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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  pleasantly surprised - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By bmwraf - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I seriously considered a used lexus before driving the 7 series bmw. This 98 had only 25K miles and was garaged. However, it needed some deferred maintenance and since has been terrific. Elegant and muscular, it is the perfect car for highway driving.

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  dream car - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By mokipop - February 20 - 2:00 am

  the car rocks. Ill never drive anything else. the most fun you can have with your clothes on.

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  ultimate driving machine - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By busdrvr - February 19 - 2:00 am

  Great car with all the fun to drive as expected by BMW. handling is outstanding power is good, not as snappy as my wrx but smoother. drives like on rails in all road conditions.

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  Its a BMW - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By JBL44 - February 19 - 2:00 am

  Its what youd expect from BMW. Outstanding build quality, great gas mileage, fun to drive, and reliability. Bought it used in 2003, and was very impressed. Great styling inside and out. With a little more power, this BMW would be perfect!

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  WOW! - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By First One - February 19 - 2:00 am

  Just bought this gem with 34k! One previous, gentle, owner. This is the nicest car I have ever had. I like it better than my brothers 04 Accord EX V6. The handling is beautiful as well as are the fit and finish. The car looks like it is brand new. I cant wait to drive it again tomorrow! At 90 mph, the car acts like it wants to go faster. Smoothe!

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  Piece Of Junk - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By jkky - February 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive had nothing but problems with the I Drive and the vehicles phone. The car has been back to the Dealer 11 times for the same problem

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  Awesome Car for the Money! - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By MCMan - February 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had this 535 for sometime and just love it. Build like a tank! Also I enjoy the speed factor in this car when I need to go it goes!!

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  my toy - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By arzurita - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I love the car, however I find getting use to the start/stop buttom takes some re-training. The same goes for the gear shift when going to park from drive or rev. Some people say the idrive is a problem. I am not what one would call a computer savvy person(61yrs. old) and have not had any problems working with it. Last week I picked up a friend from out of town after being in the car for 45min. he turn to me and said" this is the best riding car I have ever been in",(he is 59 yrs. old and I am sure he has been in a lot of cars). Needless to say I had a smile bigger then the happy face symbol on my face.

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  My Favorite - 2004 BMW M3
  By oviviera - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Never been more happy with a car. I love it!!!

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  WOW - 2004 BMW M3
  By GR - February 18 - 2:00 am

  One of the most powerful convertible cars next to a Ferrari. Gets looks from passers by.