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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  First Bimmer - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Michael C. - October 20 - 9:53 pm

  I just picked up my 2006 325i (Jet black exterior, blakc interior, manual, Sport package) a couple weeks ago and I am absolutely loving it. Not only is the E90 a beauty to look at, but its a beauty to drive too. I am glad I chose this over the G35 Coupe 6MT.

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  A rewarding driving experience! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Sharky - October 19 - 10:00 am

  A great drivers car. The feel you get while driving is just amazing! Smooth, solid and exhilarating all come to mind while behind the wheel. I ordered my car with the sport and premium package, navigation, xenon, steptronic and HK and all are well worth it. With a mix of highway and city driving, Ive been averaging 22 MPG. Not bad considering I flog it every once in a while and believe me, its hard not to in this car! The driving reward is well worth the price of admission!

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  Glad I bought this one - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By kobus - October 19 - 10:00 am

  Of the many cars I have had this is only the second one (the other was a Toyota) which was delivered fault-free and continued to run with no problems whatsoever. It is roomy enough for our needs, and the powerful engine in the compact body gives it exceptionally lively performance. What a pleasure.

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  BMW 550i Sport - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Peter B - October 15 - 6:26 pm

  Just traded my 2005 545i for the 2008 550i and it feels like a completely different car. Interior is more luxurious and the car handles much better than the 2005. Automatic transmission is much smoother. This is my fourth BMW and it is by far the best one I have owned.

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  A dream come true - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Joel - October 15 - 5:56 am

  In general I would say that I love the car. It handles great in curves and high speeds. I agreed with the other people saying that if BMW keeps doing cars like this, theyll have a customer for life here.

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  You get what you pay for - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By VTJosh - October 15 - 2:00 am

  To sum up this car in one word... WOW. Great car, great name, have had nothing but good experiences so far. I would definatley recommend this car to anybody in the market. Just dont try to put 3 people in the back seat and youll be just fine. Front seats move way back for taller drivers, a big plus!

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Michael A. - October 15 - 2:00 am

  A pleasure to drive. I thank myself everyday for buying it.

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  Green 525 - Love it - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Executive Class - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the most appealing vehicles on the road. Ive had people on the highway give me the thumbs up as if saying, "Nice car man". It feels and rides great. I have a friend with a Cadillac and one with a Mercedes and they both brag about my 525. The 525 has superb handling and power to merge and pass. The I-drive is easy to learn and an innovative convenience. I am able to reach every button in the front area to include the passengers door with ease. This is my first 5 Series and I will always own a 5 series from now on. Oh! The full maintenance warranty will be hard to beat. The factory sound system has no distortion at high levels. There is plenty of trunk space.

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  AWESOME BMW - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By KEVINN - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Nnew 2005 Graphite looks awesome. Sport Package and 18 in wheels make it the envey of the office parking lot. Just LOVE IT!!

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  Goodbye Lexus - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By NJ530xi - October 9 - 6:56 pm

  I was set to buy a Lexus GS 300 AWD until I drove the 530xi. It is a great, but expensive, car! Also drove the Audi A6, Infiniti M35AWD and Acura RL. The handling is superb and the attention to detail is appreciated. Long live iDrive - for me it is like using a mouse or joystick. No more fumbling for the correct button or the proper position on a touch screen! Should have listened to the owners forums and ordered the Head Up Display.