent meant to be fast, they are meant to be ridden in.

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  better than the best - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By seawer - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Its fun to drive ,lovely & comfort

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  The PERFECT Convertible - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Mom of two - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for 5 months, bot it used and have LOVED every minute of driving it. Just added Michelin Alpin tires for the winter months to continue enjoying it. The more Ive driven it, the better it responds and handles. It is just a perfect, flawless vehicle (ok, except for the cup-holder).

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  Best car I have ever owned!! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Cary A. Storchan - June 8 - 10:24 am

  Before I leased this car in 2001, I had driven much larger sedans, (Audi, Acura, Infiniti) and never considered a much smaller car. That is until I drove the BMW 330xi. I bought the car in 2004 when it came off lease and have continued to enjoy as much as the first time I drove it. I have enhanced its performance with several Dinan add-ons. and it performs like a bat out of hell. Other than routine maintenance, and the addition of the Dinan equipment, the car has not required any service. The AWD feature is a great in the winter, in the rain, on the highways and on the track. Most of driving involves road trips and I generally average almost 30 mpg. The car handles like a dream.

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  Still smiling two years later - 1999 BMW M3
  By zupchuck - June 7 - 9:48 pm

  I bought my 99 M3 coupe used with 22k miles in 2004. It has been very reliable. Its exceptionally fun to drive. I love taking it on long trips, it is that comfortable. Proper snow tires make this a competant winter car (with ASC of course). Braking is awesome and properly matched to a vehicle capable of traveling so fast, so easily. This car brings smiles to my face every time I drive it. The cockpit is the best Ive experienced. It is not cheap to maintain, parts will cost you. Find a good BWM mechanic and avoid the dealerships. I hope I can keep this car for many years. If now has 43k miles two years later.