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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  Best two seater ever! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By moniquita - January 4 - 2:00 am

  After owning BMW for many years, the Z4 3.0 was the first that convince me to get a two seater, It doesnt feel "small" at all. I love the looks, may be controversial because is a bit ahead. The trunk space is better than the M3 convertible and the 328iC.Very fun to drive (I have the 6 speed manual) and the sound of the engine is perfect!

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  BMW X5 - 2004 BMW X5
  By pap - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Best handling suv on the road. Saftey a deffinate plus along with engeniering excellance and the best luxury and class look interior on the market.

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  ***** I LOVE BMWS ***** - 2004 BMW X5
  By PARK CITY, UTAH - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Great car/suv.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2004 BMW X5
  By Alicec18 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  This BMW X5 has been the best SUV that we have ever driven so far. Its the safest and heavy/stable enough to let us feel comfortable and have no worries whenever its bad weather.

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  What a fun car - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Bobs BMW - January 2 - 9:46 pm

  This car lives up to its title "Ultimate Driving Machine" Fun to drive plenty of power and highly accurate steering. The interior ride and comfort is second to none. The navigation system and radio are a dream because of their ease of use. I would highly recommend this car.

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  M5 Get one. - 2013 BMW M5
  By Mike McManigal - January 2 - 3:32 pm

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  325i - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By jpherit - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Great fun to drive, superb handling, adequate power, decent fuel economy, great looking.

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  2002 BMW 330xi - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By ed - January 2 - 10:00 am

  This is an absolute Drivers Car. The car has superb handling and driving dynamics. The engine is flawless and very responsive to a drivers input. The cars entirior is well defined. Its AWD system paired with its premium and sports package (with M Aerodynamic kit) make this car the best on its class. I never get tired driving my 2002 330xi because its a lot of fun to drive it whether it be on highways or mountainous roads. I love it!! BMW sets standards for a true " ultimate driving machines".

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  2002 BMW 330xi - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Ed - January 2 - 10:00 am

  This is an absolute Drivers Car. The car has superb handling and driving dynamics. The engine is flawless and very responsive to a drivers input. The cars entirior is well defined. Its AWD system paired with its premium and sports package (with M Aerodynamic kit) make this car the best on its class. I never get tired driving my 2002 330xi because its a lot of fun to drive it whether it be on highways or mountainous roads. I love it!! BMW sets standards for a true " ultimate driving machines".