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:

• 

  Nothing Touches It In Its Class - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By kdshapiro - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is a joy to drive. The transmission is as smooth as butter, the acceleration is smooth and powerful and the ride has a magical quality to it thats hard to describe. The interior controls took some getting used to, but now are second nature. Every little corner of this car is engineered to perfection. Including the rechargeable flashlight in the glove box. My only (minor) gripe with the car has been the buzzing speakers in the door posts, that after three visits the dealer has been unable to fix.

• 

  excellent - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By jogkjfiufuif - May 30 - 2:00 am

  the best car Ive ever owned. This makes the 2nd 540 Ive owed and I can not wait for the next version in 2003.

• 

  Great Car - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Three Time BMW Owner - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Best of the three BMWs Ive owned. Tremendous road feel, braking and cornering. Great fun to drive. Have had no major problems.

• 

  Best Vehicle ever owned!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2000 BMW X5
  By xmanlos - May 27 - 2:00 am

  The BMW X5 is attractrive not only for its safety features but it perfomance. My X5 is scary fast still drives like new and I have never ever had a mechanical issue. I will drive this car as long as I could.

• 

  2003 3.0x5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By wedge - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Has been extremely reliable with exceptional performance and handling. Typical BMW build quality and high fun to drive factor.

• 

  King of the road..no doubt - 2004 BMW M3
  By Jimmy Kerfkouk - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I am so wowed by the shear performance ! This baby is way faster than all my old muscle cars, even would blow out my old Z-28..actually the M3 would hand its A$$ to the Z28. Not to mention from a cornering perspective, the only thing close is the Porsche 911.

• 

  Still like it better than the new M3 - 1999 BMW M3
  By rkao - May 26 - 2:00 am

  The car has been outstanding both as my daily driver and as a driver education car on track. The car has been retired as a daily driver and kept only as a fun/summer car.

• 

  Do it all sedan - 1998 BMW M3
  By Sarge395 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I needed practical yet fun. Got it all with the M3. Not a cheap car to own or operate but it was worth it. Took it to Road America for 2 days of track time with the BMW club. Learned a lot about the car and my driving skills. Do it if you get the chance. Owned it now for 5 years and will drive it until it becomes uneconomical to operate. One sweet ride and 4 door practical.

• 

  Better than a Disney E ride - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By JOHN V. PINTO - May 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a fabulous ride.The BMW 6 ci convertible has multiple personalities.It can run like a bat out of hell with the top down,SMG paddle shift Sport mode and Jimi Hendrix blasting out of all 13 speakers, or serenely cruise in automatic mode in the insulated cacoon of top up quietude with some smooth Miles Davis.

• 

  My 545 - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By efin57 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Great ride with so much power. Combines luxury with understated agressiveness. Spacious, comfortable, cool gadgets. Looking forward to the Bluetooth option.