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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  A totally impressive machine - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By L8rnr - December 14 - 12:00 am

  I have had this car for about 3 weeks. I recently turned in an 03 Benz E500 after a 4 year relationship. Shopping for a new Benz, I decided to finally drive the other German sedans. Well I have to say, the fun factor pins this car off the scale. After 5 minutes I was sold. No contest in driveability and ride dynamics. The small BMW gives up a modest amount of power and torque to the Benz, but more than makes up for that in driveability. I find myself looking for an excuse to drive! Never felt that way in the Benz. I could have gone for the 335, but the 328 was plenty for me, in addition to getting a bit more mileage and probably saving me some tickets.

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  Beyond expectations!! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By R Wightman - December 13 - 10:00 am

  What a car!!! ordered loaded with great anticipation. The car is beautiful to look at, way fun to drive, comfortable, and easy to get to know. No unpleasent surprises or issues. Its everything BMW promises it to be and more!!

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  Does it get much better than this - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By gmess38 - December 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my second performance luxury sedan (LX-400). There is nothing like driving this level of automobile. I feel totally unsafe driving anything in the lower tiers. This car cruises effortlessly above 100 mph and stops without skidding, faster than anything alive. It is a little more "throaty" than the Lexus, which I initially didnt like, but have come to enjoy. Its a BMW afterall. I wish there werent any speed limits It almost seems like a waste sometimes. The traction control is superb in the snow - if you know how to drive in the snow.

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  BMW X5 - No one can offer a better 4x4. - 2003 BMW X5
  By shahnawaz jiva - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Can any other car beat this sexy, sporty, reliable, comfortable, elegant, classy, spacious car

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  One Bad Ass Car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By jennifer - December 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great improvement on the 1998 328i model. The overall handling is incredible.

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  The Best Yet.... - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Kevinincharlotte - December 7 - 10:00 am

  My third BMW in five years is definitely the best. I had a 99 Z3 2.8 and a 2000 528 previously. I just traded an S-Type 4.0 on the 330cic and its good to be back to BMW. The handling and performance are the best in class. I love the subtle 04 changes to the front end. The six-speed is a blast to drive. Despite only small changes to the car in six years, it still turns heads. Im averaging close to 25 mpg with a 50/ 50 split of in-town and highway driving, which I think is pretty good considering the performance of the car.

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  Scared to own an M5 - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Converted007 - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This is one rock-solid car that delivers phenomenal gas mileage. At first we thought the digital readout was incorrect, but have learned to trust it after fill to fill checks. With the cruise set at 140-160 kph (86 to 99 mph) and a good radar detector we have consistently achieved 30+ miles per gallon on the highway and 23 mpg in the city.

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  Best car Ive owned - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Poway driver - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful car. Great handling which is especially noticable at higher speeds compared to other cars. Braking is excellent. Acceleration is appropriate for engine size. Fuel economy better than expected.

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  Good lookin - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By Chris Campbell - December 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun car! It makes people turn their heads. I just recently put new BMW factory wheels on mine to make it look newer. This car has great handling. It is very reliable and I have had no major problems. Overall it is a cool car. Electronics need some work. The car is weak when the air conditioner is on and when its cold.

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  Wow - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By MacGyver - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Performance for all seasons. This is tops when it comes to entry level sport sedans. The all wheel drive on this car is absolutly perfect for the snow and ice in the northeast and the power and responsiveness put the audi a4 1.8t and the ugly ford-styled x-type to shame.