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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  Love My 3.0i - 2001 BMW Z3
  By zowy - December 3 - 2:00 am

  It just snowed about 2" and the drive home was great. OEM Dunlops and DSC kept the car on the road with no issues. I tried turning the DSC off and nearly ended up in a ditch, I cant imagine driving in slick condtions without DSC. The top is very tight, no leaks, even when parked outside in blowing snow. 2 speed seat heaters work very well, just when it feels like HI is too much, the seat has automatically turned the heat to LOW.

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  Just what the dorctor ordered.... - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Joynkev - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Having trst driven everything in this class that Mercedes, Audi, Lexus and Jaguar had to offer, I returned to the 540 with open arms. The 6-speed stick- shift just clinched it for me every time. (The M5 had not yet been released, and at $75K+...er...I dont think so).

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  Damn! - 2002 BMW M5
  By BlackM5 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  The BMW M5 is the best all around sport sedan on the market today. Its 400 horses, 6 speed, and on-board navigation is the definition of "Best."

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  2003 745i would do better minus computer - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By jethro bodiiine - December 2 - 2:00 am

  great driving car poor on reliability. I had the car in the shop 4 times in first month to reprogram computer. for 70k this should not happen

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  BMW X3 - 2005 BMW X3
  By Michael Moses - December 1 - 6:26 am

  Not only is it a great looking vehicle, it performs like A BMW should. Acceleration, handling,comfort and braking are exactly like the whole line of BMW vehicles. After driving all the competitive SUVs, which were like a "Vanilla ice cream cone", the X3 was like a" deluxe bannana split".

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  BMW Turbo - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Mark - November 30 - 9:56 am

  Drives very nice, quick and smooth power. A little quiet. Beautiful interior. My first small BMW but it feels larger than it is.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2000 BMW Z3
  By GaryA - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Great handling, high end torque, and brakes, so I am now prone to driving at excessive speeds. Great fun on winding roads. Sometimes I dont believe the speedometer the car feels so solid. Mechanically almost perfect, only service has been scheduled variety so far. Real easy to pass on 2-lane roads. Love the automatic trans which adapts to driving style, engine redlines before trans shifts when accelerating aggresively. I am more concerned about being rear ended in panic stopping situations the brakes are so good. No rattles or squeeks. Dealer was wrong about trunk, however, golf clubs do fit! Best car I have ever owned, by far.

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  Great Car - 1999 BMW 7-Series
  By dynamos - November 30 - 2:00 am

  The 740i is an incredible car. Fun to drive plus has plenty of room both front and back. Loves to cruise at 80 mph+. Quiet and comfortable ride. Have had some problems, radiator and windshield wipers, but both were taken care of on factory warranty. Dealer service has been courteous and prompt.

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  street legal formula ones lil brother - 2003 BMW M5
  By soyez - November 30 - 2:00 am

  read and send tsuggested compliments to the top designer

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2003 BMW X5
  By bten - November 29 - 10:00 am

  This SAV has truly been a pleasure to own over the last 6 months. I smile every time I drive it. It has actually gotton more responsive and quicker! The interior is luxurious and the exterior is really sharp looking. The handling in incredible. I am more impressed by the power from the 3.0 liter I6 every day.