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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  M3 review - 2002 BMW M3
  By samuel - November 22 - 2:00 am

  fantastic car. i had a great time driving it. i would rather have one of these than a ferrari.

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  Ive been spoiled - 2000 BMW M5
  By JLEE - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven many cars, but this has got to be the most balanced car there is on the market. I commute in this beauty, but it is still a joy to drive at mortal speeds...moving into the fast lane, well, its fast acting prozac on wheels. I bought a used 2000 with 11,000 miles on it, but it ran like a new one (after looking at the history of the former owner 60 year old male--I snatched it for 63,000 out the door one 6 months ago.) If you dont have quite the amount needed for a new one, shop until you drop--you wont be sorry.

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  Amazing Teuton - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By SemperUbi - November 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. Despite its age, it holds up well. Ours is a 1990 Bronzit (BMW-speak for gold) auto the slushbox is perhaps the cars only fault. It is a crime to bipass the BMW stick. Anyway, it has 208 hp, but feels like much more. Roars back and forth between CT and NYC in 2 hours (we live on the eastern side of CT) easily. Has never had any major problems. May or may not require the timing chain done better to do it than face the risk. Reliability has been totally spotless. As Yuppies start to sell these in favor of more haute couture cars, these become great buys. Destined to be a classic.

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  Fun, quality, and styling at a price - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By S90 - November 21 - 2:00 am

  This car has "soul" and loves to be driven. It is rock solid and handles beautifully, but at 75k mi., you are going to have to pay for the fun: a new radiator, thermostat housing, hoses and water pump, power steering hoses suspension bushings, struts, valve cover gaskets, drive belt, etc. Once you pay for all this, the car is like new again and you just keep driving it and enjoying it. If you dont want to pay for maintenance, get a Japanese sedan. If you want to enjoy the drive to the office, get the 5er. Drive them back to back and you will understand. Also, be aware that the early V-8 motors (530i and 540i) had issues. Avoid them.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By Eric Generic - November 21 - 2:00 am

  In a world of butter knives, this car is a scalpule.

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  2008 BMW 328i - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Cindy - November 20 - 6:13 pm

  This was my birthday present to myself, I traded in my Z3 that I had planned to keep forever and nearly did. But for my age 2 cars 1 for fun and 1 for practical use doesnt work any longer. This hardtop convertible is the ultimate car for a split personallity girl like me. Practical with room for the groceries or friend, but a joy when the weather comes up right and you want to run to the hills with the wind in your hair.

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  My bmw - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By rjs5689 - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought my BMW used in 1999 from westchester BMW and ever since i have loved it. It has been a nlast to drive offereng exelent comfort and preformance. i have heated seats and the sport package.

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  great fun sport car - 2002 BMW Z3
  By rockcrawler2 - November 20 - 2:00 am

  this car is not for everybody it is a mean fast driving machine. the cockpit is cozy it is full with two people. it is geared for performance I dont sugest driving long distances. I have to get out to streach every hour or so. I raced a 94 corvete up a mountain and easly out handeled the vette. tight turns are a favorite you can throw it around and it keeps coming back for more. the DSC it a real life saver it only comes into play when I am driving at the edge I am scared to drive this car very fast without the DSC inguaged. if you want a fun driving machine I highly recomend this car. thanks for reading this rob

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  Great Car - 2003 BMW M3
  By LarryM3 - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Amazing...so fun, as fast as a porsche carrera, and a real looker. A lot of bang for the buck.

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  a car built the way it aughta be - 1994 BMW 7-Series
  By Krash - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Im totally in love with this car. Driving has never been such a pleasure - or this comfortable. You could drive for seven hours straight, and still feel great. The ride is incredibly smooth. BMW has made the 740i with no wasted space - intelligent use of every inch. Car handles much better in 4th gear (sports handling) - noted some rear end slip in normal drive gear (economy). Managed to find a beemer with rear headrests (my kids are tall) - very rare in most models. Not cheap to maintain, but neither were my last three Volvos. Worth the money. Im told this car will easily go to 300,000 miles, if well maintained. Life is good.