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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  Awesome - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By snagiel - August 18 - 2:00 am

  "Ultimate Driving Machine" is more than a marketing tagline, its the true philosophy behind this car. That it manages to be so comfortable and refined as well is not only a great benefit, but it practically boggles the mind how they were able to accomplish both these seemingly polar characteristics. The car is always composed, even when making maneuvers that would outwit some sports cars, let alone luxury sedans. The interior is quiet and refined, yet revving the engine is sweet music. The precision and linearity of the brakes, throttle, and steering are simply amazing.

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  Stunning sports coupe w/ great handling - 2008 BMW Z4 M
  By David G. - August 18 - 1:23 am

  I love this car. It really is my favorite car that I have driven and the best handling BMW bar none. After 5 bimmers, I can say this is the ultimate 2-seater sports car for the M driver. After 4 months, I still get a thrill just commuting to work and back home. And I still get lots of complements from co-workers and wide- eyed looks from fellow drivers. The dark red leather sport seats are the best in any German car for sale today.

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  Spectacular - 2003 BMW M3
  By Speedi - August 17 - 2:00 am

  This is my first BMW, and I have to admit it has been a long time coming. I have been desiring an M3 for about 15 years and have finally gathered the coinage for the purchase. When I picked up the car, there was not one flaw I could see. This is the best built and sportiest car I have ever driven or seen. I even get 26 MPG with this high-performance automobile! Truly amazing.

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  the best......with sport package - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By billm3 - August 17 - 2:00 am

  great buy now,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,will keep for 10 years

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  Driving Excellence - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By BobnNan - August 15 - 2:00 am

  This is our first BMW and we really love it. We previously drove a 1998 Jaguar VDP and while it was a good performer it lacked comfort and was totally useless in the snow. Before purchasing the 745Li we looked at the new Jaguar XJ and the Mercedes S500. I liked the style of the Jag and the Mercedes better than the BMW but for handling, features and comfort the BMW came out leaps and bounds ahead. So far it has been a great driving experience!

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  Cant ask for much more - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By brian323is - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Excellent! There are not many other words to describe this car. I am a performance driver and this car takes all that I give it and responds with a smile as it grips the road and asks me to push it harder. I have had no major problems with the car ever and it is still running strong. I have raced the car a few times and have been very happy with the results. I ran a 14.5 in the 1/4 mile and the car is bone stock. BMW really does build the ultimate driveing machine.

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  street legal road racer - 2003 BMW M5
  By racecar - August 14 - 2:00 am

  this is a true racecar for the street. last year,as a benefit of buying the M5,i attended the performance track day in south carolina where we got to thrash M5s around the rack and skid pad for a day. these cars just keep giving and giving....power and control at the same time. i love this car it doesnt turn heads like a ferrari would, but it elicits appreciative glances and thumbs up from knowlegeable car folk. and it ran nose to nose with a ferrari 360 one sunday morning on interstate 95 from the entrance ramp to well north of 150mph. the ferrari quit

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  Great new design - 2003 BMW Z4
  By skemmis - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Having owned a Z3 for three years prior to purchasing the Z4, I have a sound basis for stating that the Z4 is in a whole different league. It is a much higher quality vehicle with sophisticated design and luxury accessories. Performs at or near the top of its class. Very likely the best value in the under $50,000 category. A sports car truly worthy of bearing the name BMW!!

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  My 9th Bimmer with no surprises - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Bimman - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Picked up my 6 speed Black on Black in April 2003, with no surprises. Ive got 5,000 road miles already. This car is truly a great performer. Ive had BMWs from 1983 to now and the improvements in performance has come a long way. This by far is the best E39 Ive had. The more mileage this car gets, the better it runs.

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  Best Ever - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By beegee - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Highest rated car by Consumer Reports for a reason. Wicked-fun to drive, as long as the weather is nice. If it snows, leave it in the garage and take the bus. I still get 2nd looks and compliments 2 years later mainly because of the M-style wheels that came with the early Sports Package.