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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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By Nakoosa - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Safe! My car is the replacement 318is for the one my bro. took 55mph+, head- on into a tree, in 91. He suffered only a split lower lip! Very, Very fun car 2 drive! Virtually no body lean, under/oversteer -- corners like on rails! Put 15" wheels w/Brdgstne Potenze 750s amazing! Big sunroof. Great window controls. Looks So, so cool in black w/blacked windows and silver wheels. Turns heads and gets comments even @ the BMW delrshp!!! Bought from Ps a 91 w/81k orig. miles. ) see one, drive one, buy one, love it, keep it! Fantastic car. Next car just might have to be a BMW . . .

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  BMW is the best. - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By Sam Igna - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Great looking, performaning, styling, handling car. BMW makes some of the best vehicles.

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  Responsive Handling on Autobahn - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Go Army! - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I factory ordered my Bimmer last year and I must say that Ive not had any problems with it. It is the best handling vehicle Ive seen and experienced on the Autobahns in Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, France, etc. Im very fortunate that I could drive this car to its limits (until the governor kicks in) and never have to worry about loosing control. I love BMW performance so much that Ill order a M3 next year.

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  Cool - 2003 BMW X5
  By Tom-Al - July 1 - 10:00 am

  It is best SUV ever built

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  Surprisingly Bug Free - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Joe Jensen - July 1 - 2:00 am

  I was hesitant to trade my 2001 740iL for the newer model (E65) after reading about all the issues with the 2002 and 2003 model years. The leasing incentives were just to good to pass up so I made the move. In a word, Im thrilled. This car is more nimble, quicker, handles better, brakes better, and rides better than my 2001. Im still not crazy about the styling, but Im willing to live with it to get all the other improvements. My 2001 was in the shop 5 or 7 times in the first 6 months for minor issues. Ive had this car for 2 months with zero issues and Im really picky. I think they have the issues resolved for the 2004s...joe

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  Best car Ive ever owned. - 1994 BMW 7-Series
  By Larry Martensson - July 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned many, many vehicles for the past 45 years new and used foreign and domestic. (BMWs, Saabs, Volvos, Hondas, Toyotas, a VW Beetle, Fords, a Buick, a Chevy, an Olds.. and maybe some Ive forgotten!). The 94 740i I now own is by far the best vehicle Ive ever owned. It looks good, drives beautifully, has plenty of power (I outrun many a car!), and has had no problems. The Nikasil block was a problem but most have been replaced. Mine has the Nikasil and has no problems (and since sulphur in gas was the culprit.. if your Nikasil is OK now... dont worry since sulphur is now greatly reduced in our gas).

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  worth every penny - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By mieciu - July 1 - 2:00 am

  My first, definitely not the last.. I left it for a service and got a Chevy Tahoe as a loaner. What a difference in steering. I could not go straight! Once back in my BMW I felt like being bolted to the road. Great overall smooth ride except sharp bumps (those joints on a concrete highway).

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  Nothing but a Beamer! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By PAScott - July 1 - 2:00 am

  Just brought home my 02 Certified Pre- owned 525i after I traded in my Z3. I cant believe its the same engine. It does lake a little bit, but this car is SUPER responsive. I have the Sport + Premium Package. Nice. I must agree...the cup holders arent worth the plastic their made of. (COME ON BMW). Overall...a step up from the Z3. I LOVE this car

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  I love my car! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By joevicki - June 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is the most fun car I have ever driven. It handles so well in the rain, that I actually enjoy splashing thru the puddles. The dynamic stability control is to thank for this - you can feel it take over as water attempts to change your course. Its turning radius is unbelievable and its easy to park. Its beautiful (metallic green or teal) and really turns heads. It has great acceleration even at 80 MPH. You have to watch for cops, tho...my husband got a 93 MPH ticket in central Texas and it was easy!

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  BMW 323 Outstanding - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By rmanning - June 30 - 1:13 am

  A great driving expierence, well worth the money.