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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  Jay Z - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Chingobling - August 4 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is one of the greatest car I had ever had. This car has everything any one could want in a car. This car is very cofortable to drive and is a good car to get girls to look at you.

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  Huge Upgrade - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Seattle Boat-R - August 3 - 12:06 pm

  Traded in my 02 325 - wow!!! What a difference! Even though this is a larger car it handles superbly. Tight steering, good acceleration, smooth braking. Quality, fit and finish are all outstanding with top grade materials. The iDrive has a steep learning curve but very useful once you have it mastered.

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  What a Car!!! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Mc-Queeney - August 3 - 10:00 am

  This is the best, most fun car I have ever owned. I have owned Lexus and Mercedes. This BMW is better. Mostly, itÂ’s fun to drive. Now want a longer commute. The Steptronic Transmission is a dream. You can roar around shifting like a race diver or cruise relaxed in auto mode. The throaty purr of that engine is music to my ears. You are at 100 mph in seconds and it tracks straight and true with great confidence at speed. Fit and finish quality is superb. The Xenon headlights really do make night driving easier. My recommendation is to spend the extra $10-$15K to get a car that will take you beyond transportation; its an experience!

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  Great Car - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Aiblinger - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I waited until Feb 2001 to order my 530i with the 5spd. I didnt want a sunroof so I had to go to the 5 Series Program Manger at BMWNA to get what I wanted. Its a great car, just plain fun to drive. Youre always looking for the winding road. The torque is ride across the power band.

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  Delivery at the Spartanburg Plant - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By zimmer/bimmer - August 3 - 2:36 am

  I took delivery at the Spartanburg plant where BMW puts you up for the night, feeds you a great dinner, breakfast and then two hours on their track using their cars, two hours of touring the plant and museum, lunch, then 2 hours of the delivery program. The whole program was so cool, I highly recommend it. It was the greatest experience Ive ever had buying a new car. You guys already know how great the car is, take advantage of the delivery program...Its free!!! Ive had a 911, Volvo 850 turbo, Suburban, and my last car was a 328i convertible which I kept for the last 9 years. This 335i coupe is the finest vehicle Ive driven, and my wife drives a e350 and Ill take the BMW!

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  Total Performance - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Dian - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This car out performs all others in this category. It is the safest and most reliable automobile.

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  THE BEST - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By CHILIMAN - July 31 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE 4 BMW I HAVE OWNED AND THEY HAVE OUTDONE THEMSELF. ITS GREAT, FUN TO DRIVE, GREAT ON LONG TRIPS, AND LIKE BEING IN YOUR FAMILY ROOM LISTING TO MUSIC. WITH THE SPORT PACKAGE YOU FEEL LIKE A SPORTS CAR, ONLY TROUBLE IN THE USA WE HAVE A HARD TIME FINDING A PLACE TO OPEN UP AND MAKE IT FLY!!!

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  Greatest Car on Earth C D Elmore - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By guselmo - July 31 - 10:00 am

  My son and I did European Delevery of car. Drove it in and around Munich and into Zurich. Finding our way was not a problem with Nav System and the new i drive was as easy as 123. My son is a pilot for a major airline and found the nav system easy to program as well as trained me for my entire trip and all of the destination through Swetzerland with ease. Handling the car in the Alps and snow was a pleasure.

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  great new bmw - 2004 BMW X3
  By nss - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Great car---fun to drive, solid, strdy, handles remarkably well for a vehicle this size.

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  It cant get any better - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Glennk - July 31 - 5:10 am

  Picked it up in Munich on 9/15/05. Absolutely no problem with the car since overseas delivery. Sport package is unreal!. Drives like it is on rails. Going to BMW driving school this week. Would never go back to Mercedes. I am 63 and too young for a Merc.