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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  Wünderbar! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Tyree - July 6 - 6:07 pm

  Wonderful car! Plan on driving the car for years to come and then upgrade to the newer E60 530xi wagon. The exterior and interior design are flawless. The last of the great 3 series. Plenty of room, great gas mileage, comfortable. Great on road trips. Maintenance is affordable when DIY. This is my 3rd BMW and currently own 2. Will continue to buy only BMWs.

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  Precision Machine - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By lucid - July 6 - 4:48 pm

  This car is absolutely fun to drive. The steering is razor sharp and extremely responsive. The suspension is tuned perfectly right comprise between performance and comfort. The engine sounds like a Me109. Everything in this car comes across as intentional and well thought through. Also, the reviewers who are complaining about more room in the back are missing the point: this is meant to be a coupe, and for a coupe, it has plenty of room in the back and trunk space (compare it with other sports coupes). If you really want more room in the back, be realistic and buy a sedan.

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  BMW 540i sport, premium 6 - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Robert L. Huser - July 6 - 4:12 pm

  This car is the ultimate driving machine. From the engine, transmission, overall gearing, handling, comfort, and sound system (DSP audio & engine) this machine rocks. Its also the best looking car on the road with very reasonable economy for the performance experienced. Averaged 26.4 mpg on latest 1500 mile vacation. This car satisfies all my wants, needs, and wishes. Forget complaining about useless cupholders, pickup a set of door pocket mounted holders at BMW accessory counter. Only unlucky reliability issues could bring complaints about this otherwise perfect overall automobile. You just cant beat a V8 manual transmission combo for all out driving excitement. Just awesome!!

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine! - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By John Miller - July 6 - 1:50 am

  Ive always wanted to own a BMW and this is my first. I have the 335i coupe with all the toys (navi, ipod, Sirius radio, auto, premium, sport, dakota leather, etc). This amazing car is worth every penny and is the nicest and best car I have ever owned, by far. It is the perfect blend of style, comfort and performance.

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  Another Winner - 2005 BMW M3
  By Mike - July 6 - 12:46 am

  This is my 7th BMW, and by far the best overall. The M3 has it all -- looks, handling, acceleration, and a connection with the driver that no other car in its price range can match. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants it all.

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  BMW 540i The Ultimate Dream Machine - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Jud - July 6 - 12:24 am

  Sold my low mile 95 M3 and kept old Porsche SC Cabiolet. Bought used 540i thinking comfort but did not expect comfort and FUN. Corrected usual bugs in cooling system for peace of mind. Great acceleration, not as quick as M3 but easier on these old bones. As fast as P-car but not through corners. Dont understand knock on stereo as premium unit is terrific once you read directions. Added homelink via ebay (very simple install). Will buy another when - and if - I wear this one out. Rock solid at > 100 mph (so wife tells me).

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  Too hot too handle - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By lotusrcr - July 5 - 11:46 pm

  This car has way more power than we are given in the specifications. I blew away a Porsche Carrera on three seperate runs and I know the torque was the deciding factor. I drive this car everyday and it handles like an everyday car. When the time comes for performance, it never hesitates. This is probably the best car I have ever owned. WHAT A RIDE!

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  It works for me - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Don G. - July 5 - 9:30 pm

  Lower front bumper takes all the punishment due to sport suspension. One cannot be careful enough when parking in a space where the car is driven into a stall. Due to the sport suspension, any curbing higher then four (4) inches will catch on the bumper and potentially cause damage. My damage to date has resulted in an $85.00 repair bill. Other then that, the car meets all my expectations and is a pleasure to drive.

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  One heck of a roadster! - 2000 BMW Z3
  By Z3POWER - July 5 - 7:50 pm

  This was my first new car, my first real sports car and I love it. It get good gas mileage mid-20s and really good performance 60s in 5 seconds and 1/4 in 14-seconds. Oh yeah, my other car is a BMW 330i and a TOyota Tacoma 4dr 4wd truck.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine! - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Jeff Taylor - July 5 - 2:52 pm

  I get so many coments about my dark green 99 328ic convertible. "Nice car!" It gets a personal hand detail about twice a month. A four hour labor of love. Many ask: How do you like your BMW? The best way for me to sum it up is to honestly say: I could win the lottery Saturday night, and that would change a lot of things about my life. However, I would NOT change my car. Perhaps buy others, but this BMW is a keeper.