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:

• 

  one year review - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By euro - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I picked the car up in Europe and drove 5k miles there. The car was too big for Europe (parking problems) but great on the autobahn. In the fast lane everybody would move over. Not so lucky stateside. I have not had any problems so far except a broken spring in the ashtray which got replaced. I have the sports package with spoke rims which glues it to the road. It is very easy to go too fast without noticing, be careful

• 

  BMW is the Ultimate Driving machine. - 2002 BMW M3
  By Stevenson Fong - June 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is great if you want a sporty and luxurist car to drive. Price is a bit high, but once you get to know the sales people at BMW and drive a M3, you will be sold. I know I was...

• 

  Carbon blk convertible - 2002 BMW M3
  By M3Bear26 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best sports car out there. I took it to the track with yokohama tires. Being a convertible I though it would be solwer than M3 coupe, but my time was faster then the M3 coupe. You could really open it up in the track.

• 

  pros and cons - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By rwirtz - June 3 - 2:00 am

  This is the best driving car I have ever owned. However, the Audi A6 had better interior ergonomics. I know that many people like the exhaust roar of the engine, but more sound dampening in the interior to eliminate the noise would enhance the total luxury driving experience.

• 

  Ziss car iz Wunderbar! - 1998 BMW Z3
  By Mike-Pt. Townsend WA - June 2 - 2:00 am

  It took me 2 months to find just the right car, a 98 Black on Black with a remov hardtop & Auto (i know, i know... I did say it was for my wife didnt I? Besides, it has a decent manual shift option) I buy and sell up to 100 cars per month so cars are pretty much a commodity to me. But, this car gets ME excited! Stylish, powerful, agile, and shhhh even affordable, dont tell everyone or the cachet will be lost. 2 mos after handing her the keys, and my wife is still grinning.

• 

  Sportswagon review - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By satch59 - May 31 - 10:00 am

  My kids cant understand why I have a wagon, instead of a big SUV. I can park any where, low center of gravity, and its a sports car with a big trunk.

• 

  BMW 330ci - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Tod E - May 31 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned

• 

  review - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By paul rudd - May 31 - 10:00 am

  this car is an excellant driving expierence . i also own a mercedes clk430 which pales in comparison to the bmw 330ci coupe.

• 

  Nothing Like Else It! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By NemesisNC_17 - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive had so much fun with this car. The performance is excellent, the drive is smooth and the over all aspect is just stimulating!

• 

  Back in a Beamer Again - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By bobbyroy - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Had a 3000 Bavaria thatI bought used. Sold the Bavaria for more than I paid for it and went the station wagon route. Kid grew up and we needed a new car for just the two of us. Heard a radio ad for BMW 3 Series and the old memory cells kicked in with exciting remeberences of winding country roads taken with no thought of using the brake pedal, but just hanging on through the curves. Made a phone call to the BMW dealership, faxed over credit info, and leased a 325i, sight unseen. The first time in it was driving it off the lot to home. The only problem we have is choosing who gets to drive it, and who gets stuck with the Lincoln.