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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  7 car - a drivers delight - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By robert g - April 2 - 2:00 am

  i really like the BMW 7 series repair history has been excellent so far this is my third 7-car, and my seventh BMW purchased since 1988.

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  Fun in the Sun - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Richard - April 1 - 12:23 pm

  This is definetely a fun car. The engine (184hp) is plenty enough to move you forward and allows relaxed cruising while the top is down. I dont think there is a need to purchase the lager engine coming with the 330i. Quality is superb and it is amazing how stable and stiff the car is without an aluminum roof. Buy a wind deflector and you wont experience any draft while the top is down.

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  Wunderbar! - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Ed - April 1 - 3:23 am

  535i Sapphire Black/Black with Sport & Premium. Simply awesome. Very well built, comfortable, fun to drive, quiet inside and bloody fast. Test drove an A6 3.2 Quattro and an E350 Sport. The Audi was really nice but felt a little underpowered (after driving the 535i). The E350 is a great passengers car, not that great a drivers car.

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  rafic 5 serious - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By rafic - April 1 - 2:00 am

  i love this car i lovee the handling the performance confort every thing i like the new 5 serious way better then my causins 2003 lexus es 330

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  The ultimate urban road warrior ! - 2004 BMW X5
  By K Yoder - April 1 - 2:00 am

  We bought our X5 because of the sportiness, the safety features, the looks, as well as the interior cabin space. I am fairly tall and the X5 provides ample leg, shoulder and head room, without being much longer or wider than an explorer or a 4runner. It is very fun to drive and is drives like a sportscar!!

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  Islandflyer savvy - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Islandflyer - April 1 - 12:03 am

  This is the first BMW for us. It has about 16,000 KMS (10K miles). Average 38 to 40 MPG on a Canadian gallon. I drove Mercedes cars for 24 years. This new 06 325i is solid, fast, comfortable, very economical, handles with amazing flexibility, has great load space especially with seats down, and is a better buy than the C Class MB for the money. Mercedes seems to be failing to provide their historically good quality. My C Class was only average in quality. The 13 speaker Harmon Kardon Logic 7 stereo system is amazing. Buy one. Dont settle for less. PS: I have driven all sorts of vehicles in about 30 countries overseas

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  Proud To Own - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By mikey-fresh - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Its one of the best decisions Ive ever made. My last car was an Acura Legend and I thought Id never be able to find a car better than that. Guess I was wrong...

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  Awsome - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By jack kinealy - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Even though I loved the body style and the experience of previous BMW ownership I was very leary of the new "I" drive computor sytem. However after less than a weeks ownership I love this vehicle and find the I drive to be very intuitive. No problems at all. Great decision!

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  Love the new 7 - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By jburthunt - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Went to the Detroit Autoshow in January 2002 for the unveiling of the new 7 and loved it!! Had a 2000 740i w/sport package, traded for a 2004 745Li. Really enjoy driving this car on trips, the comfort seats are a must. The car is larger than the 00 and is more comfortable. The iDrive is easy to operate and the voice activation makes everything a breeze. The power soft close doors and trunk is great. BMW has done a great job with the new 7

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  Love this car! - 2003 BMW X5
  By AScott - March 30 - 2:00 am

  You cant go wrong with this SUV I have a 3.0 and it has a lot of get up and go.It feels like a BMW sedan. I highly recomend this Car.