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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  STruCs M3 - 2003 BMW M3
  By STruC - April 5 - 2:00 am

  This car is very fun to drive. I love how fast it takes off. Its not about how fast your car drives, but its about how fast you get to that speed. And I love it.

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  So far soooo good - 2002 BMW Z3
  By NU2BMW - April 3 - 2:00 am

  After hearing less than steller reviews of BMW reliability - we bought the Z3 with some caution. However, the car has been just great. It is impossible not to have a grin on your face when youre driving. It is just a blast. I short drive in the Z3 can transform a bad day into a vacation.

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  My Favorite Car - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Binkley - April 2 - 3:03 am

  This car drives better than any other. It corners especially well. The exterior styling is exceptional, I love it. I just wish I could have order the car, but I had to take the best I could find in dealer stock. I managed to find almost all that I wanted, but I would have preferred the aluminum trim, split-folding rear seats and comfort access, which I dont have. I wish the car had a better MP3 disk player. It doesnt provide track duration, and Im having issues with it strangely adjusting the volume and sound field in the middle of tracks with s-vol set at zero. Im waiting for my first oil change (at 5,200 miles now) to have the sound system checked.

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  Good 330ci - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By lsquare100 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Minimum Problems. Unbelievable handling in wet weather.

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  1 of the best - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By kingsteinway - April 1 - 2:00 am

  the 540i is one of the best, if not the best 4 door sedans ever built. I have owned over 25 cars since I turned 17 and its not an accident that my last 4 have been BMW 5 series.

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  Happy Camper - 2001 BMW X5
  By #1 SUV - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I own the 4.4 and love this SAV. The power is incredible and it handles great. If you look at the specs of the 2003 Range Rover you will see its a larger X5 4.4. The door locks keep malfunctioning and the navigation system isnt worth the money but this truck is so much fun to drive.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By buttondown - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Credit Chris Bangle for taking risks. From the inside, this car is more involving and rewarding than any Ive owned. The performance is enjoyable. The styling, while controversial, is a differentiator. Whenever I go out to my garage, I enjoy looking at such a unique, distinctive vehicle. I think it looks better in darker colors than lighter, but there is a 745Li at the garage I park at that is attractive. Bottom line - you will not be disappointed by this great car.

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  Ultimate (FUN) Driving Machine - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By GTU - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Drives and handles great. A little short on low end power,but hang on above 3500 rpm. First car Ive had in a long time that can accelerate in high gear.

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  More fun than an x5 - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By ninasdad - March 30 - 2:00 am

  a fun manual tranny for the soccer moms and dads. Has been an incredible road- trip car (philly to Wyoming/AZ/TN and back. Great seat comfort and solid passing power even fully loaded. 21+ MPG (premium fuel)

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  Cant be beat - 2003 BMW M5
  By Unstopable dan - March 30 - 2:00 am

  All my life I dreamed of a car that was so perfect. The drivetrain is outstading, braking is phonomenal, and build quality is very impressive. I drive the m5 alot through towns and on highways and it is always a pleasure. The gas miliage is not very good, but it is all made up for. The sterio system is very high quality and all interior materials have a nice feel to them. This is a luxary car that drives like a smooth, slick race car. In the world of sports sedans it cant be beat.