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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  Fantastic Car! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By e30mpwrd - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 323 with 60k miles on the clock. The car has been fantastic. Yes its underpowered relative to the 330--but thats why it costs less! The car is still quick--esp. when it gets in the heart of the revs, and it handles like--well, like a BMW should. The ergonomics of this car (the E46) are a huge step forward from the E36.

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  A very pleasant ride - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Ron Gilkey - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Considering the 3-Series is the "bottom of the line" BMW, this is the finest automobile i have owned. It has a very smooth ride, great acceleration and plenty of power, and provides very responsive handling. The road noise is minimal - it is almost a pleasure to drive in total quiet, but why waste the audio system with 10 speakers that surround you? Free maintenance for 36000 miles is ok with me too! If i were shopping for another car, it certainly would be in the BMW line

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  good wine - 2004 BMW M3
  By ANDREW - August 5 - 2:00 am

  For the 1st six months I just loved all the sutle qualities that I keeped on discovering.It was a journey of discovery & appreciation.

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  X5 4.4 - 2003 BMW X5
  By Patrick92127 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Very safe. Handles great. Sucks gas, but worth it. Built like a vault. Intuitive controls. Agressive looks.

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  2.5 Z4 - 2003 BMW Z4
  By MPCox - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Excellent sports car.. great handling. Perfect with the Top Down. Although with it up you need to get used to the visibility. Value for money is very good. Much prefer the manual to the automatic, it makes driving it more fun.

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  BMW 745Li 2003 - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By TPratt1 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Bar none, the 745L is the best luxury car on the road today. Closest thing to flying a jet while staying on the ground. All the technology anyone could ever use or want. Performance oriented in just about every aspect. A fine car in a great longstanding dynasty of many cars. Luxury and handling in perfect combination. Great job Germany.

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  This is the one - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Upss - August 3 - 11:46 pm

  Good ride and handling in perfect balance. Pleasant to look at. No regrets at 5000miles.

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  going strong - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By So Cal driver - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 318ti for 6 years and it was the best purchase. Its 8 years old now and has 104,000 miles and is still going strong. It is mechanically sound and I havent had any problems, just regular maintenance. The biggest thing to go was the fuel pump (not bad @ 98K miles). Ive taken many road trips (thanks to all the room available when the back seats are folded down) and have driven on many upaved roads and it handled well.

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  No complaints - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By texbmw - August 3 - 2:00 am

  By far the best driving car I have ever owned. I test drove both an E- 500 and the 540 and the two cant compare from a performance standpoint. The Merc is more luxurious but the BMW has the best driving experience hands down.

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  First BMW - 2004 BMW X5
  By lexie - August 3 - 2:00 am

  My first BMW is an X5. I like the SUV, not crazy about the dealership. They switched the rims on the vehicle after I purchased it. It was a demo. They denied it, but my sales person even said they did. Drives like a sedan. Looked better with other rims. Great Sienna red color. Only one in town. Have had it 4 months and havent had any problems. Cup holders are inconvenient. Difficult to remove and replace rear cargo flap. Cant get the garage door openers to work.