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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  Z Best! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Zeeya - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I was sold on the Z4 with my test drive! I opted for the five-speed automatic, which has been a perfect choice for someone who wants to have fun, but doesnt want the hassle of a clutch, especially in traffic. It is quick, responsive, and takes corners better than our 2000 Porsche Cabriolet.

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  330i - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By jungster1 - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Have 17,000 miles on it now. Overall, the ownership experience has been positive. It is a great car. Powerful engine, great driving dynamics, look and feel of quality. After years of Toyota and Honda ownership, I have been a little disappointed by the reliability of some of the components. Nothing major but had to take the car in for two unscheduled repairs. Everything was covered under warranty.

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  Perfection - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By BMW528i - April 3 - 7:30 pm

  I upgraded from an 02 525i, which I loved and was afraid to sell, to an 08 528i and the 08 is a totally different animal. It has been perfected inside and out. I love iDrive and I cant understand why every car on the road doesnt have an iDrive system. I love the iPod adapter they offer and its simple to use. I encourage anyone in this luxury market to drive this car. I cant wait to drive it again.

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  be smarter than the GPS! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Chuck Hinnant - March 30 - 2:00 am

  The GPS needs updated DVD muchly. 18" wheels a must. Lines of entire auto follow the front end beautifully.Great brakes,too much brake dust up front. Dont drive the thing if you are susceptable to spoiling yourself with fun.

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  Oh What Fun, It is to drive! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By fvvmd - March 28 - 10:00 am

  WOW!!! Why did I wait so long!

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  Love my BMW - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Tim Spann - March 28 - 10:00 am

  the greatest car I have ever driven

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  Ideal and Realistic Bimmer - 2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By sojod - March 27 - 4:18 pm

  I went from a Honda Ridgeline RTL to an Acura MDX SH-AWD with tech package to this, the quintessential family car. The 335i xdrive GT drives like a sports car, carries passengers like a family car and can be loaded up for 80% of the transportation tasks that most "city folk (including surbubia)" need. Its amazing!

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  My Sixth and Best BMW - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Derek Simpkins - March 26 - 4:00 pm

  The new 330i is a fabulous machine, a huge leap ahead from the previous E46 series in every way. Build quality and interior ergonomics are vastly improved.Handling and performance are exhilarating. Sport package is a must have option. The new steptronic is light years ahead of the previous generation - much faster shifting and more intuitive in sport mode or manual. Tested the 6spd manual; its not as slick as a Honda manual. This car is so much fun to drive, I look for excuses to drive it.Very hard to stay close to any legal speed limits; this is a car that loves to run fast,so be warned. You could pay $10-$20k more for a different car and not have as much fun as in the 330i.

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  The BMW 545i has the power at all speeds - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By whittier peirce - March 25 - 10:00 am

  As a former 2001 BMW 525i sport owner, my new 2004 545i sport package has tons of power at any speed. The 8 cyl. engine sucks up the gas if you like to feel the power often, but its well worth it. The night time driving headlights turn with the steering wheel so the front view is always well lit. As usual, the German engineering is first class in the new 2004 BMW 545. The power is unreal and kicks you back in your seat whenever you feel the need. Just keep an eye out for the State Troopers, as you can do 90mph before you even realize it. - Happy cruzin. WP

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  The ultimate driving machine - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By kg - March 24 - 2:00 am

  An absolute joy to drive. The car feels very solid and composed and corners with minimal body lean. The engine is silky smooth and the brakes are excellent. Even with a moonroof, theres still plenty of headroom inside. On average, I get about 24 mpg. For about $1,400, the leather seats are a must-have option-- the standard leatherette/vinyl seats look and feel cheap. I was debating between getting the BMW or the Infiniti G35, but I just couldnt stomach the cheap- looking interior and the odd-looking exterior of the G35. Besides, BMW offers free scheduled maintenance for first 4 yrs/50,000 miles.