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:

• 

  Coupe - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Mike12 - May 31 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I had a 328i Sedan, very nice car and no problems what so ever. We bought this car in February of 2003 new of the lot, super ride, fast, cool looking. We had some problems with the xenon lights and some noises in the interior of the car. But overall we are very happy with this car. Probably the next time no coupe but the new 5 series.

• 

  325it Touring - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Mike12 - May 31 - 10:00 am

  As a second BMW in our family we choose for the Sportswagon, this car is great, no problems sofar (this is month 5).

• 

  Best BMW on the Market for the dollar - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Wolverine - May 31 - 2:00 am

  I have loved my 318ti from the moment I drove it off the lot. Crisp handling, great styling, awesome cargo room with the seats folded down. All this for $22,000 new. Its still worth at least $11,000, and worth every penny.

• 

  Driving is fun again - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Jim Meyer - May 30 - 2:00 am

  What a pleasure it is to drive again. This car preforms like a precision machine with creature comforts beyond my wildest dreams. All of that and reasonable operating costs too. It was a financial leap worth making,a true definition of the word value.

• 

  fun to drive - 2000 BMW M5
  By Justin time - May 28 - 2:00 am

  great car, tons of low end grunt, super interior, well designed, a real sleeper...

• 

  awesome! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By shepie11 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  this car is awesome

• 

  Best car at all !!! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By bertotricci - May 25 - 2:00 am

  After driving the E39 530 I have to say that is now a great step forward. Real fun to drive this car

• 

  yawza! - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By car maven - May 25 - 2:00 am

  The absolutely BEST car I have ever owned. Manually tranny, sports package, zenon lights - it goes where you point it. Handles like a drea, extremely smooth shifting, suspension is surperb. 17" tires with skinny sidewalls - if you start to lose air, kiss the tire goodbye. The sidewall will be chewed up by the time you get over to the shoulder of the road. Also, tires are hard to find -be prepared to wait a day or so to get replacement. Low ground clearance- especially with front spoiler. Be careful of jerky valet parking lot attendants. Complaint - lousy coffee cup holders! But, ze should not be drinking kaffee whilst driving! Ya?

• 

  BMW 325 XI - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By poddoug - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Lower speed acceleration is outstanding.I feel like the car and I are one. The machine says drive me and have fun. Oxford green dazzles in the sunshine.

• 

  3 series BMW - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Dennis G - May 24 - 6:40 am

  No problems and fun to drive. A precision German machine with a solid feel and incomparable handling that slices through the air.