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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  M Drei - 2004 BMW M3
  By mj2 - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Best Sports car for the Money. Carries Four adults comfortably. Decent Cargo room as well. Did I mention it goes like stink. Very detailed break in Period w/Engine and drivetrain. Must follow this to the letter. After 1200 mi. let it rip to the 8000 RPM Redline. Car doesnt stand out from the crowd that much, a boon to some and not to others. Sucks down gas like a drunken sailor, but who cares this is a sports machine, youll be driving like Montoya in No time!!!

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  Great car - 2001 BMW X5
  By CDF - March 2 - 2:00 am

  The only issue we have had with this suv is that the bulbs blow every other month in the front headlights (not Xenon). The dealer replaces them with no problem - just drive up and theyll come outand pop in new bulbs. Other than that, it is a great car.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Had - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Slumber - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had several "top" vehicles, including mercedes and cadillac. None of them beat the performance and comfort of my BMW. I alternate between this car and my SUV (another brand), but love when I sit behind the seat of this car.

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  BMW 525i - the best 5 series model - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By don500 - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Value is nothing short of exceptional when you consider the rating factors relative to the price. In fact, I doubt whether you can find a better car for the money. Superbly designed and built vehicle!

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  Definitely the ultimate driving machine - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By RickBMW - March 2 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. Everything about it reeks of quality and attention to detail. Gas mileage does suffer in city driving (16 mpg) but it gets a whopping 30 mpg on the highway and its smooth as glass.

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  Great drive - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By KeninNC - March 1 - 5:03 pm

  I have been very impressed with the drive and handling. This is my first BMW and will not be the last. Solid power in the smaller 325 engine but still very adequate. Good sound system comes standard and the extra couple of inches over 2005 model helps.

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  Coors - 2000 BMW Z3
  By Beedracer - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Had my 2.3 roadster for 1 year. Full Sport package and every option. Love it. Used to hate Z3s before I drove a six cylinder model. Its quick, and drives like a go kart, but it feels substantial. BMW makes great cars. The steering and shifter are perfect. No problems so far.

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  Relatively Rare and FUN! - 2000 BMW Z3
  By BMWJean - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned alot of cars including a Porsche 944, but this has to be my favorite! This little coupe gets a consistant 30 MPG and is a hoot to drive. It handles like a go cart in the twisties and has plenty of power. Unlike the convertible, you can actually pack a weekends worth of gear in the back- or a weeks worth of groceries if thats what you need...did I mention that its FUN TO DRIVE?!?!

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  My 5er - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Markalden1 - March 1 - 2:00 am

  My first BMW, I find very few negative things to say. I am very happy with my choice.

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  Review for BMW 330 CiC - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By MSB - March 1 - 2:00 am

  This is the third car that I have owned, but the first BMW that I have had the pleasure of owning. This car is amazing! I got the upgraded tires and wheels with the car, and they had the low profile tires on them. At the time I was worried about comfort level, and the ride not being smooth. However, I was pleasantly surprised, to find that it drove as if I had the stock wheels on it. I would absolutely recommend this car to anyone who loves to drive a fun, yet classy vehicle.