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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  Youll Love it..... - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By rz9z58 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for about two months and taken on a road trip of 1000 miles. This car is fantastic, its has the tighness of a sports car and the ride of a much bigger car. Even with 18" wheels and the sports suspension. Everything is at the drivers finger tips, its very well laid out, good pick up to enter the freeway.

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  Love this car - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Dave - September 1 - 12:12 pm

  I would have never expected to loke a car this much. Great car to drive. It feels like it is part of you. Could use air outlets in the rear with maybe a little more rear leg room when front seats are all the way back. Im extremely happy with the car and have no regrets.

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  1999 BMW appraisal - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Glenda Bolin - August 31 - 7:31 pm

  I am in real estate and needed a car that was reliaable and comfortable, I got more, it looks good and is fun to drive with enough comfort and more get- up-and-go than anyone needs. It is silver in color. 4-door 528i leather seats that are heated, automatic seat adjustment and power moon roof.

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  Should not have bought new - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Jim - August 31 - 7:15 pm

  I bought this new in 98 -- mistake, I should have bought used and saved some depreciation. The vehicle is trouble free. Below normal wear and tear-no real system failures. I still love driving the car and it looks great. The seats wear like iron-even with my considerable weight. At 121,000 miles it is tighter than my wifes Acura was new. I do agree that the cup holders are junk. I make several long trips a year and average over 30 mpg at speeds well in excess of posted. The braking and handling have saved my bacon several times in Atlanta traffic.

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  Best sports sedan period - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By ali kayani - August 31 - 2:00 am

  This is one good looking and awesome sports sedan. It is very comfortable and luxorious and sporty sedan. The interior is very fine. The materials used are quality and the car is quite agile and solid. No doubt it wins all its comparisons. If u want a quality sexy sports sedan then buy the BMW 5 series sedan with sports package

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  Nice machine - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Vally - August 31 - 2:00 am

  A great car. I cant find superlatives to describe it.

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  Amazing! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Machete - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I researched for the longest on all sorts of vehicles until I narrowed it down to the Acura 3.2 TL type S, the Infiniti G35, and the ultimate driving machine ... the BMW 330i. After test driving the vehicles, I loved the BMW above all. It hugs the road beautifully and drives like a true luxury car. Is it worth the extra $30 per month compared to a loaded Acura (spoilers included) ... YES! And the staisfaction you get everytime you get on this car is worth even more.

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  Slightly disappointed - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Pawleykid - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I love the performance and handling, I could use 330 power but I expected this when I bought a 325i. Steering could be tighter. Looks and comfort are superb for my needs, friends love it. But I had problems especially with the and dealer. Car had musty smell in vents with air, it was fixed and now the odor is back. Both front windows off track adn repaired. squeaky trunk. Fuzzy AM radio. Car didnt start and was towed. Dealer found nothing wrong and it started for them? Otherwise car is a dream.

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  Impressive Sports Sedan - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By The_Ave - August 31 - 2:00 am

  This is my third 3 series, all I can say is they are all awesome! This car is has an unbelievable style along with power, handling and just plain fun to drive. The larger 17 inch rims and sports package definitely turns heads and is a must have for me. Cost for service is a bit high but rarely needed. I found a great independent authorized BMW certified mechanic that does all my work for less than half what the dealer charges. I love this car, buy one and I know you will enjoy for many years!

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  Great Overall - 1999 BMW M3
  By Joe - August 30 - 2:51 pm

  I recently bought my M3 and havent had a chance to spend too much time with it but the time I have spent in it has been quite impressive. The handling is one of the most notable characteristics. It hugs the road with every turn. The engine is great... smooth, quiet, and delivers when you put the foot to the pedal. Low end torque is great.