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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  BMW Z4 - 2003 BMW Z4
  By SassyAFGirl - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is absolutely an amazing machine. I wasnt too sure about it at first, since I never liked the Z3s but the design drew me in. I previously owned a 325ci coupe, and was going to trade it in for a 330ci convertible, but I decided to take a look at the Z4 since it was so gorgeous. Once I test drove it, I knew I had to buy it, so then and there I signed the papers and I couldnt be happier today!

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  buy it in red - 2003 BMW Z4
  By zetty - October 28 - 2:00 am

  buy it in red, get at least 18` wheels and it looks very muscular. perfect performance, better than a boxster, no comparison to sluggish slk much more refined inside than a S2000.

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  this car is sick - 2003 BMW M5
  By forum325 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing, ive had it a few months now and i am absoltely in love with it. ive had many hig performance autos in my days but none mix performance/reliability/safety/style and comfort like my m5 does.

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  Gotta be one of the BEST cars in the World !.. - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By 9Musicman - October 27 - 6:26 pm

  there is a Simple "Reason" it is Called the Ultimate Driving Machine ....It "IS". the Build Quality is Wonderful, the Engine is a "Perfect" Balance of Economy/Performance Very Bullet Proof, and NO! you do not need 400 horse power. i cant find one Problem with its Design and Build ,my 2000 538-I sedan came with a Great Professional Business Sound System as Good as any Recording studio Ive worked in,and that is What I do for a Living over 35 Years now. yes the Owners before me took "Great" care of it, it looks and Drive like a NEW car..NO leaks at all I mean NONE, not a drop. rare for any car, guess Im lucky. it now has 180,000 miles .I did fix the two front windows with a Indie Shop in Laguna Beach for only $150 each window, it has Luxe 20" wheels on it and it Looks and Performs as a Euro-Racer. I just Cleared the inside rear Wheel wells a bit so there was no rubbing of the 275 Tires. I do light work on it myself, but there are only two shop Id let touch it. it has a Performance Air filter on it but no other modifications at all. Im just Driving and Enjoying it as long as I can. Id not Trade or sell it for any Reason, Again. I got Lucky,.. if you take care of your car ! it will Serve you and keep your Family Safe, ..what price do you put on that ? I think cars "Know" when you love and care for them. in the future science will figure it out and give it a name.

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  Gotta be one of the BEST cars in the World !.. - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By 9Musicman - October 27 - 6:26 pm

  there is a Simple "Reason" it is Called the Ultimate Driving Machine ....It "IS". the Build Quality is Wonderful, the Engine is a "Perfect" Balance of Economy/Performance Very Bullet Proof, and NO! you do not need 400 horse power. i cant find one Problem with its Design and Build ,my 2000 538-I sedan came with a Great Professional Business Sound System as Good as any Recording studio Ive worked in,and that is What I do for a Living over 35 Years now. yes the Owners before me took "Great" care of it, it looks and Drive like a NEW car..NO leaks at all I mean NONE, not a drop. rare for any car, guess Im lucky. it now has 180,000 miles .I did fix the two front windows with a Indie Shop in Laguna Beach for only $150 each window, it has Luxe 20" wheels on it and it Looks and Performs as a Euro-Racer. I just Cleared the inside rear Wheel wells a bit so there was no rubbing of the 275 Tires. I do light work on it myself, but there are only two shop Id let touch it. it has a Performance Air filter on it but no other modifications at all. Im just Driving and Enjoying it as long as I can. Id not Trade or sell it for any Reason, Again. I got Lucky,.. if you take care of your car ! it will Serve you and keep your Family Safe, ..what price do you put on that ? I think cars "Know" when you love and care for them. in the future science will figure it out and give it a name.

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  So far so good - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By gbucey - October 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car a little over six months ago with almost 107,000 on it and it now has 113,500 miles. The car is fun to drive, very reliable and very comfortable. A lot of power for a six cylinder and very smooth ride. Ive had no problems with it whatsoever thus far.

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  Handling - 2003 BMW X5
  By Sammorbs - October 26 - 1:00 am

  I enjoy the way it handles when driving. I was able to take the driving course at the manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, SC. What a great experience! I learned how to handle the car in many different situations. Off the road and On. Although I probably will never go off road with my car, that experience was a good taste of what I could expect and a good lesson on how to handle the various controls on my car.

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  i love this car - 2003 BMW X5
  By Dr Tony Kahmann - October 26 - 1:00 am

  handles like a sport car. safest car on the road, in my opinion. absolutely no wind noise,no feeling of speed even if you are driving 90 plus.design of body gives almost perfect protection from car doors of other vehs. huge brakes that stop you virtually on the proverbial dime. I had three 928 porsches before this car and i would never go back. you look down and can really see all the other cars etc.

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  excellent - 2004 BMW M3
  By jeffrewy - October 25 - 2:00 am

  the car is awesome it drives great and is very very fast it handles great and i have never had problems withit

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  Fantastic drive - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Farbton - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car. Power is insane. There is no logical reason for having this much power other than it is a total blast to drive. Handling in turns is equally impressive. Active steering is very intuitive. No lean at all in hard turns