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:

• 

  Really good... but - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Ron-san - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Little things matter on a $70K vehicle and between the remotes slow response and poor range and the relatively poor snow and ice handling, I occasionally forget what I love about the car ...everything! ... I-drive requires some learning time but I disagree with the mags and Edmunds when they knock it. Driving should be serious work and instead of dangerous cell phone users and hair stylists wobbling all over the road, Id like to see them focus on driving... which is what this car encourages, better than any of the 42 vehicles Ive owned before it!

• 

  All kinds of weather it holds the road. - 2001 BMW X5
  By scootrbear - March 23 - 2:00 am

  If you live in an area as I do with plenty of snow/rain and steep hills, this is the vehicle for you and your family. My first experience with BMW and it has made me a BMW owner for life.

• 

  The Ulitmate Driving Machine-Ask 007 - 1998 BMW Z3
  By BMer - March 22 - 2:00 am

  Have the 1.9 4 cyl. engine and has plenty of power and oomph. Not as fast as the 2.3 6 cyl. or the Audi TT however this car is a "touring car" first and not a sports car. Its looks and handling make it a blast to drive and quite an eye catcher. All in all a great value. Top speed I am told is around 130 mph however vehicle is electronically limited to 115 mph. So although some have complained about the 4 cyl. engine it begs the question do you really need any more for a roadster??

• 

  Still king (?) - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By m_spec_330 - March 22 - 2:00 am

  Been Driving this for 6-8 months now. In Canada, thats 25K kms. The handling is excusitive. Braking performance to die for. Suspension is stiff but not too sniff. I fit like a glove in the leather seats. I bought the m-trim model, because no need for the 333 HP, but am happy with the 225 or so this one came with. Major problems with the electronics though. Car has been recalled 2 times, and electronics still do not work properly.

• 

  Love this car!!!!! - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By diva_delite - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Fun Fun Fun....when I drive something else it feels very clumsy... this car has spoiled me! Car is 8 years old, I have owned it for five years and have had to do only normal wear and tear repairs and maintenance. Very zippy, great gas mileage. Back seat is a little small (cant fit a baby seat or large/tall adults) but the hatch back and folding seats provide lots of cargo space when needed! I dont think I will ever part with this car!

• 

  My 2c - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By th34 - March 21 - 2:00 am

  More smiles per mile then any other 4 door

• 

  couldnt be happier - 2003 BMW Z4
  By mikeb - March 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my first bmw and i now understand the ultimate driving machine tag. It isnt just marketing hype. This car is an amazing drive. No sway, great acceleration, both off the line and at speed. I wasnt sure how the exterior lines would sit with me over time, but having owned it about 9 months now, they dont seem as radical as they did at first impression. All in all, Im having a ball driving the Z4 and havent once regretted buying the 3.0 version.

• 

  The Best I Have Ever Owned - 2002 BMW M5
  By Sptbike - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Of all of the high line vehicles that I have had the pleasure of owning or driving, the M5 is the very best of the best. It is a highly versitile automobile... The proverbial wolf in sheeps clothing. It nicely transports 5 adults in stunning luxury, and at the same time will play competitively with any other vehicle (including sportbikes) on the road. It is absolutely amazing on tight country roads.

• 

  Excellent!!!!!!!!!!! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Adog - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Well ive only had my BMW for a few days and I love everything about it!!!!!!!!!!!!

• 

  What a great car! - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By ltaylor - March 18 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 318is from a wonderful 1st owner who took incredible care of his car (all records etc). The car has 126K but runs like new - everything works great. I owned a 2002 Mini Cooper S last year and I swear this car is as quick and as nimble - plus it isnt broken constantly and you can hit a pot hole without cursing. I am dreading the repair bills but in the meantime I am enjoying driving this wonderful little car!