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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  What a ride - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By fasr - October 28 - 2:00 am

  One of the nicest cars Ive had the pleasure of driving. Great build quality, classic looks, outstanding performance. Not a cop magnet, but a lot of fun to drive around. I hope to have my 540i for a long long time.

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  M3 wannabe - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By kekle - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This car gets no respect, but as far as Im concerned it is the most balanced, lightest bmw out there. big hatch, can fit 2x4 studs. Great car.

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  BMW 325i - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By John Bogan - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Generally the best car Ive ever owned.

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  My Faviorite BMW So Far - 2001 BMW M3
  By redhat - October 27 - 1:00 am

  This is my third BMW, I had two BMW Z3s prior to this car. Those were fun and sporty, but they did not offer the thrill of taking corners at speeds with such ease. This is probably the best mix of power, performance, and luxury available in any vehicle.

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  A fantastic car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Cbroncos - October 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the car of my dreams! It handles fantastic. It accelerates so fast, yet so smooth. I drove it home from Seattle to my home 200 miles away and it was so great. I was so relaxed having the cruise control on and listening to the fantastic sound from the stereo.

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  540 - good choice! - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By BahnBrenner - October 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 94 540i a little over a year now. Its a pleasure to drive any and every time I take it out. The 4.0 liter engine with 285 hp is one of BMWs best - no doubt. And despite being a v-8 machine, I average 19.5 miles to the gallon. The computer controlled 5-speed automatic transmission does an excellent job determining how you want the car to shift. (My biggest problem has however also been the transmission, failing at only 102K miles. The rebuild cost $2600.) I have never had any other major problems. The car is fast, handles superbly, stops on a dime, looks good, and is practical.

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  Review - 2001 BMW Z3
  By kolokifyg - October 26 - 2:00 am

  Nobody builds engines like BMW. Strong, sweet, smooth, responsive, effortless all the way to redline. Quick and beautiful transmission. Handles incrediblely with balance and agility. Quality, quality, thats what its all about.

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  Best car ever - 2001 BMW X5
  By tw - October 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the ultimate vehicle.

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  Ill never settle for less - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Dale Larson - October 25 - 7:53 am

  This is my first BMW and its so much better in build quality and ride than any other car I have owned. The 4 years of paid maintainence is a great feature. I anticipate great resale in 4 years. But build them closer to the U.S.A., I had to wait 6 weeks to get mine.

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  bmw is great - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By jm45632 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  great car very realiable