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:

• 

  Dream Car for People Who Like to Drive! - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By New BMW Fan - February 8 - 4:36 pm

  This is one awesome car. Some of the other reviews say "fun to drive"; what an understatement! Even the 528 is fast, agile and responsive. The controls are in just the right place. This car fits like a glove. The seats are the best I have ever encountered in an automobile. I had read reviews stating the iDrive was too complicated prior to my purchase and was very concerned. Forget about it. The iDrive takes no appreciable time to get comfortable with and then you wonder why everyone doesnt use it. The sound and climate systems are terrific!

• 

  Another happy driver w/ silly ass grin - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Jspeed - February 6 - 1:43 am

  I absolutely love this car.

• 

  this car is awesome - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By ociel - February 6 - 12:40 am

  this car is awesome. Ive had it for about four months and I love it. Its nice and smooth. Theres no car that can beat BMW.

• 

  BMW 3 series is the best in its class - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Sam - February 4 - 5:40 pm

  I have spent months shopping around for a car that is luxurious, sporty, reliable, classy, a head turner, and has a low depreciation rate.I looked up BMW 3 series, Acura, Lexus, Infiniti, Audi and Mercedes Benz CLK. I came to the conclusion that the BMW 3 series is the one that met my entire criteria and exceeded the rest of the competition cars by miles. This car is a world class car and I am not saying that because I bought it, but because I shopped around smartly and took my time doing it. The performance is great, the looks speak for itself, the interior design is luxurious and very comfortable and the handling is superior. Worth the money. Must consider

• 

  What an Amazing Car!!! - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Jordanw - February 4 - 11:46 am

  This is our familys first BMW, and what a terrific car it is. Ours is Blk/Blk, with the manual and sport package. After driving it I can say that this convertible is one of the best handling cars I have ever driven. Taking a winding road immediately puts a smile on your face as you take the corners and row through the gears. The top operation is amazing and when it is up not only does it not look like a convertible, but it also has a very quiet interior that is free of rattles and wind noise associated with convertible tops. The interior is very decadent with very rich leather over all surfaces. This is a true 4 season car that is absolutely gorgeous top up or down. Great purchase!

• 

  Nice car - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Clint755 - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought my car with all the features, except GPS and wish I did. Car drives beautiful. Wanted a luxurios and sporty car and this bet my wishes.

• 

  Outstanding Sedan - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Dakota - February 2 - 4:10 pm

  I have owned many different BMWs over the years and was hesitant on selling my 2003 540i and moving to the new one. I initially did not like the body style of the new 5 series but after seeing the sport version on the 545i, I changed my mind.As with any BMW, the tire and wheel package make the car. The interior is completely different and much better than the previous version. I-Drive is fun, not a hassle. Vehicle is as solid as any BMW and will make a great car for the perfomance minded driver. Love it !!!

• 

  my first BMW - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By bn_shopn - February 1 - 12:20 am

  Unbelieveable!

• 

  The Ultimate Car - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Hans - January 31 - 9:50 pm

  The car is fun to drive. I have the 2006 325I with sports package, premium package, Navigation, Xenon, and 6 speed Manual. The car is smooth through all gears and handles excellent. Idrive is excellent. It takes the edge off of any trip. The lighting is excellent and seats fit perfectly. This is the best car I ever drove. The cabin is very quiet at 100 MPH, and i had the car up to 135 MPH in the desert and it was solid. This car was built for the autostrada...

• 

  06 BMW 530i A Great Improvement - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By HiHoMike - January 30 - 5:00 am

  I traded in my 05 525i on my new 06 530i. The increase in horsepower to 255 makes all the difference in the world. Ive got over 2000 miles on the new BMW and the fuel economy is even better than with the smaller engine on my 05. Im averaging 23 mpg city/hway combined and over 32 mpg on the highway in cruise control. The performance of the new 06 is far superior to the 05 and the fuel economy even better.