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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  THE ABSOLUTE BEST - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By EARLA - April 15 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever had, it has everything sport look, fun to drive and elegant. I love the looks; BMW has every option available so I got em, the Nav system is awsome, so is the on board computer. Speed is a whole other matter, I love it as I pass other people who just stop and stare; quite frankly, if had to do it again I would buy the same car. Dont care how much it cost.

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  Move over Porsche - 2002 BMW M5
  By jiffyhibernator - April 15 - 2:00 am

  This is the car for people who like to drive and dont have any desire to impress anyone, with the exception of young car enthusiasts who when you pass them will invariably give you the "thumbs up" and not "the finger". Everyone else will wonder how your grandmothers car can go so fast around corners.

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  07 335i Cabby - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Craig - April 13 - 7:29 pm

  Check for recalls, I had only 1. This thing is a blast to drive, its just as fast as an M3, and has a much smoother ride. Watch the speedo, it will easily get away from your attention span. On a recent road trip, my wife was crushing at 100mph, she was very surprised.

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  BMW 7 Series - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By VVV - April 13 - 2:00 am

  This car is an awesome car. I have 19inch summer tires and 18inch winter tires. The iDrive navigation system works great, easy to use and precise. Overall this car is the highlight of the neighbourhood and when on the road it catches everyones attention n I love it.

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  Best Car Ever - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Johney - April 13 - 2:00 am

  its the best car you can drive. its fun to dirve, fast, and looks great.

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  The Best Car In The World - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Mazen/M2M - April 11 - 2:00 am

  The Best Car In The World

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  Very happy with X5 4.6is - 2002 BMW X5
  By VA BMW Owner - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a number of BMWs (97 M3, 2000 M5, 2002 745i) and two X5s (2001 4.4i and 2002 4.6is). I liked the 4.4i and I like the 4.6is even better. In fact, I had a 2002 745i that was incredibly unreliable, so I traded it after six months for the 4.6is. Although the X5 is less technologically advanced, I dont regret the trade. The X5 is far more comfortable, more practical, less pretentious, and I enjoy it more. With comfort or sport seat options, the X5 has the most comfortable driving position of any car Ive ever driven. It has been very reliable so far.

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  A wold in sheeps clothing - 2003 BMW M5
  By Doc One Eye - April 10 - 2:00 am

  The M5 is a perfect balance between the family sedan (fits our two car seats nicely. Superior safety feature) and a Winston Cup car. This car is overflowing with luxury. The sound system rocks (except you cant add satellite radio with DSP). The navigation is great. Most of all this car flat our hauls you know what, and holds the road like glue! Forget about buying a Porsche and a family car. This car has it all!

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  Great Ride - 2000 BMW Z3
  By LMB - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I love driving this car. I really only drive it on pretty days - couldnt stand to see it dirty. I think the car drives great and is so much fun on the open road. I corners great, and has the typical BMW quality. I love the "roadster" look of this car inside and out -- I think the new Z4 looks to much like the Mercedes and doesnt have the same roadster feel.

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  This is one kicking car. - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By John Sullivan - April 9 - 2:00 am

  Coming from a car history of teh 1980s this car is awesome. I have driven explorers,a nd Durangos but I love this car. 1985 BMW 524td (yes a Diesel) 1989 Volvo 240 GL Bow my 1997 E36 (318i) and I love it. Fun, zuppy, great mileage and its supposed to all be recyclable. Kudos BMW. Save the World.