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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  great sports sedan - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By x021627 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  previously owned acura tl and moved up to 530i. excellent handling, standard stereo and excellent materials and workmanship. i just love to drive this car!

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  One fun car! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Mavraam - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Fantastic car. Handles like a dream, looks great inside and out. Tons of well thought out features, beautifully designed interior. Superb manual transmission, brakes, cornering. Loaded with safety features.

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  Nice Driver - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Sports Car Fan - October 24 - 2:00 am

  First BMW Ive owned but its a real drivers car. Having had recent STSs which disappointed me, the BMW is a real sports sedan. Well worth the price.

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  Surgical handling! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By George - October 23 - 12:40 pm

  As an owner of 10 BMWs over the years, including a new 2002 (in 75) and at least one of every 3 series, I was anxious to check out the 06. Thank German Engineers (or God) this story has a happy ending. The car I ordered/leased is a manual, sports, premium, cold pkgs, plus sat radio and elec shades. Compared with the 02 the steering is more precise, it feels almost surgical. Over irregularities the suspension absorbs and does not tend to push you off line as the predecessor did, fantastic! The engine, gearbox, & clutch work great. I had it over 150 coming home from dealer (I-5/night). The interior just plain works. The seats are substantially better. Ill take the long way home.

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  SMOKIN HOT!!! - 2001 BMW M5
  By Gary B - October 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is truely awesome! The power the ride the comfort the handling the sound system, all incredible.

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  best car for the money - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By bmwflying - October 23 - 2:00 am

  out handles out performs any japanese car under $20000 yes $20000 and i only paid 3000 leather seats full power 6 speaker stereo alarm on board computer anti theft radio code start 6 way adjustable recaro seats full size spare bult with quality and this in back in the 80s. Unlike the honda s2000 and thats a $30000 car and the funny thing is if you get a flat what do you do with the tire it wont fit in the trunk maybe put it in the rat skin leather passenger seat??? how many 20 year old japanese cars do you see driving in good condition with orignal motor and transmission 1 maybe 2 a day MAYBE.

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  M5 - 2003 BMW M5
  By Love my car - October 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my first real fast car that I have ever had. Its been a 1 1/2 years now since I got my M5 and I still get as excited to get in it and drive it as I did the day I got it.If you own one of these cars and get the opportunity to have a professional show you what it can do on the track, DO IT. The cars limitations are well beyond what most people think. I then had the chance to have the instructor sit next to me and teach me how to drive the car. Just unbelievable what this car can do but yet I can throw my 2 kids and wife in it and go out. I love it.

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  BMW M3 Convertible---FAST & AWESOME!! - 2004 BMW M3
  By Ferraristi - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Actually my BMW M3 convertible is a 2003 model, bedecked in the most stunning color of Phoenix yellow with awesome cinnamon interior. I always try to take "the longest way home" so I can drive my Bimmer more. I LOVE IT!

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  BMWs former flagship still competetive - 1990 BMW 7-Series
  By jminer - October 22 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent car for the price in todays market. It has numerous features that are shared with few cars today. The fuel economy (14/20mpg) is decent for a car of this size (4,800lbs.) and motor (304cid V12). This is certainly one of the most entertaining cars I have owned thanks to its OBC and electronic-hydraulic transmission. Unfortunately my car was totaled from flood damage about a month ago with 183,000 miles on the odometer.

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  Fantastic Car - 1998 BMW M3
  By Chalupa72 - October 20 - 2:00 am

  No major mechanical problems at all. The handling in this car is unsurpassed and inspires driving confidence. Despite entering curves at very high speeds I have never felt the car couldnt handle it. The only minor criticisms I have is the rather bland interior and the ridiculous cup holders.