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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  Steel Gray BMW - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By WLLWNH - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I have only had the car three weeks but it is the finest vehicle I have ever driven. I tried Corvette,Jaguar,etc no comparision to the BMW. It is a PLEASURE! to drive. The handling,style,looks is fantastic.

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  Out of the box. - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Mannyc - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Its only got 300 miles on it so far, but I really love it. A great, comfortable and quiet ride with performance to boot and handling to boot.

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  Nice Ride - 1999 BMW 7-Series
  By Laslo - March 5 - 5:08 pm

  With the Sport option, this is a sports car in sedan disguise. This car puts a smile on my face every time I get behind the wheel.

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  I love my 2006 330i - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Chris - March 5 - 4:40 pm

  This is a great car! I have always loved how fun it is. I love it even more now because I was stopped in traffic on the freeway and someone slammed in to me. You would not believe how well my car held up, I was able to drive it away while the other car was totalled and towed. My 5 year old was in the backseat and I was driving pregnant, and we came out great. I feel so safe in this car!

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  The Smaller 7 Series - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By DonS - March 5 - 4:25 pm

  Have found that this 740I has all the pleasures as the 740IL has to offer but with less bulk to handle. Have been driving it for over three years and been trouble free with 50M miles plus and the handling the roads in the mountains have been what BMW noted for on curves etc. The gas mileage on long trips avg around 22 to 23 miles per gal. I have found that the 2001 is the last of the old style and possibly most of any problems they have had been cleared up. I have noted that you do not see many resales for 2001 and they have been holding up in value. Would I buy another BMW 7 Series, Yes.. A Good 05 or 06.

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  My 04 530i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Joe G - March 5 - 1:44 am

  I very much enjoy driving this car. It is fun to drive and very reliable. I had some computer problems early on, but they were repaired and have had no problems since. I have also had many compliments about the styling and appearance of the car. I will get another one when this lease is finished next year.

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  A dream car - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Downunder - March 4 - 9:04 pm

  Had a 1997 535i I loved and couldnt part with. Finally and reluctantly I bought my 550i - shouldnt have waited - its a simply fantastic car. I look forward to the morning drive more than ever and my SL500 stays parked in the garage. Great performance, handling and comfort as well as all the hitec gismos to keep me happy - and they are useful too particulary headup and satnav. Great. IDrive is simply learnt in a few hours that motoring journos obviously dont give it. Simple - intuitive - and very easy to use regularly when needed.

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  1999 BMW 528i ... very, very nice - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By bmw_owna - March 4 - 12:27 pm

  I bought this vehicle certified pre-owned (CFP). BMW has one of the best CFP plans in the US. I love the car. I have had a few technical problems but other than that I love the car. I highly recommend it.

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  Nothing like a BMW - 2004 BMW X3
  By Tahoe Mom - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This Bmw is perfect for the person who wants a car but feels safer in an SUV.It is so much fun to drive and also gives you a good feeling of being solid and safe.

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  BMW X3 2.5 - 2004 BMW X3
  By septsong - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Great car. BMW quality buid, ride and looks