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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  10 Years and Still Enjoying It - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By Jim K - February 23 - 2:00 am

  This car gets better and better, even after 10 years. It seems as tight as the day I bought it it handles as well it continues to be a joy to drive every day. I have had more maintenance than I wish over 10 years (like now my trip computer does not work and my seat heaters are worthless)but some of this probably is due to a run in with a deer the first month I owned it (ugh!).

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  2002 BMW M3 CiC - 2002 BMW M3
  By Deb Moore - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Wow! This car is the most exceptional vehicle Ive ever had the pleasure of driving. It completely defies description. It isnt my first BMW Ive previous owned (new) a 98 318i and a (new)01 330i, and though they were nice cars, they just dont come close to the M3. The handling is awesome, the acceleration is awesome, the ride is somewhat harsh (but what can you expect from a sports car? It has a very stiff suspension)and this car is just so much fun to drive. It puts a grin on my face every time I get behind the wheel.

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  535i Rocks - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Kid Rock - February 21 - 9:26 am

  Whats not to like. Style, class and the twin turbo is like a rocket. I drove the MB E class, to stuffy. The Lexus had no personality. The BMW does it all. What really sold me was seeing all three together. It was no competition for the BMW.

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  Amazing - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Adam Goldberg - February 21 - 2:00 am

  This an excellent car. Best Seller in my world. They have finally made a great ride with gadgets.

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  the ultimate family wagon - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By gillie - February 20 - 1:16 pm

  Quality of build is noted just openning the doors. Interior appointments are perfecto. Compares favorably to my M5 in terms of finish and the good feeling sitting in drivers seat engendors. The iDrive is simple, perhaps too simple for the auto critics. 28 mpg on the road is just fine. I wish it were a couple of thousand cheaper but this car is a keeper so the price is not so upsetting.

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  Total Winner - 1991 BMW 7-Series
  By bearcat - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car with 22,000 miles and now it has 210,000 with fantastic reliability. Comfort and great performance for a luxury car. Even with the years it looks great and has lost none of the characteristics you expect in a BMW. The passenger room and cargo space are exceptioanal...why have an SUV?

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  Total Winner - 1991 BMW 7-Series
  By Bearcat - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car with 22,000 miles and now it has 210,000 with fantastic reliability. Comfort and great performance for a luxury car. Even with the years it looks great and has lost none of the characteristics you expect in a BMW. The passenger room and cargo space are exceptioanal...why have an SUV?

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  Lots of Fun - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By zipper - February 19 - 2:00 am

  Combines luxury with performance. Very fun to drive.

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  Best of the bunch - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By pmichaelis - February 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the fourth BMW owned. One 6 series, remainder 3 series. All cars have met expectations, particularly the 1999 328ia. This car has all the attributes expected in a high priced small car. It handles well, is comfortable on a long trip..1400+ miles, and has been utterly reliable. The only negative has been the brake pads wearing out at 24,000 miles. Excellent mileage, 32+ mpg on a trip, nonexistent oil consumption during service interval. My basis of comparison is a 1997 Porsche 993 C2S.

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  NoneBetter - 2002 BMW X5
  By djph - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I cannot imagine driving a better SUV. Aside from the 16mpg I average, the vehicle has no downside. During my first year of ownership the X5 was not a common sight on the street and I had dozens of people ask me about it. Now they have become very common and I can understand why. Mine is powerful, extremely comfortable and incredibly fun to drive. Its also given me a terrific sense of confidence, driving through the snow that was dumpen on the east cost this past weekend.