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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  Worth the Money - 2001 BMW X5
  By Anna - February 26 - 11:36 pm

  Having driven a sedan for so long, I wasnt sure how I would like the feel of a SAV, but I was pleasantly surprised with this vehicle. The handling and performance lived up to BMWs reputation of excellence. The 6 cylinder engine made acceleration effortless. The sleek and well designed interior allows for easy access to all buttons. I was truly impressed with this vehicle.

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  Best car ever! - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Bimmer - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Now I know why they call it the Ultimate Driving Machine!

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  M5 Heaven - 2003 BMW M5
  By BillS100 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  This car is simply incredible. Have 3 passengers to take in style, no problem. Need to haul something, fold down the rear seat, no problem. You like a great stereo, its there. This car does not behave like a 540i with extra power. This car is a precision driving instrument waiting to respond to how youd like to drive it. It is the most fun thing to drive I have ever owned and in day to day driving is practical. Yes it has a 6 speed manual, but the clutch is easy to engage and the engine has so much torque that you can mininize the number of shifts you need in traffic. This car is an incredible piece of automotive artestry. The engineers at BMW got this one just right.

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  Absolutely Awesome = 328i - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By SF328i - February 26 - 2:00 am

  If your considering buying it, it is supreme over all competetors in its category. Considerable difference over the 325 also. Much nicer, highly recommended.

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  UDM - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Eddei - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Just more space at the back seat and you have a winner in all catagories.

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  The 535i Still Looks Classy - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By Silver Fox - February 25 - 2:00 am

  A blast to drive! It looks rich, even today, its comfortable and classy. The automatic transmission is fine after 123,000 miles. I had to replace a leaking head gasket at 123,000. Otherwise, it has only needed regular repairs. The black paint still shines up well. Friends think it is a newer car than it is.

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  the best - 2002 BMW M5
  By m5 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  The best and quickest sports sedan in the world. Nothing else comes even halfway close.

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  M3 Convertible - 1999 BMW M3
  By Meko - February 25 - 2:00 am

  When it comes to open top motoring the M3 Convertible tackles all you can throw at it. Weather it be performance, design, ergonomics you name it she does it. I cant help but smile when I drive this car. Ive driven many exotics, but my choice is the M3 Convertible.

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  330ci - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By mullhaupt - February 23 - 10:00 am

  I love this car since I bought it and I never new what I was missing until I bought it I drove a 93 325i and I thought it was good but this is like the little ferrarri I cant afford. It has some rattles in the moon roof cover but its faint, I heard this is common so I dont worry about it, All in all I wouldnt give it up of anything, (maybe a M5) or ferrarri or a 911, but I dont have that kind of cash. I wish it would have been a little cheaper, I never paid 40K for a car

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  I love my beemer! - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By cats_rule_texas - February 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive and comfortable. My car does not look like it is 5 years old. It handles well and is fun to drive.