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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  Speechless - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Artin A - July 17 - 9:51 pm

  Well dont buy it if you dont like people to stare at you and to have random people start talking to you. Comfortable interior easy opening of roof, big trunk both men and woman of all ages enjoy.

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  I love it, but..... - 1998 BMW Z3
  By Kimberley - July 17 - 8:37 pm

  I bought this car, because of its looks and the price was fantastic!!! I love this car but, let me prequalify, my issues should be more with the previous owner than the manufacturer. The side window gaskets leak something terrible! So much so that the drivers side floor board is soft and spongy. The person that had changed their oil had left the small oil filter gasket in the filter housing on several occasions which resulted in the rings wearing out with time and crumbling into small bits all through the system and developing in a nasty oil leak and cost over $600.00 to fix. The hoses pop off for no apparent reason but, these do not detract from this beautiful car, in my opinion.

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  This car rock - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By fatty - July 17 - 3:53 pm

  I love it. I love BMWs, compared to my old M3, this car absolutely is amazing and i highly recommend it for anyone looking for a new car. One downside, the back seat could use more headroom and space. The 3 series probably has more than the 6, which is weird. Overall though, the car rocks.

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  Great value + safty - 2002 BMW X5
  By Barry A - July 17 - 10:36 am

  10 years ago I was in a bad auto accident. Since that date I have taken notice of safe autos. The X 5 might be the safest SUV on the road. Style and confort are great. 10 air bags. The gas milage is like most SUVs. The X 5 drives like the 530i. Great value and all wheel drive lets you go in the snow. Buy one, you wont be sorry, just broke.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 1991 BMW 5-Series
  By tcana6 - July 16 - 5:03 pm

  This is the very first BMW that I have ever owned. Its really perfect small to my style and sporty looking.

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  world reknown for a reason - 1995 BMW M3
  By eric - July 16 - 12:52 pm

  few auto companies have the distinction of making an affordable top performance car. BMW has been doing it for decades. I promise you this... the M line is the best all-round car series of any manufacturer. The silky shifting of the manual digging through a turn, confident in leaning on that outside front tire, will pressure your nervous system into buying your mind that exhilaration that youve always wanted. aside, the E36 M3 is the most popular of the M line for a reason. The low body, hard lines wrapped and melding with sexy curves, 50/50 weight, and ohhhh that long hood will make you yearn for an open, yet not too straight, lay of asphalt. World reknown for a reason.

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  The best of all worlds - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By j528i - July 16 - 6:27 am

  A classic vehicle that offers a truly sporty ride, with excellent highway handling, while comporting itself with that slow lingering class often found in high-tea cosmopolitan settings. Refined, elegant but full of secret agent type surprises.

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  BMW... There is no other. - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Dutch von Bimmer - July 16 - 3:42 am

  This is a fantastic car. I think BMW broke the mold with this body style. I have loved this car every minute I have owned it. I have had many offers to buy this car. No chance, amigos! Get your own car.

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  never understood - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By frank - July 15 - 11:04 pm

  A lot of my biz associates and friends have bmws. I attributed it to some sort of clubby snobbery, and thought Lexus was "it"--until I drove a 330i with the sports pkg. I could not believe the solid driving feel and bed like cornering ability. I got all the toys and find myself driving just for the joy of driving. This week I drove over some concrete in the road and blew a tire and scratched the wheel. I had the foresight to get the insurance for the wheels. Brought it to dealer- no problems, new everything n/c all computers checked and brakes reconfigured. I am a reformed lexite.

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  Solid Performer - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Dave - July 15 - 8:10 pm

  I traded an 04 Mercedes e500 for the 545 and am happy with the decision. The 545 is sportier, a bit quicker and grippier on the roads. I have to say, I think the Benz has a few things over my 545 - interior and exterior design primarilly, though the "Banglisms" (designer) on this car are growing on me...