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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  Dream On Wheels - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Ezpimpin - September 8 - 2:00 am

  By far the most intense vehichle i have ever driven. This car is a pleasure to drive everytime i get the chance. Performs at a level, that i believe to be, far superior to its competitors. A definate 10....

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  BMW X3 - 2004 BMW X3
  By Scott Harley - September 8 - 2:00 am

  First BMW. We had a Toyota 4runner. The X3 is the perfect size car for my wife. Love the sunroof. fair gas mileage of about 27 on first trip. The car handles great. Fit and finish is very good...I cant find any rough spots yet or defects..except for the the transmission computer failure which was replaced in two days and they gave us a loaded 525 to drive. Lucky it kept running until we got it to the garage.

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  Fun, reliable, very crisp - 2004 BMW Z4
  By epowell101 - September 8 - 2:00 am

  Feels like driving a go cart with a rocket engine, but one that you can dress well in.

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  530 Lives Up to its Name - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Jay Emm - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Excellent performance, responsiveness, and handling. The sport package gives performance tires and improved suspension that grip the road & offer a smooth ride. The premium package pampers you with soft Montana Leather, an auto-dimming rear view mirror and rain sensing wipers that function well. Heated seats are great in cold weather. Interior is well insulated. The vehicle accelerates well (0-60 in 6.8) and runs at 2900 RPMs at 90 MPH. The 530i is very adept at accelerating from 60 to 80 quickly. Spacious in the front and back, with 10-way power front seats. Seat, mirror and steering wheel settings can be programmed into your key.

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  My X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By gtaylor - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I really love my X5. It it really fun to drive. I purchased it about 2 weeks ago. I bought a Lincoln Aviator and traded it in within 2 weeks for the X5. Yesterday for some reason the battery was dead. I had to call Roadside Assistance to get it started. I took it in to a BMW Service Center and was told that nothing was wrong with the battery. I hope this doesnt happen again or Im going to start thinking that I made a mistake.

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  Ultimate Driving Experience - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By JRZGUY - September 7 - 6:53 am

  True to its ads this is the ultimate driving experience. The car handles effortlessly and the ride is gorgeous. The new design in up to date without becoming a space creature like so many new models on the road today. They have updated a true classic and stayed true to its roots. Well done BMW!!!

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  I Remain Pleased - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Alan Scheufler - September 7 - 2:06 am

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  The Best BMW ever Built? - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By sfrei850 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Had a 1980 528i-loved it. Had a 1989 750il-loved it too but it was an expensive relantionship. My current 1998 740il, bought used in 2000, has been very reliable and loads of fun to drive to the store or head down to LA from the Bay Area. The ride quality on the 89 750 was a bit harsh in retrospect while the 98 740 has that "feel the road" bmw steering with a much more comfortable ride, and more of a sports car feel. Hard to believe for such a big car but its true! Love it so much I bought another one for my wife. The V8 has loads of torque and reminds me of the great muscle cars of the 60s.

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  My wifes Red Beemer - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Greggy - September 7 - 2:00 am

  The Beemer is really my wifes auto, since she is not an aggressive driver she thinks it,s a super fast car.I on the other hand am a very aggressive driver and I LOVE it , its fun to drive, for what it is and who the average buyer might be,girly type, its the nuts..I think if I could convince her I would add a Blower, or turbo, then we could have a real blast.All in all, the handleing is good, a little roll in a hard turn, but aok..The brakes are Very nice, all in all, A Ball to drive, Guys give me dirty looks, I think they wish they had one. thanks.

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  Phenomenal - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By DBG - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This is an amazing car. The i-drive is not as bad as some say, but it is a silly piece of show-off design. That is the ONLY quiblle about this car. It is astoundingly fast and handles equally well. It turns heads wherever you go, and the interior has all the comforts you could want. The best car Ive ever had.