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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  SEcond M5 - 2002 BMW M5
  By jer4 - May 13 - 2:00 am

  This is my second M5. Had the 2000, it was hot stiff and strong. The new model seems faster and is a dream to drive. The improvements were minor on the surface. The hardest to believe is that the 2002 is a vastly improved version of the original. the best of the best!

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  Best Car Owned So Far! - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By ScrumDawg - May 13 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 535i two years ago from BMW of Nashville as is. It had one previous owner who used this dealership for all services. The car was running hot and they changed the thermostat thinking that was the problem. As it turned out it was the head gasket. They replaced it for FREE. Since then I have had to replace some hoses, clamps, struts, suspension bars, brakes and tires. As long as I maintain the engine with regular fluid changes and tune-ups I plan on driving this car to 300K miles. If you are thinking of purchasing one, be sure you get the 3.5 litre engine vs the 2.5. The weight of the body and frame demand it.

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  No compromise required! - 2000 BMW M5
  By allan2 - May 12 - 2:00 am

  I cant spend enough time in this car. Its power, handling, flexibility and creature comforts, all with seating for 5, are just not available anywhere else. (Sorry MB E55) The engine is rock solid, although the ECU is a little finicky, reporting errors fairly regularly, but my local dealer has been outstanding in fixing any issues under warranty AND providing a no charge rental. I very much like the stealth nature of this car. Only true car nuts recognize it, but with tires wider than the 540s, and a slighly lower suspension, it looks taut and forboding without screaming out that fact.

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  98 BMW Z3 - 1998 BMW Z3
  By AnnieZ - May 11 - 2:00 am

  This little car is the most fun imaginable! While it is no race car, it corners like a champ and literally scoots down the highway.

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  Better than I expected - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By hgopad - May 10 - 2:00 am

  The new 745i Sport is amazing. Yes, the idrive takes a few trial and error experiences, but the basics like radio,cd,phone,navigator, etc. are all quite easy to use. There are so many additional things to do with it that you can continue learning some every day, if you wish. The performance, handling and comfort could not be better. I had a 740i Sport before and thought it was the best, and this has surpassed it by quite a bit. Not only is it impressive to drive, its the most interesting and engaging car Ive ever found.

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  Superb Sport Wagon - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Derek Simpkins - May 8 - 8:26 pm

  The new 325 XiT is a superbly designed wagon that is a joy to drive. Coming from a 330i sedan, I was somewhat skeptical that the 325 engine would have enough power, but it is more than adequate unless you are seeking a dragster. The versatility of the wagon, the X-drive, the exterior design and amazing features like the panorama sunroof all combine to make this machine the ultimate wagon. With perfect 50:50 F/R weight distribution and X-drive, this car has amazing cornering capabilities and the same wonderful steering found all of the 3 series.

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  Excellent - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Johnson - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Just Excellent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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  745 Li - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Roger W Perman - May 8 - 2:00 am

  This is our third large BMW, th eprevious were 740iLs. This is a great car and a wonderful road car. We have had no problems with this car and are really enjoying it. The handling and ride are superb. The quality of the finish on the door sills needs some BMW attention.

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  98 M3 Coupe - 1998 BMW M3
  By riznic - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Great Performance and Handling. Fun to drive. Reliable.

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  NICE ~ FUN ~ CAR - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Debi - May 7 - 3:46 pm

  This is my first BMW, my husbands second, I bought it for his 50th birthday gift; he has driven it a handful of times. If I let him, lol. (I stole it from him!) We both love it! Along with our 3 kids. We have had just about every car out there. IT IS FUN! We all love it!