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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  THE ULTIMATE MACHINE - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By AMILCAR - December 10 - 2:00 am

  MY FIRST BMW WAS A Z3 FELL IN LOVE WITH THE WAY IT HANLED ON THE ROAD... NOW I HAVE THE 525i WITH ALL THE OPTIONS, OF COURSE THE SPORTS PACKAGE...THE INSIDE IS MUCH BETTER LOOKING THAN THE NEW 2004 AND THE OUTSIDE LINES ARE ALSO BETTER....THIS CAR WILL BE A GREAT CAR TO KEEP FOR YEARS TO COME AND IT WILL ALWAYS TURN HEADS ON THE ROAD..... IM JUST GLAD I HAVE THE 2003! VS. 2004

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  love - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By tom williams - December 10 - 2:00 am

  i love this car because it handles the best i have never driven a car so exciing this car is awesome.

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  Excellent choice - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By too fast - December 9 - 2:00 am

  If youre like me and had to give up the vette or some other two seater toy for the family....the 540 six, or M5 should certainly delete and sadness! This car is great, and if I didnt see the 4 doors it could easily pass for a true sports car. Ive disappointed a few cars including a CLK430, 99M3 (modified) and recently the new 350Z. Its the best all in one car I can think of at the moment that provides family time and performance driving!

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  The best SAV under 60K - 2003 BMW X5
  By mcintyrecd - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic vehicle. It drives like a 3 series in that the cockpit is tight. You feel very in control. Itll burn most SUVs out there - very fast. And the exhaust sounds awesome.

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  One hot ride! - 1991 BMW 8-Series
  By bomber428 - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I was a little concerned about maintenance costs of what was once a very expensive car going on 13 years old, but I have been very surprised. Very solid, reliable, and what a head turner. Decent fuel economy for a V12 at about 18 mpg with the 6 speed manual.

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  Highly Recommended - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Ssd99 - December 8 - 2:00 pm

  Its only been a week since I picked up my car and everytime i drive the more i like it. Its still not completely broken in so Im not really pushing it to the limits yet. Waited three months to decide which car to get. Looking back now I cant believe I wasted so much time. This car is the one and only. If any of you are worried about getting problems with runflats, I suggest buying one from tirerack and when you get a flat just take to a regular tire place and change it there. Because most places dont stock runflats for this car.

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  bset in class - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By grl - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a 330xi. I test drove everything in its class and above, and really enjoy the handling and road feel of this car. Power form the 6 is smooth, awesome brakes. Just took it out in fresh powder for a spin, and it does ok with the AWD, just not like my Escalade. What you would expect with 50 series rubber.

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  Shop Visitor - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By TGL - December 7 - 2:00 am

  The BMW 325xi is a well-built, sporty, exceptionally-handling vehicle. Its fun to drive, handles well in snow and ice and very well designed. The only problems Ive experienced is that its difficult to keep out of the dealers service department - have had many, many minor headaches, electrical bugs, warning lights, and other minor headaches.

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  Great Car! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Reddog - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 2004 in November off the show room floor. Have previously had Corvettes, Mercedes, and Infinities, and this car beats them all. Love the new styling look and the Steptronic 6 speed. My wife loves the automatic drive. Excellent acceleration, handling and braking. This car has a whole bunch of style. I was looking at 2003 models when I saw the car I bought on the show room floor. My wife and I looked at it and cancelled our ongoing deal on a 2003 and bought the 2004 right there on the spot.

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  Great car with 6 speed manual - 2004 BMW X5
  By stooxie - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This car handles amazingly with the manual transmission and the sport package. After breaking in the 3.0, it responds VERY nicely to the throttle. Stab it and you really take off. Build quality and feature list are examplary BMW. The X drive also performs very well and is pretty transparent.