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:

• 

  Very Impressed - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Michael Simone - September 12 - 10:00 am

  This is an absolutely perfect car. Black on black 530 with sport package and premium package. It turns heads, its fast, comfortable and the interior is perfectly designed.

• 

  Not worth the extra $$$$$ - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Tommy Freeze - September 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th BMW first was the 535, X5, 740IL and now the 740i sport.at first it seemed like a dream car..then it snowed.NY to CT 12 hours...untill the $1950.00 set of snows..the first problem started with the faulty air bag light..2 days in the shop 3 times..no clue..now the light is off.hope the Air bag works if I am in a Crash. Blew to tires no aparent reason the tech at BMW Bridgeport said..the breaks locked up on a turn because I hit them to hard.two months later and $1600 lighter in the pocked hit a pot hole on the merrit pkwy.to get in and out of I am 65 230lbs in great shape,around the turns does not hold on 0-60 slow 60 - 100 not bad.

• 

  Fair Warning.... - 2004 BMW X3
  By 1st BMW & last - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Although we generally like the vehicles ride, handling, and the sporty design, the constant trips to the dealer (once a month for each month weve owned it) for fixing of constant defects clearly make this $45k car a waste of time money.

• 

  Fun 2 Drv - 2004 BMW Z4
  By arnottt - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Locked on cruise control at 125 MPH for 400 miles (Omaha, NE to Fargo, ND). Stopped once for gas and slowed down three times for cops, but made the trip in just under four hours. I dont know how many Z4s were manufactured worldwide for 2003, but I suspect that people will collect these cars 20 years from now.

• 

  BMW Driver - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By pekiii - September 12 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle amazes me in how well it is made. The fit and attention to detail is unmistakably obvious. Unlike ANY american car with as many miles 88K in four years there is simply no comaprison. I would rather spend 20K on a used BMW than a new american car. Forget Italian, Swedish, French even Japanese or Korean cars. Germany is were the only true automobile is engineered. P.S. Im involved on a daily basis with automobile mfg. plants throughout the midwest and only foreign owned and operated mfg. are really concerned with making a superior product. Visteon and Delphi will be bankrupt within 20 years. The American business model is to blame.

• 

  Exellence all you can expect from BMW - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Jaixl - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Great Handeling The only manufactur that have being able to create a perfect machine thats its in constant comunication with your sences and your soul.

• 

  98 Bimmer - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By tex2007 - September 11 - 2:00 am

  ..enjoyed the car more than any Ive owned. Problem areas are :cupholder, drivers seat brackets,electronic control panel...wish BMW had not been so in love with plastic.

• 

  terrific car! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By roblaw - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Although many must disagree, I love the look and handling of this car. Its got plenty of power, as opposed to the jaguar and mercedes convertibles i previously owned. The new lines make it unique. The lack of the idrive makes it the only BMW I have any interest in driving, since I am not a nuclear engineer or software designer, which I assume is a requirement to be able to understand the idrive.

• 

  Will drive this car for 10 years. - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By new645cicdriver - September 11 - 2:00 am

  What I think is best about this car is how well it operates in the two roles of luxury cruiser and sports car convertible. Overall it is exceptionally self assured and holds the road with tenancity. The low grumble from the v-8 sounds great. As a luxury car it compares to anything out there. But put the top down, select the sport setting on the transmission and you have a car that will give you all the excitment you want and remind you of what fun driving is. Additionally the aerodynamics are phenominal. At any speed up to 80 mph, with the top down and windows up the car is quiet and there is virtually no wind buffeting in the front seats.

• 

  SUPER VEHCILE - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By T Griffis - September 11 - 2:00 am

  This is a really fun vehicle to drive. It has power and luxery. The interior and exterior is awsom.