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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  Awesome Car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Melbieiam - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. Had a 2001 and wrecked it. Broke my heart so i got a new one and it is even better than before. Such a good reliable car to own. Will have one for many more years to come

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  The Alias Diaries - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Niobe - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I found this car to be the best Ive ever seen and/or driven. I purposely try to go to the grocery store just so I can drive my baby.

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  sexy as hell - 2004 BMW Z4
  By striker - November 13 - 2:00 am

  this car is fast, fun and sexy as hell. i dont know what people are talking about when they compare it to the z3, this car is a lot better. i owned a z3 previously and it does not compare in any aspect.

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  It doesnt get any better - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Sharmuta - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I test drove several of the convertables in this class and the Z4 not only looked the best but felt the most roomie inside while keeping it tight on the outside. The handling is top notch.

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  z for life - 2004 BMW Z4
  By z4merlot - November 13 - 2:00 am

  The Z4 is a beautifully designed 2 seater with plenty of power for the average driver. The top is very easy to use unlike my last conv. ( 95 Corvette). A place to keep the coffee cup is all its missing.

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  Love this car! - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By LisaGCS - November 12 - 12:09 pm

  Everything about this car is beautiful. The lines on the inside and outside were artfully designed. Even the door lights were done in a light blue that are more like mood lights than glarish dome lights. It definitely attracts attention because of its looks, but it keeps my attention, because it is fun. The convertible top lets the sun in easily, and the press of the gas pedal lets my troubles blow away in the wind.

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  Dont Compromise-YouGet what you pay for - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By PAJ - November 12 - 10:00 am

  You can have it all! Nobody touches BMW when considering the whole package- including price. Yes, Bimmers are expensive. However, show me a better all-around car within $10,000 of the 330. Compare 3 and 5 year cost of ownership to other vehicles. The 330, while costly to get into, is a better value than its less expensive competition. Some may be a bit faster 0- 60. Some may be more roomy. Some may have more creature comforts. In the end, however, they all cut a corner somewhere to be price competitive. There is a reason the 330 remains the benchmark of this segment - BMW didnt cut any corners! Nobody out-BMWs a BMW.

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  Should have lasted longer - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By TnD - November 12 - 5:35 am

  Totally babied my 528 with best oil every 5k and easy frwy driving..Thought it would go at least 300k like my old 735 thats still running good , but at 180k [not alot these days] engine needs bottom end rebuilt, [full rebuild]..Very dissapointed..Should have lasted alot longer!

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  Great vehicle after 15K - 2001 BMW X5
  By Big tires - November 11 - 6:24 pm

  Bought it as a Certified Preowned with 25K on it. It is the most desirable SUV in its class. After several road trips with a baby, we like its safety features, ability to get places quickly and decent fuel mileage. There are some electrical gremlins that I can not duplicate for the dealer that only happen 20% of the time.

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  WOW - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By BrooklynED - November 11 - 12:45 pm

  have the car for 3 weeks now and I love it, the drive is awesome and the perf is great. Had the s500 before and now I finally see real german engine.