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:

• 

  Very satisfied customer - 2002 BMW Z3
  By edjrwinnt - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Awesome looking car that really turns heads. Im glad I got the 3.0 liter because I wouldnt want anything slower. Its not real fast but at least I wont kill myself. The front and rear driver side, driving lights went out after about 350 miles of use. I paid a $995 for a factory 6 CD Changer which is ridiculous but I wanted everything to be stock. I was quite surprised that the oil only needs to be changed every 15,000 miles. All the maintenance is included for 3 years at no cost as well. Mine has a beige interior and I wanted a black interior at first, but people warned me about how the hot seats would get since its a convertible.

• 

  Lotza Fun - 1996 BMW Z3
  By jsm - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Great performance even with 1.9L. Sticks to the road - it takes a LOT of effort to make it slide in a turn. Fun factor = 10.

• 

  M3 Rocks! - 2002 BMW M3
  By Bmwshifter - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I have 9200 miles today and I love the car! Always starts and turns heads. The 6 cylinder engine is a true reving machine. Handling for a sports car is good but could be improved. Ride is a little bouncy but what do you expect from a car that will keep up with a vette. Will buy another but will most likely have to wait a year again.

• 

  97 740iL - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By Freddie - June 23 - 2:00 am

  My 1997 740iL is the best car I have ever driven. It has incredible power and I absolutely love it. The 282hp V8 engine is smooth going down the highway.

• 

  93 Bimmer 318is - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By CZEGO82 - June 22 - 2:00 am

  I owned this vehicle for several months now and since i bought it, i have not had any problems with it. Car runs perfect and requires very little maintance. For a small 1.8L engine car has a lot of power. Presonally i would expect it to burn little less fuell but still its not too bad.

• 

  the best car... - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By fudave - June 21 - 2:00 am

  i love it if every car i have owned drove this well i would be happy. i have to sell it and am going to miss it.

• 

  smg m3 - 2002 BMW M3
  By peter falco - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Considered buying a new Porsche 911. Had some nice cars. M3 is much faster and handles better than my 1992 911 C2. Much more practical and comfortable than new 911 with comparable performance. SMG a real delight. Been driving stick for 40yrs and been to driving schools. SMG probably able to outshift me 95% of the time.

• 

  Theres a reason everyone has one - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Bronxie - June 20 - 12:43 pm

  Being 800 lbs lighter than the 5 series, this car has zippy speed and hugs the road tightly. I love being able to accelerate around bends and turns and not having to slow down. It provides luxury that you would only expect from BMW.

• 

  unbelievable - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By glorkasp - June 20 - 2:00 am

  The best automobile I have ever owned.Much better handling than either my previous M-B or Lexus.Much quicker than both and quieter than the M-B.New, hi-tech controls are wonderful.

• 

  328i BMW - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Patrick - June 19 - 9:10 pm

  Great vehicle. So much fun to drive! I recommend upgrading to the sport package for the larger wheel size. Makes a big difference in the handling and the looks. The run flat tires do start to make noise after a period of time though. They can be replaced if you complain about it before the car has reached 10,000 miles.