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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  The best - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By headcracker - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I tried everything in this class, and a manual was a must. The A6 biturbo, very nice but not an equal. The M5, well I still think about it. 500 miles a tank on the road. With the fold down rear seat it does better than I expected. Could not however have dealt with the trunk without the fold down rear seats. Did I buy this car to drink while driving!!!!!!!! I really dont care about the cupholders. Simply the best 4 door car in the world. Gas mileage is much better than anticipated, car now 10 months old and I have averaged 21.8 overall.

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  Its an M3. What more needs to be said? - 2004 BMW M3
  By jonb - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Perfection. Only thing that remains to be seen is if the new M4 with the v8 can top this one.

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  bmw m3 - 2004 BMW M3
  By bmoore - April 11 - 2:00 am

  i love the way my m3 handles, and really fast.

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  M3 2004 - 2004 BMW M3
  By jj_annon - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Power available if you can use all of it. Handling is superb. Best sports sedan available.

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  Eats Boxters - 2003 BMW Z4
  By drdebt - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Look at a photo - youll hate it. Go see one in the "flesh". Hmmm . . . that looks different somehow. A few days later . . . I gotta have one. Test drive it (forget the 2.5 litre). Did you once have a go-cart? Then that seat of the pants feeling all comes right back. This thing stick to the pavement like velcro and runs up to 60 faster than the factory claims. Sure, you feel ever rut in the road, but is that bad? Downsides? Well the glove box is just that . . just enough room for gloves. Interior storage . . . whats that? Will your wife/girlfriend hate it? Yes. Is that bad? Not always.

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  Great Overall car - 2003 BMW Z4
  By 767FO - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Just picked up a 2003 Z4 after extensive research. This is my second BMW, second roadster (owned a Boxster) and am pleased so far. Handles great, good power and a blast to drive. Havent had it long enough no notice any major problems.

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  Im a BMW ADDICT!!!! - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By bmwbrat123 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my BMWS. Yes I said plural -BMWS. Back in the 70s an ex boyfriend had an orange 68 2002. That started the whole mess. I dumped my Firebird 4000 (which was a piece of garbage)- and traded it in and bought a 73 2002 (which I still have). I know you might find this hard to believe but it drives and handles like new!!!! I also have a 95 525i sedan which I also use and love. I like the cloth interior - its cool in the summer and comfortable in winter. Everything about my cars is perfect! The only thing on the 525i is - I would give it a few more horses. The hell with those stupid cup holders!

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  Great Car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Sergei - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Keep amazing me every day - I like it more and more

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  sweet ride - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By snegius - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I save this car for April to October driving only. It has been a blast to drive and own. Not quite the performance of the mighty M3, but close enough. Id buy another one in a minute.

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  Love the wagon - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By JimP - April 10 - 4:43 pm

  just traded in my 2001 X5 for the new wagon - awesome car (just have to get used to sitting so low) - I agree that having that wagon is a big advantage over the sedan (given that I have two dogs). Was initially concerned about trading down to a V6 from a V8 but so far seems to have more than enough power