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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  528 WAGON - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By ROSS TAYLOR - August 29 - 2:00 am

  WAGONS DRIVING PERFORMANCE IS EXCELLENT WITH EXTRAORDINARY CORNERING AND TYPICAL BMW CONTROL. A JOY TO DRIVE AND CARRY A LOAD OF FAMILY SHOPPING TRIPS.

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  X5 ANOTHER DREAM MACHINE - 2000 BMW X5
  By ross taylor - August 29 - 2:00 am

  ITS A DREAM TO DRIVE WHETHER ITS CROSS TOWN OR CROSS-COUNTRY. TERRIFIC TRACTION IN ALL-TERRAIN. PLENTY OF ROOM TO COMFORTABLY RELAX AND ENJOY THE RIDE. MANUEVERS LIKE THE 5 SERIES SEDAN AND WITH ALL THE PUNCH OF M- SERIES. ITS HARD TO IMAGINE IT CAN GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS!

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  Serious Sedan - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By XERIC - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a Serious car. I have the 528i with the Sport Package. A must for the price, it adds a better suspension, M series steering wheel and 17" rims w/ low profile sport tires. It is comfortable and sporty, has a big trunk (holds clubs and luggage easily)and handles great. Not only is this car fun to drive it looks awesome, this added to the fact that long distance travel is as easy on you as city driving. Overall the best sedan in its class (except the 540i).

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  The Best Car Ever Made - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Mr. M - August 27 - 2:00 am

  The only thing I would add to this car is factory installed radar detector.

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  incredible car - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Chris - August 26 - 10:06 pm

  This is my second 325CiC. Just traded my 2001, 5 speed(M) for 2005 automatic. Best car I have ever owned. Only gripe is the nav system. Free service is great. Typical german build quality. 2001 had a few minor problems but nothing major; BMW covered everything, even a ripped seat seam and cracked wood at 37000 miles. Amazing! Wont be my last assuming they dont go too far out in left field with the styling of this cars replacement. I LOVE THIS CAR!!!

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  BMWGT - 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By Richard - August 26 - 11:12 am

  Great Road Trip car!

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  Best SUV Anywhere - 2002 BMW X5
  By GTheo - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This car is incredible! It only looks like an SUV but under the hood it is an M5 sports sedan. The car is truly a well thought out machine with amazing performance and looks. I have never come across another SUV that could out perform it except for the time I ran across an X5 4.6 on the highway, Wow that thing is blazingly fast!

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  Solid So Far - 2002 BMW X5
  By Seattle X5er - August 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had my X5 for about 8 months. It has been everything I had hoped for: fun to drive and comfortable. Everything is solid. Not a rattle or other problem (knock on wood). The paint job has been particularly impressive. I have taken a lot of rock hits at highway speeds, but I have not yet found one chip!

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  wow! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By edandruth - August 25 - 2:00 am

  this is not a car.....its an automobile! It handles unbelievably smooth, very comfortable and excellerates effortlessly. This is truly the finest machine I have ever driven. Unfortunately, I bought it for my wife who only allows me to drive it on weekends!

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  Best Car Ever Driven - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By E39 Lover - August 24 - 2:00 am

  What an awesome, fun to drive car! Best combination of sport and luxury on the market. Car handles incredibly. Ride is supple and quiet. Car has 33K miles and accelerates like new. Its hard to get me out of the car, I find excuses to run errands.