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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  Total blast! - 2002 BMW Z3
  By mexibec04 - March 6 - 2:47 am

  This is my 3rd BMW (325 96, 528i 99). Its a total blast to drive! I loved the 528i handling (which reviews made the best production sedan ever), but the Z3 must use some technology that flat-out reads my mind. I mean, the handling is just telepathic. I caught myself changing lane in for sure less than 0.1 second at 80 mph (typical on a non-jammed CA highway) by a slight movement of the steering wheel. This car means business. It goes where you want it to go, and DSC keeps the the oversteer in check (the Z3 *will* oversteer when pushed agressively with DSC disabled) It jas the looks, the handling, and the cachet, and IMHO, no other roadster (Z4 included) matches its sleek styling.

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  Flawless 4 yr 330xi - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By EJKrew - March 5 - 9:54 pm

  The car has been trouble free and a blast to drive. No need to worry about the weather ahead of you with full time AWD! Oil changes and brake fluid replacement has been all that has been needed. Rock solid, no rattles or squeaks.

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  BMW sales guy - 2005 BMW Z4
  By smiffsmack - March 5 - 8:39 pm

  I am a former BMW salesman. This vehicle was probably the hardest vehicle to sell without a test drive I believe because of the looks (which I savor). Once driving the car, you will be hooked as I was. I can tell you that of all the vehicles BMW has this one and the X5 4.8 are the most fun to drive, hands down. Usually if you wait right before summer they will drop the lease rates and you can get into one for a decent monthly payment. BTW this thing isnt as great on gas as suggested, especially when you drive it like it should be driven, fast. And I am 6 ft. tall, so it isnt perfect for me, but its not bad. BTW the Auto/ 5 speed steptronic is really fun and much more practical for SOCAL.

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  King of the road - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Fred Miller - March 5 - 6:46 pm

  The 760Li is a fabulous performance luxury sedan in every way. The power, handling and comfort exceeds any vehicle have ever driven. I have driven many. The fuel efficiency is extraordinary on the highway and poor in the city. The only problem that I have had in approximately 1 year of driving are some quirky electronics issues. The dealer did a good job of taking care of these issues with a minimum of inconvenience. I highly recommend this V12 for someone looking for something above and beyond.

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  best of breed - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By K-1 - March 5 - 12:32 am

  The three series epitomizes what BMW is all about performance with a touch of class and understated elegance.

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  My dream car... - 2005 BMW M3
  By Tommy Newsom - March 3 - 8:57 pm

  I waited over 20 years to purchase a true sports car and had my sights on a Corvette convertible. However, before buying the Corvette I searched all my options and fell in love with the BMW M3 Convertible. I had to have it and I got it!This car is incredible and I am so happy I purchased it!

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  Excelent small SUV - 2005 BMW X3
  By BMW X3 Lover - March 3 - 8:42 pm

  Its a small SUV and easy to maneuver drives & runs like a sports car and function as an SUV. Luxury & style for younger drivers. Its not a box on wheels its an X3

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  Pricy Toy For New Execs. . . - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Hooligann - March 3 - 5:46 pm

  Ive driven every series of BMW and thisvehicle has the best overall value. It handles like a dream and literally hugs the road (you can accelerate into 90 degree turns). The sports package adds additional creature comforts and toys that I highly recommend, like the moving Xenon headlights, leather comfort seats. I also recommend the Bluetooth. It doesnt always work properly, and people say they have a hard time hearing me, but its a great substitute for the built in telephone. This car is a road predator, its not a sissy car like the CLK, its made to be driven hard, and it actually respondsbetter when you push it to the limit. Use the Steptronic on windy canyon roads.

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  Boston Green 318I Sedan - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Justin James - March 3 - 5:27 pm

  I recently purchased this car during the summer, and it was the best money I ever spent. The car itself has a sporty and sleek design. Although it is a 96 it still gives other cars of that year a run for their money. Over all the 1.9L doch engine gives it a fairy quick acceleration which can be put to the test with the 4 speed tiptronic. This car will respond with elequence and grace toward any turn you put in fornt of it. Due to the German sport tuned suspention. The boston green with a metalic flake compliments the light tan interior very well. Instumentation and acessories inside the car are of excellent quality and are easily viewed. Overall it is the best car Ive ever owned.

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  Good or Bad - 2004 BMW X3
  By Anschris - March 3 - 4:06 pm

  We had a MB C230 coupe & loved it so much for a hatchback cargo space, the ride & of course the panoramic roof except rear wheel drive in snowy winter...It was time to change & get a BMW X3, more cargo space & more secure in winter driving. Its so grip on snow & no problem of getting out of driveway with fresh snow. It corners better than a car but a little bumpy on aged asphalt, which I think its due to low profile tires.