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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  BMWs Flagship Sedan - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By The Real BMW - April 25 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best I have ever had! I have recently had a Mercedes-Benz S500 and personally I think the 7 has much more in luxury and performance. This really is the best!

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  this review - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By Jughead - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Love the car, but hate the dealer repair capability. Must seek out and find independent quality repair site.

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  Ill keep it till the end - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By mike farmer - April 23 - 8:27 pm

  Im the 2nd owner. Bought it when it had 13000. Has 123000 now. Very reliable, interior looks as good as the day I bought it!

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  Second to none - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By glddmr - April 23 - 2:00 am

  Driven 6 years everywhere from HI & FLA to NY & CT. In deep snow with studded tires and hi speed cross country. NEVER had a mech prob in 113000 miles. Taught wife to drive clutch in 3 days in it, then went to sea for 2 wks. Still on first clutch. I drive it like it has twice the pwr it does. I love it. When the engine dies in another 120000 miles Im putting a v-6 in it and driving another 250000.

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  2001 BMW X5 - 2002 BMW X5
  By Paul McCartney - April 23 - 2:00 am

  The Ultimate Driving Machine!

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  Awsome Drive - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Shahid Hashmi - April 22 - 2:00 am

  The drive is best of all the cars I have owned and I have owned MB, Infinity Q45 and Accura Legend. No other car on this planet can compare to the fun driving this car. After this car I dont want to drive my MB 420E as it is so primitivr to & series.

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  Best Car Ever - 2003 BMW M3
  By BMWsRock - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Ridiculous looks, ridiculous performance. It can be calm and docile when driving your mother-in-law, and after you drop her off you can drive circles around 911s and Corvettes.

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  The best four seater convertible - 2002 BMW M3
  By grw - April 22 - 2:00 am

  It is great fun to drive, and surprisingly comfortable. The rear seats are usable by adults (rare for this type of car), and the car has more features than you could imagine.

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  Harman Kardon is a good upgrade - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By drjwu - April 20 - 10:00 am

  Got too sleepy driving a 97 ES300. At test drive the S4 was fun, and A4 clutch is the easiest to use. But the 325xi gives the best road feel and sense of control, and is more comfortable than the X3 with punishing ride even though it performs amazingly for an SUV. The options make the 325xi as exquisite as a Lexus. The 2.5L is smooth and quiet; the car is great to drive and corner, only a bit underpowered. The Harman Kardon is no Mark Levinson, but it has good tonal balance (acoutic enhancement OFF), defined bass, good detail and dynamics, much better than the Nakamichi upgrade on my RX300. I finally enjoy listening to CDs in the car. Well worth the extra cost.

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  98 Z3 - 1998 BMW Z3
  By CKC - April 20 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Always dependable.