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:

• 

  Love my 530i - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By canam - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I have the "older" design and its been flawless for over 50,000 miles. I hate the looks of the new BMWs so wont be getting another one.

• 

  Best car I have ever owned. - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Go 49ers! - November 9 - 2:00 am

  This is the only 4 door sedan to own. Look no further as I have test driven the competition. Save your $$ and opt for the 2.5 engine as it is as quick as you ever need to drive after 40 miles per hour (not a jack rabbit start, but who needs one). Luxury abounds with interior appointments. Handling is a dream. With the sport package, this is the best looking car on the road in its class.

• 

  ast - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By hhlea - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Great car, all-in-all. We will definitely buy another, probably in the 7 series next time around.

• 

  A grocery getter for those who love cars - 1993 BMW 5-Series
  By Midamrail - November 9 - 2:00 am

  This car has so far been a flawless performer. Its enjoyable to drive, and Im convinced its one of the best wagons ever made. The car is very well built and designed inside and out and has delivered on the BMW name and reputation.

• 

  pauls review - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By paul fitch - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I am 55 years old and have had many cars but I have never had a car as nice as this one it runs and handles beautifully I will always now be a BMW person I love this car

• 

  Fantastic car that oozes quality - 1996 BMW 7-Series
  By rubenrod - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Repairs can be expensive. Suggest purchasing extended warranty.

• 

  Go Get a BMW today - You wont be sorry - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Rick - November 8 - 1:10 pm

  Is there a word greater than great? That is the word I would use. The sound system is the best I have ever heard. The reviews where drivers say they look for excuses to drive this car are true. Believe it when you read it. I love the power, the sound, the illuminated outside lighting when you unlock the car at night. My last car was a Crossfire. I thought is was impressive until I drove this car. I have had it more than a month and know that all of my future cars will be BMWs. I have an automatic and added the sports package. If you are reading this and considering getting a 328i sedan... well... dont walk but run to the local dealership. You wont be sorry. It is worth every penny.

• 

  Its all good! - 2002 BMW M3
  By Achnonen - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Scare your wife. Scare your friends. Scare the guy next to you at the light in his C06. This car is frightfully fun to drive! My mother may never come to visit us again.

• 

  great great car - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By nytwinsis - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my 2000 528ia w/sport premium pkg for 4 years and love it today as much as I did when I first got behind the wheel of this incredible car. I take full advantage of the steptronic tranni which makes this amazingly great handling luxury sport sedan a pure pleasure to own. Thought of trading in on a new VW, but backed out every time, because I am confident I will be hugely disappointed.

• 

  Disappointment - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By ertes - November 7 - 10:00 am

  In 8 months I had 3 recalls. Recently transmission started having problmes. HK stereo system is very bad. One of the speakers just started to be very distored. Overall: my first and LAST BMW.