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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  best convertible ever - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By amy - June 4 - 5:10 am

  This car handles incredibly and offers a very quiet interior ride compared to many convertibles.

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  best on the road - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By b brown - June 3 - 11:25 pm

  we bought our used bmw in Dec 05 and everyday when I drive it Im still in love. It handles like a dream and long trips are effortless. Ill never own another car!

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  Good Start - 1999 BMW M3
  By BRB - June 3 - 8:41 pm

  This was my dream car for a long time and I finally got one. It had 46,000 miles on it and seemed to be in great condition. For the first 5k miles I added coilovers which made the handling absolutely amazing. Engine is giving me some trouble now, even after always changing the oil and such mantience I get an annoying whine at 2900 rpm. I cant wait to get my next one and have the money to fix any little problem as it arises. Lots of little electric problems as well.

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  Best of the Best - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By Jean - June 3 - 2:25 pm

  This car is top notch ! After evaluating several convertibles and fun cars and considering the BMW 7 series (there isnt a convertible) I chose the 650 convertible and havent been sorry !! The POWER is incredible, the looks I get driving it and the special fun of driving with the top down ! GREAT GREAT GREAT car ! Love the voice commands !! J.

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  A wolf in sheeps skin. - 2006 BMW M5
  By b. smith - June 3 - 11:50 am

  A wonderful driving machine. A pleasure on long trips, but a blast though out the canyons.

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  Beat Expectations - 2004 BMW X3
  By markap - June 3 - 11:28 am

  After reading the review of others which said the suspension and ride of this model year was not up to BMW standards - I was suprised. The car is about as smooth as can be. It is a pleasure to drive. I see no flaws.

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  Genuine Sports Car - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Denise - June 3 - 11:28 am

  Just love everything about this car. Beautiful looks, fun to drive, comfortable inside, tremendous service from BMW. Just all around satisfied.

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  A real value - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Desert Fox - June 3 - 10:54 am

  Theres little I would change or request. Just wish they would refine the lines on the back like they did in front!

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  X3 sleeper - 2006 BMW X3
  By Bruce - June 3 - 9:49 am

  Ive heard the ads for the "ultimate driving machine". Ive had many autos over the years. This X3 handles like a coupe, has all the luxury features I wanted. THIS CAR IS FUN TO DRIVE. I look forward to entering the cockpit to spin the key. The gas mileage is a little thirstier then I wouldve liked. Buy it, youll grin.

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  Jims Z4 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Jim Marcum - June 3 - 8:26 am

  I really love driving this car, it handles like a dream in the sport mode. I really like to shift it with the steptronic transmission, it shifts very smooth. I also like the easy to read gauges at night, the orange dash lights are just cool. I have all the options and packages you can get with this car except for the navigation. I also want Sirius radio which I can get but the trunk mounted antenna just dont work for me. Its a little hard getting in and out of because it is low to the ground but onced youre in and settled you can for hours with the top down and the windscreen in place.