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:

• 

  Best of both worlds - 2002 BMW M5
  By City Guy - July 15 - 8:06 pm

  This car is the best of both worlds. Luxury and performance unlike most any other car. It fall under the category of "if you have the means..." Sounds great just pulling out of the garage.

• 

  My X3 - 2005 BMW X3
  By Kenneth Lowrie - July 15 - 7:53 pm

  This is a great car. I love SUVs. My earlier car was a Ford Explorer. This smaller vehicle is far superior for the city driving I do. I dont particularly like the fact that I have to use premium gasoline, but with the good fuel mileage I get its really not that much more expensive to operate. It handles wonderfully and is fun to drive.

• 

  Gret Car - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By BMWfan - July 15 - 12:36 am

  Traded in my 02 530i for this car and have no regrets. It is an absolute blast to drive, it looks fabulous and it is really comfortable. Recommend the sport package.

• 

  Wonderfully fun to drive - 2005 BMW X5
  By Sherri - July 14 - 8:01 pm

  but I wish it had more cargo room in the rear. I had debated between the Lexus 330 and the X5 and the power of the X5 made the decision. Fantastic pick up on the interstate, decent gas mileage for an SUV and so much fun to drive. Would love to see the cargo area improved, but hate to compromise the rear passenger comfort. Great car!

• 

  Lives up to the ads.. - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Charlie E. - July 14 - 10:00 am

  This is a sports car disguised as a 4 passenger coupe...Its everything its reported to be..The one problem with BMW is once youve had one, youll never be satisfied with anything else..!

• 

  Car - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By peacemaker353 - July 14 - 10:00 am

  THE CAR IS GREAT! IT IS ONE OF THE BEST CARS THAT I HAVE DRIVEN IN MY LIFE!

• 

  The pleasure of owning a BMW530i (2003) - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By J. Fabel - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Handles as you would dream about. Fuel milage has been 39mpg crusing on Freeways. So many amenities that I am still refering to the owners manuel to use them to the fullest. The ride is excellent as is the response when needed. Im a BMW530i fan for life. Unless BMW brings out something better in the future.

• 

  A car youll always remember - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Bob - July 13 - 4:48 am

  A total kick every time I get behind the wheel. The quality of the car and driving experience make this car worth every penny. Everyone should own one at least once. I felt the 330i was a little small, while the 530i was a perfect fit for my life style. Treat yourself........

• 

  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By New Lease on Life - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Loved my 2000 Mercedes C230 Kompressor (recently turned in at lease end). However, this BMW puts it to shame. Comments ranged from "yeah, theyre nice but so overpriced (actually well priced!)" to "youre stepping down to a BMW?". After the first month, Im still high (no, its not just the new car scent!). Solid and yet extremely comfortable ride, reeeeeeealy quiet, excellent braking, awesome sound system (steering wheel controls big +), leather seats like living room furniture, controls logical & easy to use, xlnt a/c system, rain sensing windshield wipers much more of a plus than anticipated. By far the best of all 10 of my previous vehicles!

• 

  Happy New Owner - 2003 BMW X5
  By Loncar1 - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I looked at a lot of the new 03 and 04 SUVs and only the BMW really had the performance on the road I was looking for. Having had 3 Grand Cherokee Ltds prior, the BMW is a great step forward and much better than the ML Class Chrylser/Benz tries to put you into.