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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  ABSOLUTE FUN & CONFIDENT IN X54.41 - 2004 BMW X5
  By DIZZYDZ - March 15 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY 2ND X5.BOTH HAVE BEEN WONDERFUL TO OWN.I LOVE DRIVING IT AROUND.I HAVE USED BOTH ON TRIPS AROUND THE COUNTRY WITHOUT MY HUSBAND( JUST MY YOUNG DAUGHTER WITH ME).HE DID NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT US BECAUSE OF THE QUALITY THATS BUILDT INTO THE BMW. I HAVE OWNED OTHER MODELS OF BMW,S SUCH AS THE 528i TO CONVERTABLES.MY NEXT BMW (THIS MAY) WILL BE THE"Z"CAR.

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  Awesome 328 - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By lynchlab - March 14 - 6:26 am

  I have had this car for a few months now. We have a lot of fun with this BMW. I love the way it handles and has plenty of power at the upper rpm range, stops on a dime and corners like a dream. Like all BMWs the turning radius allows easier parking. I love the added shoulder room and the roomier back seat. Sport package lowers the car and has bigger tires so you feel the road real well and adds confidence at higher speeds. It has a large enough trunk for most. Very impressed with this model.

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  love it - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By michaelgdwn - March 14 - 2:00 am

  drives great and its very fun

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  Beamer - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By GeorgiaStar - March 14 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this BMW since new. This car is built like a tank. She never gave me one bit of trouble. I still have her, she still looks brand new after a waxing.

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  Who wouldnt like one?? - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By 328is Lover! - March 14 - 2:00 am

  I just love this car! I got an extremely good deal on a 64,000 mile car! The engine is GREAT, the 5-Speed manual is really smooth! and the performance is not expected. This car easily takes on v8 cars such as 98 Mustang GTs and older GTs. The only problem you have with it is people that hate you for owning such a car... Someone shot my window... but if you do it yourself its very inexpensive, and if you have a Cousin working at the Dealer its even better.

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  Not as expected - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Charles - March 13 - 12:46 pm

  Owned a 93 325i. this is my 2nd 325i. I am so disappointed. stereo sound quality is substandard, acceleration is poor, transmission screams noisy "whirr" sound (done intentionally by BMW), shifting D to SD is awkard, front cupholder spoils liquid onto stereo and shift gears, not iPod-ready, combo computer-stereo display is hard to reach and adjust, center dashboard casts a large distracting shadow while driving under blazing sun, various warning signals come on and off by itself, car jerks during quick stops (BMW says its normal), little storage space, window switches are too far front. Sadly, after 5mo, there is nothing I can brag about as a owner. I regret it.

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  My Blue BMW - Just Awesome!!! - 2001 BMW X5
  By gregdeir - March 13 - 2:00 am

  This SAV is truly a truck wrapped in luxurious clothing. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this vehicle. It has lots of power, a nice stereo system, and quality construction. Would recommend for those who desire to be among the best on the road in any type of weather.

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  Best Car I Ever Had - 2000 BMW M5
  By Myron Draper - March 12 - 2:00 am

  The 2000 BMW M5 is the ultimate driving machine. Its by far the best car I ever owned. The classic beauty and drive are unparallelled.

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  Good Solid Performer - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By jtwizard - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for about 25,000 miles. It now has over 173,000 on the clock. Overall it is certainly above average. The exterior look is attractive and timeless. The car is well thought out and most services are easy to do (except the pollen filter). I personally went through the entire car when I purchased it, so I could trust it. It has proven to be very reliable. I have an automatic transmission and would trade it for a stick shift in a second because I prefer a stick.

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  Too Expensive - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Dave - March 11 - 4:36 pm

  After shopping BMW, Acura, Lexus and Honda, decided on the BMW. It was my wifes choice of cars. Bad choice. My neighbor bought the Acura TL and it runs circles around the BMW in performance, luxury and price. The BMW is slow, very loud and rides horribly. I know it is a road car but the ride on the run flat tires is absolutely terrible. Speaking of the run flats, these tires were a huge mistake on the part of BMW. Mine have 11500 and will need replacement in another few hundred miles. The car also wont hold an alignment. The paint quality is also very poor. Next time I will buy the Acura with better engineering, performance, price and quality.