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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  a blast to drive - 2004 BMW M3
  By 2002m3cab - June 7 - 2:00 am

  I have noe had my car for two years and it seems to grow more and more on me. I have rarely kept a car two years and not become bored with it, but with this car I can not wait to get out with the top down and let it go. The only areas that I would say I am unhappy with are the exhaust sound, and the upgraded radio.

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  740iL - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Spalding - June 7 - 2:00 am

  Superb balance between athleticism, comfort and style. One of the few European luxury/performance sedans where adults can sit in the back seat without my having to move front seat up, or apologize profusely. And even Consumer Reports musters respect for its build quality and reliability.

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  Looks good moving or standing still - 2004 BMW X5
  By Jim Chiminatta - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Great handling and great looking vehicle, the ride is a little harsh with the sports package. The only other thing I note is that the paint job is not the quality of the bmws built off shore.

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  A longtime dream come true... - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By Trish Arnold - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I have wanted a BMW 3 series since the mid 90s. I finally bought a 98 328i this year and I LOVE it!!! I have owned brand new cars that werent as tight as this car! Its beautiful, handles fantastic, and is SO much fun to drive, I find myself making excuses to drive it!

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  Best car Ive ever had! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By nidgrl - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with this car the minute I saw it! It is perfect for commuting to work as well as weekend camping trips. I had never owned a BMW before and now I know why they are so popular.

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  AWESOME CAR! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By WNDYAUTUMN - June 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is everything we could have asked for. Its fun to drive, everytime I get into it I renew my love for it. We came out of a Cadillac Seville STS and will probably never go back.

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  What an Excellent Machine - 2004 BMW X5
  By xfizzle - June 3 - 2:00 am

  The BMW x5 is perhaps the most elegantly designed, sport SUV available. The vehicle rides and handles like a dream. It is essentially a 5 series that is disguised as an SUV. The 3.0 is perfectly adequate for the average consumer looking for a reasonably priced sport SUV. The 4.4 is for the true enthusiast who desires the added performance of the larger engine. We wont even discuss the dream of the new 4.8.

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  M3- the sensible supercar - 2003 BMW M3
  By Randstar - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I moved from a 540 to the 2003 M3. I wanted more of the "driving experience". I got it. THe M3 is a rocket, and corners unbelievably. Yet i have 3 kids, and visiting in St Louis I had my wife, the 3 kids, and 4 pieces of luggage in the trunk, all going to the airport. Try that in your 911! Cramped yes, but definitely doable. The car is fairly comfortable for 3 adults. The ride is ultra firm, and not for the light of heart. Drinking you AM coffee in the car, and you better have good roads, or youll be wearing most of the coffee. On reasonable roads the ride is fine, again firm. However, all this is quibbling in the face of a very fun car to drive.

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  Wow, now this is a car!!!!!!!!! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Bemaing Owner - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a car as it should be. To say it is fun to drive is a big understatement. It continues to amaze me for what it can do. It fits like a glove and always does what I ask it to. And I ask a lot of it! Rain, sleet, snow. No problems there. A bit rough on the body on day-long drives though due to the sport suspension. Hops a little on rough curvey roads.But, always ends up where you want it to. All said, I wouldnt ever buy anything else.

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  the best of the best - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By tony wyan - June 2 - 2:00 am

  What can I say other than this vehicle is fun fun fun-not just transportation.Add the streptronic transmission and you get the thrill of a lifetime-driving a true sports machine and loving every mile you drive.I have driven them all but this one leads the pack in all catagories- the best..