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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  My First BMW - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By D&D - July 7 - 8:43 am

  This is my first BMW and I purchase almost all the options available. premium Pk, Sport Pk, Cold Weather Pk, Navigation System. It is very fun to drive and has great cornering stability. Acceleration is good except offline, midrange is powerful. iDrive is very robust but it takes time to learn. All in all, money well spent.

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  excellent all around luxury sport coupe - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By kevinvoss - July 7 - 2:00 am

  got the covertible in silver grey with black interior, navigation is standard, added the sport and cold packages, went for the automatic with manual option this is a great transmission gets better mileage than the smg and so smooth and easy to use no jerky shifts, i like everything about this car, even the i-drive is making sense now that my kid showed me how to work it.

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  awesome car - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By lexrom - July 7 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving BMWs ( 3s 6s and 7s) for 20 years--- while nothing competes with the new 745I for sheer comfort and overall drive, the same can be said about the 645s looks, handling and performance in a sport coupe--the only complaint I have is the lack of little amenities such as a coin holder or the placement of the extra outlet for your phone-otherwise it was worth the 15 year wait. Driving the car makes driving fun again-like it was when you first got your license. The car is simply awesome!!!!!!!!!

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  Awesome Car - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Penny - July 7 - 2:00 am

  This is an awesome car. The Z4 3.0 is fast and fun to drive. It gets great gas mileage, I average 28 mpg. My Z4 is has the sport feature which really makes it get up and go. The GPS is terrific and easy to use. Heated seats are a nice feature, making driving at night with the top down comfortable and cozy. There is ample leg room. When driving and parking it is important to remember that the front is low to the ground and most of the car is in front of you. The front will hit the concrete parking stops and curbs if you are not careful. Overall, the Z4 3.0 is a blast to drive.

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  amazing!! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By xxmrk0rnxx - July 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive been unbelievable impressed with this car since the day i baught it. It drives amazing in the rain and most likely will do the same in the snow. This car gets so many looks and its the most comfortable car ive ever owned .

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  Review of my 3.0 BMW Z4 2004 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By James Morris - July 7 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. Its just what I always wanted. I liked the Z3 but the Z4 is much better in every catagory. I will now own a BMW the rest of my life. They are a dream and drive like a dream. The service is awesome and I have had nothing but good luck. Sincerely, Jim

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  4mike - 2001 BMW Z3
  By mikeyj - July 7 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a "certified preowned" Z3 with 100K extended warrenty. Although I paid more, the peace of mind with the extended warrentey provided peace of mind. the car is fun to drive and plan to keep it a long time. I am very satisfied with my purchase.

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  My second M3 - 2001 BMW M3
  By JETM3MD - July 7 - 2:00 am

  This is great car with impressive performace and exceptional everyday practicality. You can take it the track and do really well and then take the family to the store the next.

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  Amazing! - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By coop540 - July 7 - 2:00 am

  Wow. Thats all I keep saying everyday I drive this car. After years of lumbering around in SUVs of all sizes I started looking at BMW wagons on the strong advice of two good friends. Now I am forever indebted to them! This car is an absolute dream to drive and I really dont feel that I have lost much (if any) cargo space. The power delivery is powerfully smooth and seemingly never ending. The car is very quite and handles like its on rails! You will want to drive everywhere! If you have the opportunity to pick up the 540i rather than the 528i or 525i, do it! This car has put the fun back into driving for me!

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  Update from Last Review (mnfsto) - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By mnfsto1 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I have replaced all 4 tires at 21,500 miles. The air conditioning is now cutting out. No fun when it is 90+ outside and no air coming out. Was talked about a buy back then stonewalled. Once I start to feel good about the car again it decides to have a failure of some sort. "German Engineering" is not inspiring words. Looking to sell when 350z conv. comes out.