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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  Z4 ownership review - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Dale Chapman - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Love everything about the vehicle. Styling is great along with comfort. It is a pure joy to drive. The BMW dealership that I bought my Z4 from was absolutely fantastic. They did everything possible to make this purchase enjoyable. Once you drive this car everything else just doesnt measure up. The best part about driving this car is to drive it in the mountains or along the coastal highways.

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  Love It !! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Kirdasi - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I just love it..

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  SOOOOO Sweeet - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By Joe in Charleston - August 7 - 2:00 am

  Words can not justify the feel and look of this automobile. If I were able to express my feelings in words I would be working for CAR and DRIVER instead of writing this. The car is just Awesome, the ride the feel and the pure stick to the3 road handling that BMW is known for. For total luxury in an automobile I would vote Mercedes, but when you combine Luxury, styling and just pure adrenaline nothing touches what BMW has done with the 645 CiC. Gotta go know, 81 degrees no humidity and the sun going down outside......I think I hear the roar of the V8 calling my name, Ya just gotta luv it!!!!!

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  Truly the ultimate driving machine - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Bob Marley - August 7 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 2002 Maxima for a 325i. Whilst the BMW doesnt have the same brute power as the 3.5 litre Nissan, it is in a class of its own in every other respect. And it will go as quickly as the Maxima if you work at it just a little. A joy to drive, it handles like a dream. Everything feels just right and the car is as solid as a rock on all roads and in all weather. It also gives the impression of being built to last - nothing feels as though it might break off in your hands, unlike in many American cars, and no cheap plastic anywhere, unlike many American and Japanese cars. Added to all this, it is drop-dead gorgeous, both inside and out.

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  wonderful - 2004 BMW Z4
  By joeshaffer - August 7 - 2:00 am

  This car (black exterior, tan interior, manual, heated seats, convenience, premium) is fantastic. I love the looks of it as does everyone who sees it (I have never seen group of men gather around a Boxter), it regularly attracts crowds. The interior is simple and functional, at 6 foot 2 inches I have plenty of room inside. The engine sound is deep and throaty, it actually gets deliberately transmitted into the seating area. The turning circle is amazingly tight. Steering can be a little jittery on an uneven road surface, but otherwise the car just grips the road around corners. Useable trunk for a small car. Feels smooth at 114 mph, Im to scared to go faster!

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  THIS IS THE BEST BMW 3 SERIES! - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By not available - August 6 - 2:00 am

  I really have a 1987 BMW, but the site does not go back that far. I bought it in late 1987 and I love it so much. I only have 37,770 miles on it...right now!!!!!!!!!! In 1999, I had only 13,000 miles on it, but I drove it more because I wanted more thrills. I love the engine. It is so great!!! 170 horsepower is a lot for a little hot car. I can smoke new Civics, Mazda 3s, and Accords. But, those cars are easy. They have Japanese. I have PURE GERMAN! I have not upgraded anything because it is hot as it is. I like the 4 door design and never let anyone eat or drink in it. I still have that leather smell in the car and it is still very strong!!!

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  good wine - 2004 BMW M3
  By ANDREW - August 5 - 2:00 am

  For the 1st six months I just loved all the sutle qualities that I keeped on discovering.It was a journey of discovery & appreciation.

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  A very pleasant ride - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Ron Gilkey - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Considering the 3-Series is the "bottom of the line" BMW, this is the finest automobile i have owned. It has a very smooth ride, great acceleration and plenty of power, and provides very responsive handling. The road noise is minimal - it is almost a pleasure to drive in total quiet, but why waste the audio system with 10 speakers that surround you? Free maintenance for 36000 miles is ok with me too! If i were shopping for another car, it certainly would be in the BMW line

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  X5 4.4 - 2003 BMW X5
  By Patrick92127 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Very safe. Handles great. Sucks gas, but worth it. Built like a vault. Intuitive controls. Agressive looks.

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  Fantastic Car! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By e30mpwrd - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 323 with 60k miles on the clock. The car has been fantastic. Yes its underpowered relative to the 330--but thats why it costs less! The car is still quick--esp. when it gets in the heart of the revs, and it handles like--well, like a BMW should. The ergonomics of this car (the E46) are a huge step forward from the E36.