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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  BMW: the ultimate driving machine - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By mcintyrecd - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. The only thing I would like better is if it had a sixth gear. It revvs high in 5th which decreases hwy gas mileage. Its at about 3000 rpm at 70 mph. But the new 330 manual has a sixth gear, so they fixed that problem! The driving is the best part. It handles like a dream. And the top goes down in about 25 seconds, fully automatic.

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  Its Fun to Drive Again - 2004 BMW X5
  By bump - July 14 - 2:00 am

  After having my 04 for a month now, I have put 2500 miles on it. I cant stop driving it. Its the most fun I have had driving in a long time. You cant find a better handeling or more powerful truck built like a BMW anywhere. The new V8 and 6 speed tranny made a world of difference. The new V8 has a subtle but distinct roar coming through the exhaust.

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  woodys - 2004 BMW Z4
  By woody343434 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I think this vehicle is a fresh new look into B M Ws future,other such vehicles with such ammenties are far more expensive and little on design ie (mazda,miata).I have found it is a really comfortable car plus really peppy on take offs and passing gears.I would suggest this car to any one looking for a fine quality convertable that doesnt want to spend 40k.This vehicle offers plenty of ammenties plus lots of fresh new look.

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  Superb auto - 2004 BMW Z4
  By loonnoon - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Without the most smooth running vehicle I have ever owned. The service and attention to my personal needs was excellent and continues to be.

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  Great - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By J. Wilcenski - July 13 - 8:26 pm

  The car is great. It is a go getter and has plenty of pep. The body, interior and all the bells are another good feature of this car. I would have liked the tires to be of the old school.

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  Automatic Fun - 2004 BMW Z4
  By basuraspam - July 13 - 2:00 am

  With the sportsmatic automatic shifter the car is fun to drive without the hassles of a stick in stop/go traffic. Car has great handling on turns.

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  Great Car - 2004 BMW X5
  By Admir - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Great car, everything is fantastic.

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  1995 BMW 740i - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By N.I.C - July 13 - 2:00 am

  For a used car this is the best buy ever. This luxury car thinks its a sports car & boy does it handle like one,with a 282-hp, 32-valve, 4.0-liter V8 engine. The leg & headroom is great for a sedan, with a nice aerodynamic look, this car reminds me of the MD80 or a small jet.It has the M.I.D. system (Multi Information Display)if you pass gas the onboard Computer will tell you..lol..If you get this car make sure it comes with a manual & its like studying for a S.A.T Note: this isnt even the 740il with more features ...lol...If your a car lover a Bimmer is the way to go from the 3series on to the 7series it is a very sports like ride.

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  Lookn Good - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Robbiee69 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  All I can say about my new Beemer is that, "I cant stop driving it." I love the looks the feel and the exhilaration of driving this machine. I would have liked to get the 530 for the extra pep, but opted for the options and really dont regret it. Not as much power but I can live with it. The ride is so smooth that, I often find myself at 80mph, thinking Im going around 65mph. Over all I like everything about the car.

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  Ultimate Driving Machine - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By sebis - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Great car, I love it. I would not imagine myself at this age (31) driving another car, except maybe for an M3. Youll have to own one to really understand. No problems what so ever, I put 18,000 miles in 10 months.