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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  Best Sedan in the World - 2002 BMW M5
  By Wow - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned a GS300 and a 540i and spent a fair amount of time in an S500 and a 750il and none of the comes close. The M5 is without a doubt the most reponsive, most enjoyable, most attractive production sedan on the planet.

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  BMW Loaded - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Donna - May 22 - 8:03 am

  I traded in a 330CI convertible sports model for this vehicle to have the all- wheel drive. At first I was very skeptical. This car has proven itself over and over again. Love it!! Love to drive it, very fun. I purchased mine with navigation, and all the bells and whistles. So many I am still learning how to work them. I am adding the rear spoiler this week. Overall, I was shocked at how well I love this car and would recommend to everyone.

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  BMW The Ultimate Driving - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By thecarboi934 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Exellent steering, great acceleration feel, and exquisite interior.

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  I like it alot - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Rickr - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car in heavy rain and light snow, as well as loose gravel. I performs better than I expected and is a lot of fun to drive, and I really like the looks of it.

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  Great car for a daily driving - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By EugeneS - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I got this car almost 2 years ago and I still love it. That is one of the best cars Ive ever driven.

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  Found a 96 with 18K miles - 1996 BMW Z3
  By DL - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Had few problems with this car. Both the roof and trunk leak. Difficult to shift into first. Engine revs beautifully. People treat you like you are driving a very expensive and exotic car.

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  None - 2002 BMW M3
  By Punk4Jesus - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This is the time to say a few words about the style and comfort one word says it all: Kudos

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  The one for me! - 2002 BMW X5
  By katy - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Of all SUVs the X5 is above and beyond. I call it a high riding sedan, theres nothing truck-like about it in that it gives a smooth ride and handles curves well.

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  The best car of all times! - 2002 BMW M3
  By Gracy-lou Freebush - May 21 - 2:00 am

  This is one of BMWs without a doubt finest work! This smooth ride will blow you away and good looks are a plus! I recommend this fully! Although it has a small back-seat the luxury and comfort will have you foget all your worries! MERCEDES, AUDI, JAGUAR WATCH OUT FOR THE NEWEST BMW M3!

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  2nd beemer - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By camco - May 18 - 4:43 am

  I got my 1st BMW as a birthday gift 10 years ago. I LOVED it and didnt want to part with it. My husband said that I was long overdue for a new car... test drove a few others... loved the 525xi. My child was 3 weeks old when I was in a head on collision with my old BMW and he slept through it! Now I need a little more room and the same safety features... this car has it. I NEVER thought I would leave an American car but BMW is amazing. With these cars, you only have to get a new one once every 10 years! ENJOY! PS my husband has had two 7 series and two X5. We are converts to BMW!!