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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  Top Notch 325i - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By flomina - May 20 - 10:00 am

  The 325i is a great first car when entering into the BMW world. This car will make you a BMW fan for life. Great handeling and response. Sporty yet elegant body. This car can accompany me to any event! I use my 325i at least 3-4 times a week to commute and the gas mileage is great!

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  Therapeutic - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By scooper403 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Who needs therapy when all you need is a full tank and an open road? This car will cure whatever ails you... Rock Solid performance, Awesome Handling & Braking. I was looking for a long time, came down to i330 & G35... I have no doubt that I made the right choice. This is My First BMW... Ill always own one from this day forward.

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  excessive noise - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Don - May 20 - 8:44 am

  I actually bought this as "Mothers Day Gift" for my wife last year. She actually gets to drive it once in a while. The only complaint I have is the excessive noise that comes from from the passenger seat when my wife is riding with me. "Are you crazy?" "Slow down!" "I am NEVER riding with you again in this car!!" often can be heard even over the sound of the engine as I shift through the five gears. My only regret now is that I did not buy the 3.0 for a little boost.

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  franks findings - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By FRANKS FINDINGS - May 20 - 5:10 am

  Took a week to really learn everything- I have the 330i with performance tires, seats are a little tight for my sit down and its a little bumpy with 48 lbs of air in the tires, but a real joy to drive. In sport mode it jumps to 90 in breathtaking fashion, brakes are stop now dandies with no fade at all. If you know how to get your line and move into a corner with power, its like driving a bed i.e. flat no lean at all, no nose drop on hard braking. Worth the money

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  Beemer, but a step down? - 2005 BMW X3
  By Jimmy James - May 20 - 2:28 am

  I also own a 745li. This is absolutely nothing like that, of course. If you are looking for a low priced, quality, but not to any extent luxurious suv, get the X3. It is tremendous in the snow and conditions like that. The navigation system is top notch. It is extremely easy to operate, and works to perfection. DO NOT GET LEATHERETTE SEATING, I have leather and that is not comfortable either.

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  Will Always Own a BMW - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Lisas BMW - May 19 - 11:07 am

  Great car that makes driving fun again. The acceleration is phenomenal compared to any previous car Ive ever owned. I considered buying a Volvo, Saab or Jaguar, but the resale value of the BMW was better than any of these other cars. The engine sound and exterior appearance will turn peoples heads when the hear and see the car. The gas mileage is good, especially considering the fact that the 330 is a luxury/sports car.

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  Best Sedan on the road. - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By James Hallbeck - May 19 - 12:50 am

  The 2006 BMW 750i is in my opinion the best sedan on the road. When you climb into this luxurious car it is like being in a cockpit of an airplane. There are so many incredible features that makes your driving experience an ultimate pleasure. The best part about all the features is the ease in which they are to use. I can be having a very stressful day and sit back in the car with the seat massager on and instantly watch all my stress disappear. It also is an incredible car to drive as the powerful engine and the ease which it handles makes me think at times I am driving a true sports car. I highly recommend this car.

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  Meets high expectations - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By tw - May 18 - 6:29 pm

  Every time I get into this car I feel good. This makes up for what ever short comings there may be at the moment, I cant think of any.

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  Why all the negative press? - 2005 BMW Z4
  By DropTopZ4 - May 18 - 3:02 pm

  Actually purchased June 2003, factory order. This is a great car, provided that you spring for the bigger engine. Love the Sport Package, power top, kickin stereo, gearbox. The ride can be stiff due to the run-flats but Sport Mode eliminates some of the bobbing. Stylish, fast, gets lots of attention. Clutch catches too high. Drive fast to reveal its true sports car personality.

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  Hi-tech is great - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By yeahim40 - May 18 - 12:33 am

  When I was shopping for a car, it was the technology that sold me on the 5-series. I was a little negative about iDrive, but Ive found it to be easy to live with. I love how integrated everything is - my iPod and phone are a part of the car. The heads up display is excellent, especially with directions from the navigation system on the windshield. The night vision camera is just plain cool. Its an easy car to drive with confidence. I recommend driving a sport vs. non- sport package car before buying the sport because the ride is pretty firm.