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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  Amazing - 2002 BMW M5
  By Edwin - March 27 - 2:00 am

  The car truly lives up to the reviews, with blistering performance and amazing handling all in its non-assuming package. My previous car was a 1998 M3 and this is certainly faster though a bigger beast for sure. The gas mileage is, well, what one would expect with a performance car this large.

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  As good as it gets - 2002 BMW M5
  By FASRN U R - March 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven 911s and Jag XK8 and this is by far the best of the lot. Doesnt have the stying of the jag but the incredible performance more than makes up for that. While the sound system is great I often turn it off to listen to the heart quickening sound of those 400 horses! There is no more fun than having granny waving from the back seat as I blow past the stunned guy in the vette next to me!

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  OHHH Yes - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By WOW - March 26 - 11:36 am

  I drove a C class MB before, and had a love/hate relationship with the "ZR" radial tires. GREAT performance but wore out at 20,000 miles and every pothole lead to a slow leak... so when I heard that BMW had run flat tires standard, I took a look then we went for a test drive and as soon as the salesman took off I could feel the 50/50 suspension. This car is made to drive on a race track! Great handling, a bit stiff with the sport package until about 1,500 miles then it smooths out and isnt as jarring. You can take any corner at any speed and never hear the tires squeal. If anyone isnt happy with the standard trans. which holds you back, shift it over to manual (steptronic) and hold!

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  ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE!!! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By MShadle. - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive never owned a BMW before and now that I have (2004 5Series) I understand why they use the slogan "Ultimate Driving Machine"...I am thoroughly impressed with the handling, the pickup and the overall driving...I look forward to driving every day!!!

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  My E60 - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By c.l.johnson - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Love the car. Get comments everyday about how well be car looks. Performance is awesome. Best 5 series I have ever owned and I have owned 6 (currently driving a 545i fully loaded). iDrive is kind of simple and does not take away from the driving experience. Claude Johnson

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  Nice, fun... - 2004 BMW X3
  By dlflyboy - March 26 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased this SUV 4 days ago and I love it!! I love it inside and out! This vehicle it very solid.

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  2002 BMW M5 Review - 2002 BMW M5
  By rcl4668 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Just an amazing all around car. Sports car performance with five passenger seating and the ability to haul groceries. The stealth aspect is nice too. I love it.

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  Did we miss the exit - again!!! - 2002 BMW M3
  By Myggen - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This car is build for people driving from A to D, without notifying B and C. Not just is it fast, but the enjoyment driving it makes time and place not matter. A perfect way to enjoy time off - relax and get the adrenaline to pump at the same time. Just keep an eye out for your exit - you might miss it - some times even on purpose!

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  Just a great all around car. - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By Phillip Tiongson - March 26 - 2:00 am

  The car is a joy to drive, and I have no complaints about the styling, handling, or overall preformance of the car. It is a sweet ride.

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  Z3 BMW - 1997 BMW Z3
  By David Marc Brookings - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but awesome! Lots of power in the 2.8 You will turn heads. Car is very tight