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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  What a Car !!! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By van861 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned a VW Passat GLX which I loved. The 2003 I test drove was improved but than I test drove the BMW(it is fully loaded). Where the Passat was great the BMW was a whole new world. I bought a factory demo with 10,000 miles and for only a $1,000 price difference. The handling is extreme and car is solid and quiet. Every drive is a new experience.

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  330i nice ss but needs some improving on - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By pp9975/Paul - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Pros: Great handling takes curves with ease. I was afraid of pushing the vehicle to hard in turns but somehow it begs to be driven harder. Good gas mileage on highway (32 mpg around 65mph)Cons: Cheap interior plastic, going over bumps I can hear plastic rattling as it just doesnt fit right. The engine has a bit too much growl inside the cabin. I owned an IS300 prior to this and Lexus engine is so much more subdued even when pushed. The interior on the IS was more refined simply because the cabin is quiet and you cant hear the plastic when going over bumps. Harmon Kardon needs improvement. My IS with Nackamichi was much better. Overall: Truly a SPORTS car with little luxury conveniences

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  Very Cool Car - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By SC - June 4 - 4:36 pm

  I have owned the car for about 2 months now and have no regrets about stretching my wallet for this car. To paraphrase Jack Nicholson, this car makes me want to be a better driver. I chose the car after driving the TL and G35, and had a hard time justifying the higher price until the 06 version, which appears to be a better value IF one does not desire all the creature comforts. A minimalist approach works best if you are on a budget because most of the safety features and the phenomenal handling are standard on this car. The fuel efficiency is impressive for a vehicle of this class and only gets better at higher speeds. I find the sport suspension unnecessary and like the standard wheels.

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  Awesome - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Crews - June 4 - 6:00 am

  We purchased this vehicle two months ago and have already put 3,000 miles on it. I love the way it handles and the acceleration when passing someone on the highway. The trunk space is deceptive. We took a family of five with luggage on a Spring Break trip and had enough room.

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  It Is the Best BMW Ever - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By RHBMW - June 3 - 9:25 pm

  Great car. Buy one if you get the chance. Just lost mine to an accident.

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  BEST CAR ON THE ROAD! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By RKWRIGHT - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car a few days ago. I have already put 300+ miles on it. It is AWESOME! I love everything about it. It is fast and beautiful. It has every toy and safety feture on it you can imagine. The convertable top is perfect and very well designed.

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  Best car in its class - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Moe - May 28 - 9:43 am

  I waited 3 months to get this car, but it was the best decision that I ever made. This car is the best. The power it has shocks you. The luxury is amazing, the look of the exterior is stunning... just an amaazin car. Only one con... the price is a little too high for a 3 series, but I love it and its worth every cent.

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  Absolutely the best 2 door coupe - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Nathan - May 27 - 12:23 pm

  This car outperforms 95% of the vehicles sold today. The car has beautiful styling and the interior fit and finish is superb. No need to spend thousands more on a 5 or 7 series BMW because this car has the perfect blend of luxury and performance.

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  awesome car! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By mr.pro - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is just excellent!Fun to drive,great feel of the road and plenty of power with great fuel economy.Its my first BMW and the hype of bmw is true>

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  Enjoying it - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By nb525 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Just put 1000 miles on it in two weeks and enjoyed every minute of it. Have been driving the solid Volvo 940 and sporty Maxima, 525 is much better than the sum of the two. Hope the 525 will last even longer (240k for Maxima, 240k Volvo is still running).