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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  Great car, but only for small people - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By James R. Bartlett - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Beautifully engineered and manufactured, but really fits people only 56" or less, with narrow shoulders. Car is very fragile due to lack of road clearance in front. Beware of curbs and parking lot bumps.

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  Must buy the M3! - 2004 BMW M3
  By Stevenj - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is truly amazing!! I was looking for a sports car that was a convertable and this is even more than that. This car is so much fun to drive this is the real definition of a sports car.

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  I never thought I would own the 745i - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By EK 1030 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2001 740i Sport that I actually know is a great car to drive. But I experienced about 80 days in the shop for warranty work over the 3 years I owned this car with problems never seen before. It didnt stop me from buying a new one. Now I purchased a new 745i because the truth is, once you drive a BMW, it is second to none. I need to get familiar with the iDrive, but bottom line, once you get used to it it should be no problem. I opted for the comfort seats....WOW. You could take a nap if the car had auto pilot. Even though I had prolems in the past, I just love BMWs (my wife has the 2003 530i Sport w/ 5 speed! :-)

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  great auto - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By rmm - August 10 - 2:00 am

  best luxuary auto i have owned, first bmw always have had s series mb

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  BMW 645 - Dream! - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By Orbit - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I have it this vehicle for about 45 days and have been extremely please with every feature. I was hesitant at first due to my experience with BMW service departments in the past, but the car out weighs those concerns. The car is fantastic - a car you can drive everyday!!! The lines and looks are fanstastic - top down is the only way to drive this. Many trips have already been done to Park City and Deer Valley.

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  Great SUV - 2002 BMW X5
  By apparition - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Love it. Best handling and most fun to drive SUV ever. I have test almost all of the luxury SUVs on an offroad test track and the BMW performed the best.

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  zzzzzzzzoom! zzzzzzzzzoom! zzzzzzzoom! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By janice kay - August 10 - 2:00 am

  incredible! darling! even little kids turn to point and stare!

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  a 16 year olds dream car - 2004 BMW Z4
  By fastnfurious - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Im heading to college early, and my parents got me this car. Once i came-to and took it for a drive i had the most fun ive had in months.

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  LOOKS and PERFORMANCE - 2004 BMW Z4
  By asdl - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This is the car you drive when you leave the kids at home. It looks great, drives superbly and it even makes you look sexier regardless of your age. So, is there anything wrong with the BMW Z4? YES, as Elvis Presley once sang, THERES NO ROOM TO RUMBA IN A SPORTS CAR, YOU CANT MOVE BACKWARD OR FRONT.

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  I own all BMWs - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Lawyer1 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent car. Driving, cornering, handling is better than the C5 Vet that I owned. Less expensive, convertible top, one touch up, one touch down.