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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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 1999 BMW M3
  By David Zahriya - July 19 - 11:33 pm

  This cars is a gem! It handles really well at high speeds and has a lot of power for its size. I love the color of this car. Its Titanium Silver with a dove grey interior, best color combo ever. I added 19x8.5 wheels with really low profile tires. Took some comfort away but its worth it. This is the funnest car to drive and its extreamly reliable. Its has a more elegant design then its younger brother the e46 m3.

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  Still Owns the Road! - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By JBoff - July 19 - 11:05 pm

  I bought this car four years ago and I have not had any major problems with it. The car was cared for very well. Maintenance is the most important part of owning this car. It is not a real car unless you have to take care of it. This is a car that I will have as long as possible. I would not trade it for anything (maybe an M5). This car has a timeless design and I still get compliments on what a good looking and beautiful car it is. I think the AC Schnitzer wheels really improved the appearance. I love the handling and the very very quick and secure response . The car will stop on a dime, has been very useful a couple of times. Living in CO the snow is not a problem with this car.

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  Unbelievable - 2005 BMW M3
  By Aaron - July 19 - 1:13 pm

  Cant say enough about the car... truly remarkable handling, performance in general and fun factor thats off the charts.

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  1995 325i Bimmer Sedan from Japan - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By Islandreamer - July 19 - 12:32 pm

  Bought this U.S. Spec bimmer from a Japanese dealership with only 42,200 miles on it. The front facia having its masculine and aggresive looks is probably the best stock design worth upgrading to race track standards. Powerplant performance is phenominal specially with add ons. Drivetrain configuration is what youd expect from high performance cars. Seems like the sheet metal was made to withstand an RPG blast. Interior design is acceptable. Leather seats are nice and firm. Overall, this car is worth keeping and I plan to keep her as long as I can. Although maintenance can get expensive but then again this car was not called "The Ultimate Driving Machine" if it meant cheap maintenance (:-)

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  Watch out - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By fastcar888 - July 19 - 2:00 am

  BMW needs to get their act together. This is an electronic nightmare and BMW national is not accountable. Maybe the last BMW 7 series that I will own, after six. Confusing, non- intutive, technological stupidity with absurdly complicated difficulty in using the GPS (the worst). Get park distance control or you will bunk into walls when backing up. Test ride car, vision problem for short people.

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  Awesome.... - 2003 BMW Z4
  By houser - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding handling & acceleration, 2.5 liter engine is adequately powerful to leave SLK & Boxster behind, great looks, and excellent service at dealership

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  My Favorite SUV - 2003 BMW X5
  By jerusha60426 - July 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. When I first saw it I knew it was love at first sight. It drives like a dream. It was a little pricey but it was worth it. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Went from 2000 Z-3 Coupe to 2003 X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By Pete7374 - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive been a BMW fan for about 20 years! This X5 has all the comforts of a luxury car yet the zip of a sports car! Got about every extra except the V8. Love the heated steering wheel. The cheapest thrill in years. The GPS isnt as good as my 2002 Lexus but I would never buy another car without a GPS. Your never ever need another travel map once you get the hang of them. My first BMW had about 300,000 miles on it when a 1 Ton PU ran a stop light & Totaled it. (Not Me) Ill live by the sword (BMW) from now on!

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  2006 325i - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Rich K - July 19 - 12:16 am

  It took a little time to adjust to the new styling, in comparison to my previous 2004 330Xi. But Im liking it more as time passes. This new 325i is about as fast as my 330Xi was. It corners about 20% better, even though its a little larger car. The ride is fine, even with the run flat tires. I can accept it as an evolution of my previous car and would agree with the positive new model reviews Ive read about it. The relocation of the control switches took a little getting used to, as in most new cars.

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  I GOT THE RIGHT ONE, BABY!!! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Bimmamma - July 18 - 8:40 am

  Ive had this car for a little while now and I really like the quickness of it (mind you, I said quickness, not fastness). The handling is unbeatable!!! Doesnt seem to hug the curves like my 92 525i does but it still knows its a Bimmer and it comes in at a close second!!!!