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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  Simply, this is - 2002 BMW M5
  By dynasys - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car and picked it up in Germany to enjoy it in the autobahn. At 155 mph, it feels like you are driving at 70 in any other car. The power it has is simply amazing and I have been able to leave more than one 911 racer in my dust! The only complain (if any) is that I have had to take the vehicle back to the dealership for minor repairs (loose backseat blet, noise HVAC)

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  Wolf in Sheeps Clothing? - 2002 BMW M3
  By hardlymoving - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Very fast, incredible handling, great brakes, can operate in all weather conditions. Disappointed with lack of standard features when compared with lesser priced cars (i.e. CD player, sunroof, all leather interior, black only colored interior, Xenon lights, power seats, metallic paint, dual trip computer and floor mats). Not good in slow traffic conditions. Shifting from 2nd gear to 3rd can be difficult ... sometimes slips into 5th gear. Stick shift can sometimes be a little rough. Doors are a little too heavy ... really have to push to open them from the inside.

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  Unbelievable package - does it all! - 2002 BMW M3
  By gjbrauch - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Probably the finest all-around package on the road. 911 performance at 2/3 the price, and carries four in style. Excellent fuel mileage is just icing on the cake. Unbelievably smooth and powerful engine, cruises quietly on the highway, but really comes alive in the twisties.

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  The most incredible car ever built! - 2002 BMW M5
  By M5=Awesome - May 6 - 2:00 am

  the m5 is possibly the greatest car ever. Its faster than a 911, more functional, higher quality, etc. I love the 6 speed transmission (its amazing to drive), the stereo, the quality of the interior everything is absolutely amazing. If you can get your hands on one, do it. I have never had so much fun driving a car, and even my one hour daily commute is fun! In general, there is nothing to complain about, although many might complain about the gas mileage. I say this: is you can handle spending $75000 on a car, i guess you could probably also handle paying a little extra money on gas. AWESOME!

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  Bought one and love it! - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Aitiano - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Lives up to the hype. You will not find a better desinged, bulit, or higher quality sports sedan on the market. I can not think of a single new car that could touch it for the price of a two or three year old 540i.

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  Who Knew??? - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Rhone Wolf - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Tiring of my 93 MX-6 LS with all the trimmings, most of which no longer worked, I knew I wanted a luxury/sport thing. Test drove the 328i with the sport package and knew I had to have the car. I have NEVER been as awed by the performance of a vehicle as I was by this. My jaw hurt for days from smiling too much...

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  I LOVE this car!!!!!!!!! - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By wallabbie - May 5 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 1996 model used in 1998, where it had been a demo car at the dealership and had only 7500 miles on it . I felt I was very fortunate to find this car at an excellent price. I love to drive, and have to brave the Dallas streets and the Texas drivers mentality often. I feel very safe in this car-- not only for its sturdiness, but also for the reaction I feel under my foot when I need some extra acceleration to avoid those other drivers! The Harmon-Kardon stereo system is tops, and I get quite a bit of use from my weather radio.

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  A pretty good car over the years - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By wingnut - May 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my 525I since new (11 years). The only thing I would comment over the years is the maintenance cost is expensive, however one should expect,you pay for the price of luxury, and outstanding performance...I have no regrets in my ownership!! A well built car

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  M5, No Less - 2002 BMW M5
  By Bimota - May 5 - 2:00 am

  Amazing! The Ultimate Driving machine at its best. Engine Management, Chip and exhaust mods take you up to 500 bhp.

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  A Classic for the future - buy one now! - 1995 BMW 8-Series
  By Jeffrey Bowers - May 5 - 2:00 am

  If you have the opportunity to drive one of these German thoroughbreds, grab that opportunity with both hands. This is a superb machine engineered more like a jet fighter than an automobile, unlike the common or garden tin boxes around today. Lie back in luxury and float on air, effortlessly swallowing up the miles. If you are lucky enough to have the chance to buy one, do!