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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  Great little Bimmer - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By MD2575 - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in 91. Fun car, has only 50K on it now and driven only in the Summer. Looks like new inside and out, engine clean as the day I picked it up. This car is well balanced and fun, but a bit underpowered.

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  94 740iL - 1994 BMW 7-Series
  By pogi - February 9 - 2:00 am

  very reliable,I only bring it to the dealer for regular service.The ride is very comfortable, engine is very quiet.Suspension is very good.

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  Just cant get enough of it! - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW Boy - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Love this car! I did research for months and compared it to many other cars that are similar. This one took the cake, and I test drove tons of other cars. Make sure you get the sports package and Harmon Kardon Sound. Ive done a few engine modifications for more horses, and now Ive beat plenty of Mustang GTs and others like it!

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  BMW X5 Rocks - 2002 BMW X5
  By cbcommdk - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Other than dealing with a small cargo capacity, the X5 has been our most favorite car ever owned.

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  excellent sports car - 2004 BMW M3
  By scanbek - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Also owned 1998 bmw m3. This one is much better. SMG is also a great option. 19 inch wheels are also great but changing tires are costly.

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  A big step up from the Z3 - 2003 BMW Z4
  By mcrescenzi - February 7 - 2:00 am

  The dealership gave me a Z3 to drive until my Z4 came in, and once it did arrive, I noticed a huge difference in both performance and ergonomics. For one, BMW adjusted the front windshield, removing the blind spots on either side that were a constant nuisance with the Z3. Another upgrade is the addition of a storage space that is positioned between the drivers and passengers seats -- perfect for storing CDs. Two suggestions: one, get the heated seats, you can crank those babies up and still put the top down when its below 60 degrees out two, get the electronically adustable seats -- I didnt and really wish I did.

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  Beat BMW Ive Owned Yet - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By racerx330 - February 6 - 10:56 am

  Exhilarating to drive. Fun, fast rides on rails. Stereo sounds great. Very quiet. Fuel mileage better than all of its nearest competitors. Clearly the best yet to come from Munich. Keep up the good work BMW!

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  The snow plower - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By TACruiser - February 6 - 2:00 am

  I put on my 04 330XI only 2,300 miles so far, but I just have to say WOW!!! This car is built so solid, and the looks are killer if you put window tints on it!! The snow storm I was in last night was a joy to ride in in this car, for I passed by every vehicle like nothing with limited slippage. The power is good, and the steptronic is fun to pose as a manual driver. Excellent car!!!

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  My wife hates it??? - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By L. Lindahl - February 6 - 2:00 am

  This is the finest car I have ever owned. Recently we moved to NC where almost everyone drives a truck, so of course I talked my wife into trading in her 94 Volvo 850 turbo wagon in on a new Tundra which I now drive, giving her the privledge of driving the BMW. She hates it??? She claims the most comfortable seats in the world are hurting her legs, and the dash controls are too complicated. I keep offering to let her have the truck, but she doesnt want to drive something that big everyday. We will soon be trading in this beautiful classic for a new Cross Country, breaking my 18 year streak of owning BMWs. Its too bad the truck is so practical.

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  Cant beat a BMW - 2001 BMW Z3
  By brocoli - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Sorry to Honda and Infiniti and all other cars, but nothing beats a BMW.