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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  Point and shoot fun - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By R. L. Swenson - April 28 - 8:50 am

  This is a drivers car. If a soft insulated ride is your cup of tea, try one of the other luxo-cruisers. But if you love outstanding handling, sportscar acceleration and some of the finest seats on the planet, look no further. Our 330i came with the sport package which includes the sport seats, performance tires and sport steering wheel. It also came with the premium and cold weather packages. The handling is on a par with the best sports cars on the market. Interior details are tailored to the enthusiast driver but the center console cup holders (when holding a beverage) can get in the way of the shifting arm. And shift you will!The fantastic Steptronic 5 speed automatic is wonderful.

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  Awesome!!! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By voyagerkim - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I was the previous owner of a 96 Miata and then the 99 Miata. Going from the Miata to the Z4 was like going from a Ford sedan to a Cadillac! The Miata got the job done and well done at that, but the Z4 is incredible. It picks up where the Miata left off. The ride is incredibly smooth even at high speeds. The storage space in great compared to the Miata. A definite graduation.

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  DONT BUY THE 7 SERIES - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Jack Pancoast - April 28 - 2:00 am

  If you travel and plan on returning to a car that unlocks at the airport, than dont buy this total cluster job! They claim to have solved the issues on this piece of junk, not the case. BMW Mobile phone still does not connect properly. Auto close trunk is not auto for the 3rd freaking time. Entire Nav screen goes into total lockup and dies. Yes the engine is great, but you dont get a chance to enjoy it, while in repair shop. Dealership is quite good, however forget about Germany helping them or any customer out with this pathetic piece of $78,000 garbage. Stay away from BMW producing disgraceful quality.

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  Extremely reliable and well designed. - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By JOneill - April 28 - 2:00 am

  This is litterally the most reliable car I have ever owned. Never had a major mechanical problem, just routine maintenance. Gas mileage is surprisingly good because of the 4cyl engine. Timeless BMW design and quality German engineering also make this car a joy to drive. People are always shocked when I tell them its a 94 model, because they cant believe how good it looks and runs. I plan to keep this car for a long, long time.

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  BMW X5 3L 4-27-04 - 2003 BMW X5
  By jmklansnic - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Purchasing, driving, and service have been the best I have ever had with a vehicle.

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  YOU NEED TO HAVE ONE OF THESE - 2003 BMW Z4
  By BIMMER - April 27 - 2:00 am

  The best I vehicle I ever bought

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  Still The Best ! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By andy - April 26 - 2:36 am

  I have owned several sport coupes and convertibles in my 49 years as an auto enthusist. The BMW 3 series convertible is the best. A true pleasure and refined automobile.

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  BMWs Beast - 2004 BMW M3
  By Long Island NY - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for a year now....Still excites me to drive like the first day i got her. You cannot buy a better GT until you go over 100k.

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  2004 745 LI - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By George fromScarsdal - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased this new 2004 745 LI. I want everybody to know what a fine car is it.It is very fast, fun to drive,and if you can pay $ 80,000 for this vehicle do not hasitate! It`s worth it

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  X5 - 2002 BMW X5
  By landlind - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Great driving vehicle. Terrible electronics. Always something wrong. Automatic settings for seats, mirrors,etc. only work 50% of the time. Been back to several dealers many times - no one can fix it.