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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  super go-cart - 2006 BMW Z4
  By jersey boy - April 1 - 10:59 am

  This car is a rocket ship on wheels. I drove the 350Z, Z4 3.0, Miata MX-5, and the s2000 when I was looking for a roadster and none of them could compete with the 3.0si. A well thought out car with a great thrill factor. As much fun as a motorcycle with much more protection. The drivetrain is perfect from all aspects. Kudos to the Germans.

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  Great Car - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Savanna - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I was recently in a car accident in my new BMW. I was hit in the back at a speed of about 40-50 mph. The women in her sabb ( 9-3 ) was hurt because the airbag did not open.I was fine thanks too the aribag and saftey features. Once i was hit in the back the airbag came out and i saw smoke. I thought the car was on fire and i quickly jumped out. It turned out the car wasnt on fire it was just chalk from the airbag. My husband told me that BMW has a saftey feature when it is hit the car turns off to eliminate fire. I cant be happier of this car. This is " The Ultimate Driving Machine."

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  Watch em Stare - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Yesitsme - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Got a great deal on a fully loaded 2.5 Z4. They do sell them below MSRP. The ride is fantastic as is the handling. Took it yesterday in the mountains with plenty of winding roads. Couldnt get a peep out of the tires. Drives like it is on rails. I can clearly tell the difference on winding roads with sport pkg. The Carver stereo refuses to quit. After 200 miles in the mountains yesterday I wanted to drive more. The only sore things were my ears from too much music. It got 28 MPG to boot. W/ top up the cockpit is very quiet. I get looks everywhere I go. I now like waiting at lights just to see whos staring.

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  A great used SUV bargain - 2003 BMW X5
  By PaulGinAZ - March 31 - 4:16 pm

  I purchased a 2003 X5 3.0 Sport for my wife last March with 41,000 miles and all options except for cold weather pkg. In the 14000 miles since then we have received excellent service from the dealership and aside from replacing the OEM Michelin tires with Kuhmos and replacing the battery the vehicle has been flawless, safe, quiet, and rattle-free. Insist on service records and if you can buy the extended maintenence package (3 year 50k including all services, oil changes, and brakes) for $1000 like we did you should be in the clear.

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  330i Sport Premium - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By DSlyce - March 31 - 12:10 am

  I have owned a 330i sport premium with the manual transmission and I love it.. every option except iDrive/nav and no complaints except for the narrowness of the sport seats, Im 6 200 lbs and never feel totally comfortable in the seats.

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  M4 the great - 2017 BMW M4
  By Mr A... - March 29 - 7:43 am

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  Incredible Machine - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By clip645 - March 28 - 10:01 pm

  I had read all of the review and was a bit reluctant, until I drove this vehicle. For a vehicle of this size, it handles and corners amazingly well. Performance is outstanding! 0- 30 is strong however, 30-100 is absolutely incredible and leaves most everyting in the dust. To top it off the ride is compliant, the seats are the most comfortable I have ever encountered, the logic 7 sound system is amazing - even at super legal speeds with the top down. The much maligned I Drive in now very intuitive - once you read the manual just once. This is the best car I have ever owned or driven! It you are looking for a great convertible - at any price - this is it!

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  1994 bmw 325i dr 5speed - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By Juan dan - March 28 - 3:45 pm

  For its category and year is and amazing car, as long is maintain right. If you cut corners on repairs parts material etc on the e36 models might as well throw it in the trash..and your experiance with the e36 is going to be poor and your review. The inerior in my is poor, typical for a car thus year but well maintain with over 200,000 miles and it runs and performs great. New clutch stage 2 performance, everything else stock rebuild vanos plus wear and tare maintnance. Exterior in good shape clean look burgandy ruby, tinted windows .. This car pave the way for all 3 series and other manufacturers have copy the ruby color, plus the black spoiler that covers tank is a standard rear look in most late models, so apreciate your bmw e36 and enjot it.☺

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  My Z4 opinions - 2006 BMW Z4
  By James DellAquila - March 27 - 9:31 pm

  I have only owned my Z4 for a month, but so far it has exceeded my expectations. The workmanship appears to be excellent as is the over the road performance. In short, I am glad I bought it.

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  Dougs Beamer - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Doug - March 27 - 5:14 pm

  This is an awesome Car. 20 seconds after I get in it at teh end of a long stressful day, all the stress just melts away. Fully automatic convertible top goes down in 22 seconds while sitting at a stoplight.