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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  BMW does it again - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By nicky - May 4 - 5:53 am

  Besides being one of the more comfortable cars with 300+ hp, the 335 coupe is more fun than any car i have owned yet. This car will sell itself if you can get to the dealership and test drive one. This is my 3rd style BMW and by far this is the biggest jump in style and performance from its previous generation. The only thing I didnt like is you dont have the option to buy the car with normal tires. The only option - run flats, and you can never repair them. Everytime you have even a slow leak with a runflat you have to buy a new one and if you decide to put normal tires on, theres no room for a spare.

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  328 is Coupe Rocks - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By ChuckS - May 4 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle-the last really good looking 3 series before the "rounded new look" that BMW recently came up with. The 328 IS has a muscle type look to it. This car is so much fun to drive! 0 to 60 in 6+ So quiet on the freeway. They will be sought after in years to come.

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  Character and elegance - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Ferran - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Excellent value. This car is worth every penny.

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  Improvement to BMWs great name! - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Asport03 - May 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is one of the best autos built. Its 325 Valvetronic V8 is very advanced. IDrive, people complain about iDrive, dont listen, these people get in the car not knowing what there doing and they get frustrated and complain it is to hard to use. Think, if you are driving on the street and you are looking down and looking at the screen trying to find something, well then of course it is going to be a distraction but if you know what youre doing than its a snap. Saftey, 10 airbags, the most airbags. Also the tecnology, look at the transmition, FIRST auto. 6 speed. If you like an all around gerat car, this is the car to get!

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  Jury is out - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By westchester - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Buying this car is an act of faith that BMW is on the right track. The iDrive gets easier with time, but there is no excuse for the difficulty involved in using and setting the radio (clearly no person who was ever the driver of a car thought this up). I had the "disappearing radio settings" problem that has, for unknown reasons, corrected itself after six days. Car is attention getter - it is much nicer looking in person than it is in pictures, and the extra length of the Li makes it look less stubby in the rear end. By the way, it is much wider than the prior 740, need to watch mirrors.

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  bmw7 - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By djp - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I cannot stop smiling while I drive this car. No need for a sports car anymore.

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  My Z3 is fun...but it can be improved - 1996 BMW Z3
  By Z3Luvr - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Z3 used with 40k miles and mint overall condition. It is very fun car to drive and the top should always be kept down. Most people that say this car is too slow never drive it properly. The M44 engine must be driven with the revs up above 3500rpm, which can be labeled as annoying for some and fun for others.

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  Not Bad - 2002 BMW X5
  By G. Balack - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I have the X5 3.0, 5 speed. My 94 Explorer cannot compare to this vehicle. My X5 has great handling, very comfortable and not bad on gas. At first I did not like it (which was strange), but the more I drive it I liked it more. Great Vehicle.

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  BMW RULES - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By BMWRULES - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Some say this car is ugly that is a matter of personal opinions. I, along with the many who purchased this vehicle (record sales numbers) think this car is a work of art. Some say this car is too complicated. WAKE UP!! Other car companies have already started trying to develop a similiar system to BMWs idrive. Why?? Because thats how all cars of the future will be. BMW just had the ballz to put it out first and suffer all the controversy. I love it. If you know how to use a computer (which you should living in 2002) you shouldnt have a problem, and once you get used to it, you will hate to get in an other car and look away from the road to change the radio station.

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  One of the best cars I ever had! - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By kriss77 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a superb car, and it is definitely the best in its class. This is a true sports sedan, that not only is very comfortable (16 way adjustable seats), but performance oriented. Acceleration times are amazing for this type of cars. 6.2 seconds from 0 to 60 on an automatic, and 5.8 seconds on a manual transmission speaks for itself. The V8 produces a massive torque and every time you step on the accelerator, you get "pulled" into the bucket of the seat. If you have never owned a 540i, you are missing a lot. If you plan on buying this car, make sure you get an extended warranty.