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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  Stiff Ride - 2005 BMW X3
  By DJ - August 1 - 1:52 pm

  very stiff ride without sport package. I wonder if the tires make a difference. Mine has Michelins.

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  INCREDIBLE - 2005 BMW Z4
  By illest - August 1 - 1:56 am

  amazing! the bmz z4 has to be the best sports car made it comfortable and fun... and on top all that everywhere i drive it people stare and compliment me

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  smooth - 2005 BMW Z4
  By rxajb - July 31 - 11:33 pm

  Great car,very happy with the 2.5 engine. I still look at the 350z and wonder if I should have gone with that one. Car is major fun to drive, very tight and feels very safe. I regret that i didnt get the fog lights. I wouldnt waste my money on the navigation system. Just "keep your eyes on the road and head upon the wheels"

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  Very Happy With This Vehicle - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Jim White - July 31 - 11:31 pm

  I happened to really like both the interior and exterior styling and notice many who when I go into another lane check the car out as I pass on the highway. I had a Cadillac DTS prior to this and a Seville STS before that, neither car compared. I receive compliments from people I don"t know all the time, had two today, that makes you feel good as well. As was the case with the review writtten in this article SOME find the idrive system complicated, I dont. It took a little to get used to but it does so much, I dont know how it would have been simplified and still do as much. I ordered the car with PDC, Park Distance Control, dont overlook GPS! Both are exceptional!!

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  A real driving machine - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Semmelmeyer - July 31 - 9:45 pm

  I was all set to buy a Lexus LS430 to replace a older Lexus LS 400. I drecided to test drive the BMW745li. WOW, what performance. I decided right then and there to buy one . I got several quotes and was able to get local BMW dealor to come within $700 of my other quoteso, I purchased it from them. It took a little time for me to master the Controler and the 100 &1 things to do. I really love the car and couldnt have made a better choice.

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  325 ci - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Enzo - July 31 - 6:20 pm

  It is a very nice car with many interesting features.

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  Less Car for More Money - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Mikey65 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Wish I had waited one more month. Test drove the Infiniti G35 recently and there is no comparison. More room, more zip, more horsepower, longer warranty, better service (I have heard) and 8 - 10K less. Vanity and ego kicks my ass again. No more ultimate driving machine for BMW...move over the king is dead. BTW...took a huge hit on my trade in...some value...haaaaaa!!!

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  Happy about my 330i - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By btromp - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I chose the European delivery option for my BMW 330i. Whether driving it on the autobahn or out to dinner at night I have been completely impressed with my car. My previous car was a 1994 BMW 325is. BMW has continued to impress me by their ability to constantly improve their cars. I loved by old car, but I like my new one even more. It is a pure sport driving pleasure when I want it, but easy and comfortable to drive at all times. Its the perfect balance.

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  What You Come to Expect - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By drdebt - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Replacing a 1994 325i convertible, I was amazed how many formerly optional features are now standard and yet once adjusted for inflation, the 2002 330Ci is actually lower priced. The extra "oomph" of the 3.3 liter in-line 6-cylinder over the 325s smaller engine is well worth the extra dollars, especially given the cars substantial weight. With the lid down, this a head- turner with BMWs well deserved reputation as being a drivers car.

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  Makes my commute a everyday Picnic Trip - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By ram - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Excellent tight handling in the curves. Its a dream in narrow long winding road - never driven a car that loves the road this much. Majestic dangerous bully look... I LOVE IT!