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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  Not quite what I though it would be - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By chanandaler bong - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Great commuter...not quite the performance I thought it would be, really not much quicker than my old vw jetta, except that it handles the corners much much better. Fun on the off and on ramps!!!

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  Still the Benchmark Performance Marque - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By KTA - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd BMW, the other a 7 series. This 325Ci has the same "connected" road feel and precise permormance characteristics elevated to a higher degree.The controls have a firm, positive feel andeverything is always in control, smooth and stable at any speed. The "performance package" offers great seats, but my only complaint is that they are annoying to adjust manually...switching drivers takes some setting up time.

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  No contest! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By bees330ci - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! I just purchased it used and I have to say everything I read about this car is the absolute truth. The power delivery, the handling, the connectiveness to the road, the luxury. All in combination makes for a terrific vehicle.

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  Great Car - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By msknet1 - June 11 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 2000 323iA for almost two years and the vehicle has 80k on the odometer. I drive over 100 mi round trip to work every day and average 30+ mpg on the highway during the warmer months. Overall average is 27+ mpg. I use dedicated snow tires during the winter and the car is wonderful in bad conditions. I have the required servicing performed and change the oil and filter at 8k intervals. I value this car for its driving characteristics, safety and overall appearance. Best car I have ever owned. Wife wants to drive it all the time as well. When I compare to other vehicles, I keep coming back to BMW. This is my 5th BMW over the past 20 yrs.

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  Passion To Drive - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Beamer Boy - June 11 - 2:00 am

  The finest car that I have ever owned or driven - ride, fit and finish, and prestige. The 5 series has lived up to all the reviews and then some. The driver can feel the engineering. Even in rainy weather, the car hugs the road. The weight balance and responsiveness makes it ideal for winter city driving even in this hilly town. It is a drivers car!

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  I love this car - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By passion4play - June 9 - 2:00 am

  When my lease on my Mercedes S430 expired I wasnt sure on whether or not to get another one. I drove the 745Li and fell in love. It handles like a dream and extremely powerful. But I cannot compare the comfort to anything I have ever sat in before. I got the comfort seating package and I almost want to sleep in this car.

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  PURE FUN - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By DUTCH - June 9 - 2:00 am

  THE19 INCH SPORT WHEELS ADD ALOT TO THE LOOKS. LOVE THE PADDLE SHIFT ON THE WHEEL. THE CAR DRAWS LOTS OF COMPLIMENTS AT STOP LIGHTS. EXTREEM FUN TO DRIVE IN THE MOUNTAINS.

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  What a car... - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By DR - June 8 - 7:03 pm

  Just got my new 325i with Sport Package. Wow, for years, I have driven VWs, Hondas...but this is totally different thing. I am glad I got it and it is definitely worth every dime. Outside is beautiful, compact, but just the way its supposed to be. Inside is perfect, from the layouts to the available room, which is great for the class of this automobile. The car is super quiet, but roars nicely when stepped on it. Sport package is definitely worth the money. Leatherette looks and feels great. I could go on, and on...

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  Hands Down the Best riding convertible - 2004 BMW M3
  By REV - June 8 - 2:00 am

  Without a doubt, the best riding car whether the top is up or down. I have owned and test drove a number of different convertibles (SC430, CLK500, Mustang GT, Volvo C70), and this one clearly stands out. Theres nothing like having a bad day at work, and at the end of the day, getting into the M and cruising home. It turns any day into a smile. The radio kicks butt too. Just as good if not better than the Mark Levinson system (lexus).

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  WOW....mercedes owner reformed - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By awdyer - June 7 - 10:00 am

  what a cool little car,....all german...all sports car...all class...have had 4 mercedes...and year by year they get more chrysler-ish...a true shame...but bmw is still a true european machine...and now with the 100% maintenance...INCLUDING brakes ! wow...sily smooth car........