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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  Wow!! - 2002 BMW M3
  By JasonMS - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I had heard a lot about this car. I was going to buy a M5, but the dealer convinced me to buy a M3 Convertible. I have the SMGII transmission. This is the best car I have ever driven. It handles, accelerates, and looks good. My friends and family are jealous. Although expensive, the M3 is the best car for the money, when compared to more expensive sports cars that do not stand up to the M3.

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  Dreams Come True - 2004 BMW Z4
  By PMendez - August 7 - 10:00 am

  It is a awesome machine to drive! I love the way you can feel the road and cornering is unbelieveable! The power and acceleration is quick and responsive. A pleasure to drive!

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  Superlative from Start to Finish - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Anthony2 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  My 4th BMW. They keep getting better. Old purist balk at the new design (my suspicion is that people are mostly upstet because the new design makes the 2003 and older now look dated). I live in Germany, and the car cruises at 120 MPH as smoothly as if it were going 55 MPH on a US highway. The controls are intuitive without being too busy. Always go with leather and the sport package. You will hate me because I got a US Specs 530i, with Steptronic, and leather for under $42K in Germany under the Military Sales Program (Shipping to the USA, and no taxes when I bring it home)--but Im military and it is a small benefit for spending 12 months fighting the war.

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  Where do I put my stuff? - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By fofoshack - August 7 - 2:00 am

  Perfect, except the console storage (or lack thereof)

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  Its a ten - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Esarbee - August 7 - 2:00 am

  Perfection on wheels. It handles and corners like the TGV. Titanium gray with gray leather. Best car I have ever owned.

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  bmw M3 - 2002 BMW M3
  By MikesBMWm3 - August 7 - 2:00 am

  the bmw M3 is a great car i have owned mine now four three weeks...and i have nothing but excellent things to say about this car...and the SMG 11 is great

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  Best Car I have owned - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Jodi - August 6 - 5:13 pm

  First time BMW owner and I think I am spoiled already. Ive had this car now for 3 days and just looking at it make me excited. Everything from how the car handles to the style is amazing!!

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  High performance - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By Wicked soundz - August 4 - 2:00 am

  very reliable top of the line car. I race with this car on the highway and i never lost yet. sweet pick up. my bmw is hook up and runin nice!!!!!

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  Even God could not have created this car - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Joe Kimber - August 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my first BMW i have owned a Benz, Audis and a few Jags. Right now i own a BMW 530i my wife drives a BMW X5 4.4i and we also have a new Porsche 911 turbo (this is also a nice car but not good for everyday use). But none of them have even come close to how much fun the 530i is. The outside is the best looking car i have seen in years. I thought that the 5 series was getting old. Untill they brought out the 530i in 2001. If you are interested in buying this car dont buy it unless you get the sports package. The 17s are amazing. The steptronic transmission is also very responsive.

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  Outstanding Sport Sedan - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Wrinkledoc - August 3 - 5:46 am

  BMW has created an outstanding sport sedan. The combination of luxury and driving dynamics are hard to beat. We purchased this vehicle as a sport sedan alternative to an SUV for getting from the Bay Area up to Tahoe. So far we love the vehicle. We have no knocks in iDrive. If you have used a computer mouse you should have no problem.