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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  dream car - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By udiscover - September 8 - 2:00 am

  It has only been a short time, but from the first time with the car, my life has been improved. Not to mention the compliments from others. I am just completely taken with the car.

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  Beautiful little convertible. - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Peggy - September 7 - 8:10 pm

  I am the second owner and have owned this car since 2005. It is not only beautiful, but drives comfortably and safely. It is heavy and has great pickup. I have taken good care of it. It has 4 new tires and is in very good mechanical condition. it has some scratches, but looks very good.

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  Great Fun - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By Sherry Moore - September 7 - 9:40 am

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  The Ultimate Drivers Car - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By KernelPanic - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd BMW and 1st 5 series. I simply love this car. It is well-appointed, seats five comfortably and drives like a demon. The 4.4l engine is built like a Swiss watch, and can easily run up to red-line with no hint of roughness. The low-end torque is outstanding as well. With the 6 speed and sport differential the car hits 65 MPH in second gear in around 5 seconds. The sound system is excellent as well.

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  The Anti Slug - 2002 BMW X5
  By BIMMERDUDE - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I just sold my 2003 Range Rover HSE which I had for a month for the X5 4.4. I tell you, my nickname for the Range Rover is the Slug-Rover, up hills will take you a decade. Even though the X has less cargo space it is worth the 50,000+. It is a true Bimmer at heart, or engine. Hope you consider this when buying.

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  750li - 2012 BMW 7-Series
  By Energy Trader - September 7 - 1:13 am

  Nice car!

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  knock on wood - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By pupjr - September 6 - 2:00 am

  No mechanical problems, no reliability problems. The most solid, quiet car I have driven. Whats with the AM radio reception? Am beginning to get a little bit of hesitation in first shift of the automatic, could the beginning of the problems be near? 75,000 miles and I hope all this talk about expensive to repair isnt going to come true! What else out there drives like this for the money AND is cheap to repair?

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  The Last True M Car? - 2007 BMW Z4 M
  By epbrown - September 4 - 10:00 pm

  Possibly my favorite car ever. Driving the Z4M provides a fun, visceral experience I just didnt get from the Cayman S I test drove. The car is more challenging to the driver than the Porsche, but all the best sports car elements are there - the brakes and steering from the CSL, a firm suspension, the revvy S54 engine and a LSD, wrapped in a taut sculpted package that I think is the most successful of the flame-surfaced cars of the Bangle regime. This is a BMW M without the compromises required to genuflect at the alter of practicality required of the other M cars. I also like that you dont see the Z4 M Coupe everywhere - in over a year of ownership, Ive seen only two others on the road.

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  My winter car - 1999 BMW M3
  By lfbmdpc - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought this used in 2001, it had 38K miles & was a "clean" used car. Its my winter car, since I store my 01 996 porsche cab here in snow country. Car is great, even with the 40+K miles now on it. Tight, fast, great stick, superior fit and finish. I look forward to fall when it comes out of storage!

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  My partner - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By p78 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car for 18 months. I used to fly to florida, now i drive from NC. It is the definetly a driving machine. Elegant yet ready to rumble. I dont know if many have noticed the 2001 has an artificialy limited top end of 155. It is a special version of the last of its model. Im also dissapointed over the looks of the new 745. I always loved the 740.