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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  Enjoying the 325xi - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Rodo - May 30 - 1:34 pm

  This is an outstanding vehicle. Solid, well balanced and fun to drive. Excellent handling and pickup for a small car. The only real complaint is the lack of cupholders and storage compartments.

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  the new 750I bmw - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Kathy Laurio - May 29 - 11:06 am

  This is the 4th 7 series I have owned and they are all basically the same, there is not much changed on the 2006.

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  Love this car! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By MLF - May 29 - 2:30 am

  The 06 is much roomier than prior models and it is even more fun to drive than the prior year models. Im getting 24+ MPG in the city. The bluetooth capablities for the phone are great. Everyone comments on how surprising smooth the ride is for a small car and you cant feel how fast you are going.

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  Z 4, 3.0 Alpine white/sports package - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Michael McDonough - May 28 - 10:54 pm

  The car was a total blast. Love the cockpit...interior layout was excellent. Felt as if I was flying. Never got so many stares. Love the long hood, reminded me of the old jag XKEs.

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  Theres no going back! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By beamerlover - May 28 - 8:46 pm

  Excellent auto. Though its a nightmare to steer it in the winter if you live on the East Coast...I would suggest getting the AWD model. Otherwise, the car has been a dream!

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  good - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By anthony d 1927 - May 28 - 11:33 am

  i liked the car

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  No Sports Car, But Great Tourer - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By D. Jamieson - May 28 - 1:23 am

  Fantastic acceleration and stopping power. Pretty slushy in normal mode, but the "sport" button makes it very responsive. Active suspension is incredible. iDrive is a great alternative to dozens of tiny buttons, and is surprisingly intuitive, as is the voice command system. Very quiet and solid-feeling. Turns heads. Main criticism is that the driver is quite isolated from the road. Interior a bit disappointing for a car in this price bracket (lots of plastic, cheap carpet).

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  Drive One - 1992 BMW M5
  By nmorris - May 28 - 12:17 am

  These are fine cars. Its what BMW claims as the ultimate driving machine which of course it is. $75,000 list price when new. Gonna keep it for a long time. It is one of the fastest cars on the road! They blend in well without looking hotrodded and very safe and comfortable car.

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  1st BMW but not last! - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By MarkT - May 27 - 11:55 pm

  1st BMW but not last! Got a great deal on a great car. Have had it over 2 years and have enjoyed every minute. Only 1 minor problem, a leaky valve, $200, and not a bump since. Best driving car, the Japanese cannot compete with the Germans! Have had Honda, Toyota, Nissan, but nothing like a BMW!!! I am about to buy my 2nd, a 5 series, since having a baby. Would recommend a 98 328 to anyone condsidering an entry Beemer...

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  Wow - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Greg - May 27 - 10:26 pm

  This is my first BMW and I love this car. Handling is 2nd to none. I tend to tire of vehicles very easily and this one is a joy to drive. This one has the DINAN upgrades which make it even more fun.