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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  the best car ever! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By tombrokaw - January 13 - 10:00 am

  if you are considering a 330 ci, dont consider you will have no regrets, just buy it! \

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  good - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By hardcorerocker97 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  great car, if ur looking for a sweet nice looking car with a good price tag this car is the one. I would recommend it for anyone, last long too.

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  Best value on the road - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By blp - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Best performing auto ever owned. Handling, braking, economy and safety in a complete package. Absolute fun to drive.

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  perfect beast - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By dr193 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Im reviewing the 2003 M5

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  THE BEST SEDAN - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By griggsbarn - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my 4th BMW and my second 5- series. Although it is underpowered for me,it is a good family car. My 330cic was the keeper.

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  Stunning BMW 530i - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By LWNorton - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Great handling car, fun to drive, and extremely reliable. Whats there not to like?

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  2018 F80 M3 6MT - 2018 BMW M3
  By Zamboni - January 12 - 6:15 am

  Excellent 4 doors sedan great acceleration & handling, ride is comfort.

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  Best Performance Sedan - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Antonio Valla - January 12 - 1:57 am

  Love this car. I had numerous VWs (GTI, 2 Passats, New Beetle), and a BMW 325i Touring, but always lusted after the "5". When I realized the 2004 was going to get the Chris Bangle treatment, I went out and bought one of the last 2003 available.

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  The best car ever - 2004 BMW Z4
  By paul_viper1 - January 11 - 6:24 pm

  It is quite cheap to run, extreme performance, comfortable seats, heaps of room, bottom line it is the best car ever (that Ive driven).

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  "the ultimate driving machine - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By drjbmw - January 11 - 2:05 pm

  An old timer with BMWs, I have owned 7 series since 88. I love the car and enjoy driving it. I have taken different 7s on interstate trips and have enjoyed the "Ultimate driving machine". BMW is ahead of the time and has always had some "technical issues" with their "1st year" model on 7 series due to complex electrical systems and components of the vehicle. The dealerships are very aware of the adjustments and have always tried to repair the defect. Part of owning a toy like this is to understand it would need maintenance and some TLC.