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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  Awesome Value - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By KPitser - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This was my first BMW after many Hondas. Beside my sport bike, this is one of my lifes few true pleasures. Of course there are times when little piddly stuff breaks, but there are great web sites maintained by many loving fanatics like myself that help you navigate past the stealer. I love the fact that I can put my kids in the back seat but when I am alone can roll her up to 110 mph and feel nothing but confidence (unless observed by Hwy Patrol).

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  Well worth the money - 2004 BMW X5
  By LenAugust - May 25 - 2:00 am

  A very nice SUV.....and a BIG nice at that. Handling excellent. Performance excellent....Quiet elegance inside even at 80 miles per hour.

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  BMW330CI - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By TASHJIAN - May 24 - 10:00 am

  LOTS OF POWER, GREAT HANDLING AND MANY LUXURY FEATURES, SUCH AS 3 POSITION MEMORY FOR SEAT AND MIRRORS. HEATED SEATS AND CRUISE WORK GREAT. TRANSMISSION IS SEAMLESS IN EITHER STANDARD, SPORT OR MANUAL SETTINGS. TOP OPERATES WITH A PUSH OF THE BUTTON, LOWERING WINDOWS AND THEN PUTTING THEM BACK. 11 SPEAKER SOUND SYSTEM IS VERY IMPRESSIVE.

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  Great Car!! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By suntigen - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car from Desert BMW of Las Vegas. I wouldnt reccomend the experience to other folks. If you live in Vegas, do youself a favor and drive to LA and buy the car. That being said, I love the car! Its solidly built, and stikcs like glue on curves and corners. The AWD with DTC works great and keeps me pointed where I want to go at all times. I wish I had a couple of additional horses, but thats just me I think. Its got a very smooth torque curve, and doesnt pull at all. The car just goes.

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  WOW - 2003 BMW Z4
  By PLATINUMDAVE - May 23 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE DRIVEN ALOT OF FAST CARS, BUT THIS ONE SCARED ME THE FIRST TIME I DROVE IT. I DIDNT THINK IT WAS POSSIBLE TO DO THE THINGS YOU CAN DO IN THIS CAR, AND THE BEST PART OF ALL....IS THAT EVERYONE STARES AS YOU GO BYE.

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  NY Monster - 2004 BMW M3
  By Lorenzo - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Car is in the superlatives - not your regular garden vareity 3 series. Other cars (Mercedes C32 & E55 AMGs, Audi S4, RS6, Subaru WRX, Mitsu Lancer Evos) want to race me unprovoked. Can they just leave me alone?

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  Dream Car - 2003 BMW Z8
  By BMW - May 22 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for an ultimate dream car, this is it. From its sensational design to its exhilerating driving performance, this is the ultimate in roadsters.

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  Wonderful Ride - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By islander - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is a joy to drive - excellent handling and driving environment. The solid build quality gives you a feeling of safety as well. Perfect mix of fun to drive and comfort.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Caduceus - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car. My wife and bought this car in May and love it. We fight over who gets to drive it. I also own a Corvette and can honestly say that the 2001 BMW 330i is more fun to drive!

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  Lucky to have found one - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By wbhouston - May 21 - 2:00 am

  I just traded in my 5 series for the 6 series coupe without ever seeing the 6 series in person. The driver that delivered it said about 200 people honked at him between Ga. & Tx. with a thumbs up sign. The engine "RUMBLES" like a race car at same time the car drives like a dream. And finally, cup holders that work!