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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  It is what it is - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By JrB - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought used @ 36k, (60k now) I have had it for 4 years and not a problem. It is a small compact car and that is what you get...and a little more. Very fun and good gas mileage.

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  The best car! - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By TampaBMW - December 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is awesome except for the old school windows on a pulley. The are expensive to replace!

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  Great Car - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Shenn10 - December 18 - 2:00 am

  Great Car! No problems this car rides and handles great. Idrive is a very simple operating system to learn. Very quiet ride. Upgraded sound system is perfect.

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  THIS IS THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By muscler - December 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is as close to perfect as I have ever seen. I previously owned an Acura TL, one of the "sports sedans", but nothing can compare to this car! You dont have to sacrifice much in the way of comfort and utility for this much style and performane. Many say the styling is "controversial", but it is really the most beautiful car I have ever seen. Though it only has 225 hp, my Z4 has beaten Corvettes with close to 400. I love the vicious growl of its engine in the cold morning air. I cant imagine how a 3000 lb. car with 225 hp can go that fast. Others cannot even compare to it. Wonderful BMW. This is the roadster to own!

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  2003 Z4 - great , Dealer sucks - 2003 BMW Z4
  By dturk - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Wasnt in market for car (getting 530i), but took a ride after hearing about dealer incentives. Car is addictive bought it. Very precise and responsive. Well worth the price paid (under $39k for loaded vehicle listing over $47k). Only problem is dealer salesman rammed it with a customers used car a few days later (381 miles) when I took it back for a paint problem. Now dealer acts like I dont exist. Got an email into BMW North America to see how they handle it. Meanwhile having to use own insurance to get it repaired.

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  Love this Beemer - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By MIFW - December 16 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE HAD MANY NICE AUTOMOBILES AND THIS IS MY FAVORITE BY FAR. I LOVE THE PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING. IT MOVES WHEN YOU NEED TO TO GET YOU IN AND OUT OF TRAFFIC. I WOULD DEFINITELY DO THIS AGAIN. I THINK THE STYLING IS GREAT ALSO BUT THE HANDLING IS WONDERFUL.

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  A BEAUTIFUL MACHINE - 2003 BMW X5
  By COLYN - December 15 - 2:00 am

  HAVE HAD THE 4.4 FOR THREE WEEKS AND AT NIGHT STILL DREAM OF DRIVING IT THE NEXT MORNING. THE HANDLING IS OUT OF THIS WORLD FOR A SUV AND THE 8-CYLINDER PROVIDES MORE THAN ENOUGH GET UP AND GO. THE INTERIOR IS WELL APPOINTEDEYE- PLEASING COMBINATION OF LEATHER AND WOOD.

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  Its an experience - not a car - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By bmw ed - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Had the car for a month - best car I have ever owned - the I-Drive is very intuitive - my car is loaded with options - so much fun to drive

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  Its a great car... - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Ves - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Although we live on a fairly small island (Oahu) we use the car every day. We have owned the original 64 1/2 Mustang convertable, two MGBs, a couple of Volvos, a SAAB and finally, an Explorer. This is, by far, the best driving automobile we have ever owned. There is nothing to dislike. It is quick and responsive. It is also a very good looking vehicle..Unfortunately, its not a car you would take to Home Depot to buy lumber and stuff like that.

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  Cool - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By thelook - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I used to own a 1999 328 which was excellent, my 2002 330i is even better (more power) and I enjoyed it a lot when I picked it up in Munich, Germany. With more power it still gives me good mileage and its engine is so willing to drive fast (it start to accelerate more when you reach 100+ mph!!)