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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  I Miss My BMW - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Miss my BMW - July 31 - 1:04 am

  I just sold my 325Ci a week ago and miss it every day (2nd baby just arrived). What a great car! My fuel mileage was 34 (hwy + 5-speed trans), wonderful ride and better handeling. Very comfortable seats with the sport package. I think the tool kit and built in flash light are great.

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  Surprise, its a 2008 - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Debbie - July 31 - 12:36 am

  Two months ago I ordered an 07 525xi for a lease replacement for my 2004 325xi. The dealer couldnt find what I wanted, so we placed an order with BMW. Eight weeks later, I went to pick up my new car and the salesman said they had a surprise. When it came off the truck, they said they all stood and stared. It was an 08 528xi! I have only driven it for a few days, but the styling and design is beautiful.

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  nice for an suv - 2005 BMW X3
  By heather - July 30 - 11:43 pm

  I traded a 3 series for this car and the extra space is great. I miss the handling of my 3 series but I like the compact nature of this SUV. Highly rec not getting the sport package as it is way too stiff. I also feel that this car, even with the 3.0, is not as powerful as it should be. We are a BMW family and it is hard to be fair comparing it to a sedan, but it is great for our growing family. I also like my installed DVDs in the headrests.

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  Classic Roadster - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Uncle Dan - July 30 - 9:14 pm

  Ive had this car for two years. I bought it for my 50-something wife and she loves it. She also lets me drive it quite a bit. Living in So Cal, winter days and summer evenings are perfect with the top down. One of the few small roadsters that looks good with the top up - much better looking that the Nissan Z, Boxster, or Honda 2000. Its also the only one my size 63", 240 lbs can drive comfortably, although its a bit tought getting in and out with the top up. It just had its 15000 mile service and the only trouble so far has been one side marker light that went out.

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  Ill keep it - 2005 BMW X3
  By srq - July 30 - 4:59 pm

  Performance and quality top notch. Ride rough on rough roads.

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  Zooming with Sunshine ! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By dave - July 30 - 2:42 pm

  I havent had this much driving in ten years! The convertible is "nifty" and easy to use, and the car handles like a roadster. Feul economy is lousy 17 mpg in the city, but the car is SO much fun to drive that its worth it ! Loving It !!

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  Nice Little Beauty - 2005 BMW X3
  By PaulV - July 29 - 11:53 pm

  I also have a 2004 330i, so I was expecting my little X3 3.0 to be a smoker too. Well...I know its not a fair comparison since it is encumbered by some extra weight and the drag of an all-wheel-drive system. I was just expecting a little more POP. Nevertheless, this the most fun to drive and nimble SUV I tested. Definitely handles like my sedan and gives me the same sporty feel. And - without a doubt in my opinion - the best looking SUV on the road - well...except for maybe the X5.

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  Great car! - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By Bimmer - July 29 - 10:46 pm

  Bought this car with high expectations and boy they were exceeded! I love this car, very quick acceleration, great handling, and still pretty comfortable. As long as you maintain BMWs they will treat you well.

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  What a good car - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By BimZimmer - July 29 - 7:50 pm

  Bought this car at age 21 and drove it very hard. Original clutch lasted until 155k. No other problems other than typical wear and tear. Performed very well for a 1.8 litre. Drove a friends 325is with 100k less miles and the 318is is just as quick as long as you keep the RPMs up (the 325is did have a greater powerband). Comfy car, fun to drive, not the best in snow but made it through 4 winters with heavy snow never going into the ditch. 190k on it now and still getting average of 27.5 MPG driving in rush hour traffic. Engine is a little tired now but it still runs very well. Overall great car.

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  05 M3 Convertible - 2005 BMW M3
  By Brian - July 29 - 5:38 pm

  This is my second BMW convertible and it has amazed me since the day I got into it. With the performance of a racer and the comfort of a luxry car, its about as close to a perfect as you can get. Nothing this fun should be legal.