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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  back-n-black - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By missnlinc - March 22 - 10:00 am

  what a car! I have always dreamed about owning a bimmer and this car does not dissapoint. nothing like smokin other cars (supposedly with more horsepower) day & night. truly the ultimate driving machine.

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  04 325ci AWESOME!! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Hawaii Jen - March 22 - 10:00 am

  My experiences with this car has been no less than positive since the day I drove it off the lot. Its been almost 1 year since I purchased my 04 and its been wonderful owning such an awesome piece of machinery.

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  like a slot car - 2005 BMW X5
  By john duhamell - March 22 - 2:42 am

  fast, awd with select shift, holds 5 easy, runs 130 just like youre doing 65 and looks great.

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  645 ci has no equal in the market - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By Bimmerfile - March 21 - 5:48 pm

  SMG makes the car hard to drive smoothly. Active steering feels awkward and unnatural. Otherwise the car is a terrific driver. I can live with the iDrive. I think there is a little dodge stratus in the back. It makes the car look cheap honestly. I never quite got used to the awful trunk. The car seems confused on whether to ape porsche or dodge.The front is unique, not really attractive but not particularly ugly either. Saddle up behind the seat, and the outside wont matter any more.

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  4-door Porsche - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By donelonpc - March 21 - 1:23 am

  I owned a 2003 540 with the M-Sport pkg. I thought it was tops in all categories. This one is even better in all aspects. Handles on rails, 0-60 in about 5.7. I love the styling, and yes even the I-knob. It took little time to learn, and after you make your settings, you rarely use it again.

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  4-door Porsche - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By donelonpc - March 21 - 1:23 am

  I owned a 2003 540 with the M-Sport pkg. I thought it was tops in all categories. This one is even better in all aspects. Handles on rails, 0- 60 in about 5.7. I love the styling, and yes even the I-knob. It took little time to learn, and after you make your settings, you rarely use it again.

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  The Greatest Car - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Mike - March 21 - 12:16 am

  This car is awesome. The quality, design, comfort, and performance are excellent. I love this car.

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  Consistency - 2004 BMW X3
  By robert amen - March 20 - 11:17 am

  I have owned BMWs since 1984. The X-3 is an excellent example of the BMW experience. It provides a solid ride, fun and is very functional. I bought it for winter driving. It is excellent in all conditions. It is fun and responsive whether driving on the highway or in NYC.The X3 is a good cross over between the X5 and the 3 series. Im very pleased with it.

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  I love my x5 - 2005 BMW X5
  By lisa palumbo - March 19 - 7:28 pm

  The truck is fun to drive, handles great, very comfortable and has great visibility. It feels strong, and I feel safe in it. The only downfall is the fuel economy. Im always at the gas pump. The onboard computer reads 16.9 mpg, however the floating needle is pinned at 8 mpg every time I accelerate, and levels off around 12. A small price to pay for a great vehicle. I also dont agree with the small cargo coments. There is plenty of room back there.

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  MacGregor Review - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By MacGregor - March 19 - 4:12 pm

  Rides and handles very well. This body style is the best theyve ever had. A solid, well built machine, though a bit pricey to have parts or work done.