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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  BEST CAR IVE EVER OWNED - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Matt - December 11 - 11:25 pm

  Absolutely the best car Ive ever owned. Could tell the second I started the test drive. My first road trip summarizes it all. 1200 Miles from LA to Lake Tahoe and Back. 4 People in the car, full trunk, AC on, many 100+mph sprints, two over 120, 130 top speed, and two passengers SOUND ASLEEP AT 130MPH!! Up to well over 7000 ft on the Climb up to the summit, driving around for a week at altitude in city driving conditions. Round trip gas mileage 28.6 MPG!!! AMAZING AUTOMOBILE, the quintessential BMW, 2.5L inline six + manual transmission + two door coupe= BMW!! Definitely the ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE!!

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  SPORTS CAR QUALITY BUILT - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By BMWOWNER - December 10 - 11:39 pm

  The biggest thrill is with the top down. Very little wind in the front seat. All the great accesories are included with the car. Very well built and low maintenance car. Great gas mileage. This is my second BMW and it wont be the last. The car handles great and has good acceleration. The only draw back is there isnt much room in the back seat. This is a great car.

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  comfort and gas - 2006 BMW X5
  By Joe - December 10 - 3:21 am

  I would like to say a few things about my X5, the price was great, but i should of test drive the car first, I got the sports package which makes the ride of the car very bumpy, I had no idea it was going to be so rough. But one good thing about the car is that im very surprised it gets great gas milage for a big V8.

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  BLUE BMW Convertible FAN - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Ronda Davis - December 10 - 12:04 am

  Great car that really handles well and is super fun to own!

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  Thrilling ride !!!!!!!!!!! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Denny - December 9 - 10:45 pm

  This is the first BMW I have owned but it will not be the last. From the moment I drove off it was like I was in another world. One of the first things I noticed, besides the fast acceleration, was the lack of outside noise. This is a great first BMW to get into--its pricey but worth every penny.

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  1st BMW...not last for sure. - 2004 BMW Z4
  By secularist - December 9 - 9:48 pm

  Originally got this for my wife. Im stealing it from her and getting her a 5 series. I still dont understand why the styling is "controversial"...I get more approving stares and chatter about this car than I ever thought possible. We have the 3.0 with the Sport Pkg. Ride is firm for sure, but its such a go-kart when it comes to the twisties...love it. Gets great mileage for something thats so fast.

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  Great car - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By MMorton - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Great car so far. Excellent performance. Did not like sports package, ride too choppy. Ordered several options. Handles and rides very securely. Chose this car over Mercedes E500 after I test drove both.

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  BMW530i - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By PCH530 - December 8 - 11:00 pm

  I recently purchased the 530i. I spent a lot of time comparing the BWM to other cars in its class. Simply put, the BMW takes the driving experience to another level. I enjoy every minute I spend driving this car. I highly recommend that anyone looking for a first class ride seriously concider a BMW.

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  Love my seven! - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Tony - December 8 - 6:10 pm

  Ive owned this car for 18 months. I LOVE it. It drives like a dream and I have had no problems at all. I have the all-way adjustable seats with a/c, heating and a massage. They are the 2nd most comfortable seats Ive ever driven in (next to a Toyota Land Cruiser, believe it or not). The iDrive gets loads of bad press, but its fine. I even like it. If you are not totally tech-averse, you will not have any trouble with it. Contrary to whats written, the most frequently used controls are still available on knobs on the dash. Sound system is great, but the two CD players (one changer, one in-dash single) is perhaps a bit of overkill.

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  I love it!!! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By BobAnge - December 8 - 4:54 pm

  This has to be one of the most exciting cars to drive today. I love it!!! A bonus that I didnt even expect was the great mileage I get when driving on the highway... 36MPG!!