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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  Still Awesome - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By spandya - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Here is a model built ingeniously in 1995 with M technic suspension,a fabulous drivetrain, and impeccable manners.All these years later not a squeak to be heard.Give us winding roads and a hill and the car can leave all in dust.

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  wolf in sheeps clothing - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Tyson - October 12 - 2:00 am

  What a treat it is to peek over your shoulder as you leave it in a parking lot. But this pales in comparison to the effortless excelerating that awaits your return. The engine and transmission co-operate beautifully. The auto-tranny seems to downshift at just the right momment, never leaving you in search of power. Steering is predictable and responds as only a rear drive car can. If youre still wanting more, try overriding the stability-control. Now the 540, already responsive, really perks up ( be cautious in wet conditions). Comfort is splended as long as youre sitting up front. Rear seats are comfortable, but at 61" its a litttle cramped.

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  porshe eater - 2003 BMW M3
  By lanceh - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I have had the last couple of revs of the M3 and it gets better each time. The SMG simply takes the mistakes out of fast driving. and my buddy that owns a porsche cab. is now jealous.

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  Great Buy - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By GoCubsGo - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car to drive.

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  Bad Ass Toy - 2003 BMW X5
  By Beandog - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This SAV is wonderful. I looked at several other vehicles and decided on the X5. Best choice I ever made. The only problem is that I dont get to drive it much since my girlfriend is always taking it. Forcing me to drive her RX300. No comparison in vehicles. If your going SUV go X5!!

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  2002 BMW X5 3.0 - 2003 BMW X5
  By Denny73 - October 9 - 2:00 am

  What a highway cruiser! So quiet-- solid at high speeds. I bought it because of the safety features and the ride. I had a 95 525i that I sold when I left D.C. and bought the X5 because I wanted the 5-series ride with full-time AWD. ONLY regret is that I did not pay the $150 for the heated steering wheel--would have been a great addition to the heated seats.

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  This much fun should be illegal - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Ian Clark - October 9 - 2:00 am

  5 spd, sports pkg. Still as much fun to drive as when new. I am 64" and with the sports seats set low it was the only 5 speed I could actually fit in comfortably. (what a shame) It really feels like youre wearing it, a sublime extention of your body. Speed and handling continue to impress (even scare at times) and never get tired of looking at it. The extended warranty is a good idea, so far front shocks, brakes, a/c, speakers, fuel pump, etc. Some how it is all still worth it.

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  LOVE THIS CAR!!!!!!! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By skparagon - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Cant believe this ride! Handles great. Sport package is a must! You have to drive it to truly appreciate it. Passing by the bmw logo on your way into the house is pretty special too.

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  Great fun to drive - 2003 BMW X5
  By JeanM - October 8 - 2:00 am

  This is the third BWM Ive owned, but the first X5. The X5 drives more like a sedan than a truck. It accelerates and coners great! A friend I took for a drive commented on how smooth it drove. He said he would be afraid if he owned one, he would get speeding tickets all the time because he wouldnt realize how fast he was driving. I considered buying the 4.6, but the salesman said Id have to buy snow tires for the winter and I didnt feel I should have to do that for an SUV.

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  Exceeds the Hype! - 1999 BMW M3
  By Silver99M3 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  The M3 is perhaps the best car ever built for all around performance, handling, acceleration, braking, feel and oh so many other areas. Sure, the engine could use some more power, but it wasnt designed to be the best from 0-60. This is a super powered go cart that is meant to out perform on an auto cross track. Anyone can go straight and fast.. this one is designed to twist your insides around with tight cornering and give you a strain in your neck when accelerating out of a corner. As far as stupid comments about poor winter performance, I say "DUH!"