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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  going back to mercedes - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Kristopher ogonowsky - March 12 - 11:49 am

  This car handles and performs great but it stops there. The electronic are a nightmare, phone only work 50% of time, front seat should be in line with tne center pillar and the front door should be bigger. The steering wheel moves too slow. I really regret buying this car, especially coming out of an S class

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  My 01 M5 - The LeMans Blue Beast. - 2001 BMW M5
  By DWSMITH - March 12 - 10:44 am

  By far, the best 4 seat, 400 hp car in the world. It is a beast in oxford clothes. Never a squeak inside. The clutch allows me to drive in very slow traffic with minimal effort and the torque allows me to just smoke the tires when I feel like it. As far as handling, Ive never had one moment where I felt like I was going to lose control. Amazing car.

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  I love this car... - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Mary - March 12 - 1:39 am

  Ive only had my BMW 525 for 2 weeks now and I have yet to find anything I dislike about this car. I traded in a 2002 Jaguar, which I enjoyed, but after driving this car I knew I had to make the switch. The overall interior is bigger, my husband, who is a bigger guy fits comfortably in both the front and back seats. The car is quiet and easy to drive. The iDrive is different but after playing with it a bit its not a big problem. I like the way it handles the road and the smooth drive. The trunk space is great. Unless something drastic happens I can see me driving a BMW for a long time

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  Amazing - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Moab - March 11 - 7:18 pm

  This is the finest car I have ever driven. I love the acceleration and handling in addition to the superior comfort of the ride. I can honestly say that I will probably never drive another make other than BMW. I am sold for life on BMWs! the other day, I had a guilty pleasure when I beat a car-full of teenagers in a drag race on the highway. They were amazed!

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  125K and still speeding - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By robert - March 11 - 5:26 pm

  Great car. Ive put 125K miles on in 3 years. Only problem was the AC control unit going bad at 90K miles. Which was a $140 fix at the dealer. If you want a car that is trouble free, low maintenance, and fun to drive this is your car.

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  Ive had 3 and this is the best yet - 2005 BMW X5
  By Ken Feingold - March 11 - 5:11 pm

  I have had 3 BMW X 5s in a row My first was a 2000 3 litre which was very good but lacked a bit of punch, I then got the 4.4 litre 2003 which was great but then I upgraded to the 2004 with the full glass roof, the new engine and transmission and it is better. It is great in the snow, handles really well and brakes that way too. The fuel economy is not even good but it is slightly better than my previous 4.4 litre. The premium seats are terrific and the sound system is up to snuff. So who cares if the look is a bit stodgy and could use a real redo. Please BMW dont kill it looks wise like you did my beloved 540i or Ill finally have to go to the competition.

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  European Excellence - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By CARNUT - March 10 - 5:10 pm

  If you appreciate European (esp. German) cars and want more than what a Japanese luxury car can deliver, then you will love the BMW 540i series (E39). It has more than enough power to get the job done on the highway. Super comfortable on long drives. The Navigation system is one of the best. Perfect mix of Sport (w/ the sport package) and luxury in a medium sized sedan. At this price point, nothing matches it.

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  New 7 - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By james donovan - March 10 - 6:06 am

  After driving comparable vehicles, Ive come to the conclusion that I should have purchased an S-Class instead. If I wanted sportiness, I would have purchased a smaller car. The Beamer cant compare class-wise to the Benz.

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  SERVES ALL MY NEEDS & MY FAMILYS TOO - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By stephanie M. - March 10 - 1:23 am

  After the birth of our daughter, (3-18-02) My husband said he wanted the safest-best most reliable vehicle we could find for our "new precious cargo" And after much research - we decided on this make & model. And have been extemely HAPPY!!!!! In the past weve owned Porche, audi, Hondas, mercedes.. (all excellent rides!) But this BMW is definetly the ULTIMATE driving machine!!!!! It makes any drive too short, HAHA!

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  unsurpassed mechanical marvel - 2005 BMW X3
  By Gavino Martinez - March 9 - 12:39 pm

  From the moment I sat on this sports UTE. I knew there was something special about this vehicle.