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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  More perfromance, less luxury - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Chris - March 24 - 8:43 am

  Great car. Bought premium, sport, and nav packages. Didnt really want iPod kit or xenon headlights but love that I got them. Wanted iDrive more for computer control of functions than for GPS but like the GPS capability, especially searching for nearby businesses. More sport than others I considered, such as Merc-300 sport, Audi A4 & A6. You will feel the road, corners and bumps so if you drive bad roads take that into consideration. Corners great and acceleration is plenty for most. Standard sound system is great for my non-audiofile ears.

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  1997 bmw 328is - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By kyle a - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Love the car, have lots of fun with it.

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  Really good... but - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Ron-san - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Little things matter on a $70K vehicle and between the remotes slow response and poor range and the relatively poor snow and ice handling, I occasionally forget what I love about the car ...everything! ... I-drive requires some learning time but I disagree with the mags and Edmunds when they knock it. Driving should be serious work and instead of dangerous cell phone users and hair stylists wobbling all over the road, Id like to see them focus on driving... which is what this car encourages, better than any of the 42 vehicles Ive owned before it!

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  Awsome Vehicle - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By RDSbmw - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car used, in great condition, and I fell in love with it immediately. The interior is still in great shape, I havent had any problems with it mechanically, and it is a pleasure to drive. The acceleration is unbelievable, it handles wonderfully, and the interior features work like a charm.

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  It Sucks - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By Mike76 - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I thought i bought a real dream but it was all a nightmare. i bought this 90 525I with 120k on it in 98. it ran great for couple of miles then fell apart. the drive shaft fell off $600, crank shaft $1000, electrical problems. i can go on and on.

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  All kinds of weather it holds the road. - 2001 BMW X5
  By scootrbear - March 23 - 2:00 am

  If you live in an area as I do with plenty of snow/rain and steep hills, this is the vehicle for you and your family. My first experience with BMW and it has made me a BMW owner for life.

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  Still king (?) - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By m_spec_330 - March 22 - 2:00 am

  Been Driving this for 6-8 months now. In Canada, thats 25K kms. The handling is excusitive. Braking performance to die for. Suspension is stiff but not too sniff. I fit like a glove in the leather seats. I bought the m-trim model, because no need for the 333 HP, but am happy with the 225 or so this one came with. Major problems with the electronics though. Car has been recalled 2 times, and electronics still do not work properly.

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  The Ulitmate Driving Machine-Ask 007 - 1998 BMW Z3
  By BMer - March 22 - 2:00 am

  Have the 1.9 4 cyl. engine and has plenty of power and oomph. Not as fast as the 2.3 6 cyl. or the Audi TT however this car is a "touring car" first and not a sports car. Its looks and handling make it a blast to drive and quite an eye catcher. All in all a great value. Top speed I am told is around 130 mph however vehicle is electronically limited to 115 mph. So although some have complained about the 4 cyl. engine it begs the question do you really need any more for a roadster??

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  My 2c - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By th34 - March 21 - 2:00 am

  More smiles per mile then any other 4 door

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  couldnt be happier - 2003 BMW Z4
  By mikeb - March 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my first bmw and i now understand the ultimate driving machine tag. It isnt just marketing hype. This car is an amazing drive. No sway, great acceleration, both off the line and at speed. I wasnt sure how the exterior lines would sit with me over time, but having owned it about 9 months now, they dont seem as radical as they did at first impression. All in all, Im having a ball driving the Z4 and havent once regretted buying the 3.0 version.