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:

• 

  Car Review - 1998 BMW Z3
  By Ben Franklin - May 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is awesome

• 

  6 Series Convertable - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By orthobonz - May 20 - 2:00 am

  An extremely comfortable automobile with fantastic lines both inside and out. The car responds very well at both local and highway speeds. The triple lined top is unusually quiet its operation a snap. With the front seats brought partway forward, the rear was able to hold my petite daughter and six foot son. In two weeks of ownership, I have been stopped four times by complete strangers remarking on its beauty.

• 

  Gift from the automotive gods! - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By spngd - May 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is elegant, muscular, and sexy. The fit and finish is world class. The exterior angles are unique and eye catching. The drivetrain is..well BMW all the way. I can sleep, just thinking of it in the garage. The Jet Black is gorgous!!

• 

  Its gonna change your life - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By GeorgeB - May 20 - 2:00 am

  I have had for only two months and I cant believe the overall quality and the ride experience. I probably will never drive any car other than a BMW for the rest of my life.

• 

  Almost Perfection - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By JakeAdams - May 20 - 2:00 am

  BMW has never failed to impress me with their cars. This 323is is my favorite, so far.

• 

  330i - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By AVRed - May 19 - 10:00 am

  Shopped around for months and finally bought the 330 over the Infiniti g35 and Lex IS300. The overall package of the BMW was better, it handles great, looks even better (esp with the sport package) and is a blast to drive. Gets tons of looks from the ladies (jealous guys too!)

• 

  Everything perfect so far... - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Snow Queen - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Despite my reluctance to move from a Z3 to the 530i sedan, I feel like Ive sacrificed just a small amount of performance that is far outweighed by the luxuries and amenities of this outstanding car. I might beat others out of a light a little slower now, but not by much, and Im doing it in comfort. This is a grown-up, safe, well-built car that I can still view as a toy.

• 

  Low miles, great car. - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By ken1 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  CA always had low sulfur, 2001 for all of US. Nikasil failures were small percent. Diagnose: Open front doors wide, start engine. Rough idle-doors bounce, compresion/leakdown test. These cars are now a GREAT buy since most failures are old news. 80 mph = 28 mpg!

• 

  Great handling, excellent value - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By mdriver - May 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a very fun car. It has acceptable fuel economy in my opinion and has very good build quality. Easy to maintain if you like to work on the car yourself, though dealer visits can get very expensive very quickly.

• 

  Best In Class - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By bmw30 - May 17 - 2:00 am

  After driving all the contenders, including the Jag XJ, Audi A8, LS430 and of course the Merc S, nothing makes as strong a statement as this one. Unbeatable drive and handling, smooth, beautiful, kicks the hell out of anything in its league. Only qualms are there are still some electronic glitches