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:

• 

  The little Z3 - 1997 BMW Z3
  By Brian - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Even though my Z3 has the "little" engine it is a blast to drive. It is very reliable and has a lot of get up and go. It is fast, with the 0-60 around 7.7 seconds. Not the fastest car out there, but faster than most. The handling is amazing and it is very easy and comfortable to drive. Get a newer one with the roll hoops if you want people to think it is new. The hoops are the give away that it is a 96 or 97. There are many performance up grades for this engine like a new computer chip, high flow intake, high flow exhaust, and even turbos. But if you need this car to be faster, buy one with the bigger engine.

• 

  Best Car Ive Ever Owned!!! - 1997 BMW M3
  By cravnpup - February 6 - 2:00 am

  This car is by far the best car Ive ever owned. It has balance, poise, style, power, and handling that puts a smile on my face everytime I drive it. If you are a car enthusiast, you will love this car. Perfect in every way. My only gripe is the cost of parts/maintenence. Ive never had any problems with the car whatsoever, but the scheduled maintenence is quite expensive.

• 

  Talk About a Dual Personality - 2002 BMW M5
  By M5inVA - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Mild mannered for everyday, run of the mill driving, an absolute BEAST when you want it to be! By far the best car Ive ever owned. Highly recommended!

• 

  First but not last BMW - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Tribe07 - February 5 - 9:36 pm

  This is my first BMW and wow, am I impressed. This car is flat out amazing. The best attributes are those characteristicts with the pure driving experience. If you love to drive, then you will love this car. The steering is amazingly precise, the brakes are strong yet smooth, the manual transmission is a joy to operate, the clutch is easy to use and then theres the engine. That twin turbo I-6 alone is reason enough to buy this car. To hear it rev is like pure automotive symphony. I love to rev this engine probably as much as the engine loves to rev. Cannot wait to hit the track one day. It also excels on the freeway - never got uncomfortable during an 11 hour trip. I love it!

• 

  Great Car - One of a kind - 2003 BMW M3
  By BMW Power - February 4 - 2:00 am

  Name another vehicle that seats four, offers open-air motoring, and goes like stink. This is one of the most practical, and among the most exciting, sports cars available today, all for a relative bargain. Beyond rational considerations, look at this thing. I have tested every single convertible out there (from Ford Thunderbird to Mercedez) and none can compare to the BMW M3 convertible (unless you are willing to spend more than $100,000 for a Z8 or the new 500 Mercedez convertible).

• 

  excellent and beautiful car!!! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By tk - February 3 - 10:00 am

  I love the beauty and performance of this vehicle. It has a great feel and is a blast to drive. I just love my car!!!

• 

  BMW 540ia sport - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Furman24 - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Awesome power, fun to drive, safe, good looking..what more could you ask for? Never have I regretted paying the enormous cost of the car...would do it again.

• 

  THE BEST OF THE BEST! - 1993 BMW 8-Series
  By carguyeleven - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned several sports cars Corvette, Porsche, Supra, and a 740il BMW. After driving this car I was astounded by the handling, comfort and feeling of safety behind a car weighing over 4 thousand pounds and having a 12cylinder engine in front of me. The car flat moves and handles like a dream. The definition of a weekend car. I personaly like toys on a car, lots of options and gages, this car was like Disneyland for me. If you havent driven one of these do it just for fun. Youll love it!

• 

  expensive fun - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By kirkd1 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  My expectations of this car have been met. Its fun to drive and is the most comfortable seat in the house. My bad back hurts in just about everything except my sport seats. I hate the noise I now have from the tires that started at about 10k miles and its getting worse. Those low profile tires aren’t all bad though helping turn-in that makes me smile when I need a little rush. I’m disappointed in the “slipping clutch” of the A/T. The upgraded sport steering wheel is mainly plastic and it stares me in the face. The in-cabin entertainment I paid extra for could sound better and have an in-dash changer.

• 

  best luxury /sport sedan built. - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By puge0406 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  i have owned caddilac & lexus. bmw is by far the best handling,best riding & best looking of all. all the time i needed with the idrive was 20minutes. whats all the fuss about?