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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  Land Shark - 2003 BMW Z4
  By alk - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 3.0 titanium silver Z4 last month with the sport package. Absolutely the most enjoyable driving vehicle I have ever owned! Smooth ride, great sound system, this "land shark" is really quick. Incredible in the turns!!! The automatic top is very easy and fast. Destined too be a classic with the new body style. Looks like a piece of art rides like a luxury sedan. Only thing I can think of that needs improvement, it could use more than one power port.

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  M3, fun on wheels - 2003 BMW M3
  By BMWEMT - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving bimmers since 1984, a 325, a633, an M6, a 540 sport, and this M3 is the best of the bunch. Got the premium package with moon roof heated seats and all leather seats. Actually, this is my sons graduation present for next May. When I turn it over, Ill go pick up another one. Just too damn much fun to drive!!!!!

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  No more MBZ for me! - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By 1997 BMW Owner - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I had always owned MBZ and although I was quite happy with what I drove, it wasnt until I got behind the wheel of this 740i that I understood the meaning of the ultimate driving machine. What a pleasure!

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  best car on the road - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Chad Klimek - October 14 - 2:00 am

  couldnt ask for a better car

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  Still Awesome - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By spandya - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Here is a model built ingeniously in 1995 with M technic suspension,a fabulous drivetrain, and impeccable manners.All these years later not a squeak to be heard.Give us winding roads and a hill and the car can leave all in dust.

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  wolf in sheeps clothing - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Tyson - October 12 - 2:00 am

  What a treat it is to peek over your shoulder as you leave it in a parking lot. But this pales in comparison to the effortless excelerating that awaits your return. The engine and transmission co-operate beautifully. The auto-tranny seems to downshift at just the right momment, never leaving you in search of power. Steering is predictable and responds as only a rear drive car can. If youre still wanting more, try overriding the stability-control. Now the 540, already responsive, really perks up ( be cautious in wet conditions). Comfort is splended as long as youre sitting up front. Rear seats are comfortable, but at 61" its a litttle cramped.

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  3 Years of Mostly Fun - 2001 BMW X5
  By AML_BMW - October 12 - 2:00 am

  After 3yrs of driving, experience has been mostly good. Fun to drive, decent fuel economy. Biggest problem has been window lifts! Every lift has been replaced once, driver door twice. Have been told by dealer this is a weak point in a number of BMW products. Other problems have been peeling door handles, gas tank sensors. Dealer has been great, taking care of us. Thinking hard as to whether to lease another one. Window lifts are biggest concern to us on an otherwise good experience.

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  porshe eater - 2003 BMW M3
  By lanceh - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I have had the last couple of revs of the M3 and it gets better each time. The SMG simply takes the mistakes out of fast driving. and my buddy that owns a porsche cab. is now jealous.

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  Small problems, but good car overall - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Keekee - October 11 - 2:46 am

  Ive had my new car since May 2005, and each few weeks there are new small problems. The car came to me out of alignment, the stereo completely broke after 2 weeks, the Blue Tooth works part of the time, one cupholder broke, and there are about a dozen other small things that have broken over the 5 months that Ive owned this car. Its frustrating to have to keep taking my car back to the service department when its a new car and shouldnt have these problems. My advice? Wait until this new model gets all the kinks worked out before buying it! Great car, it just needs some reworking.

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  Great Buy - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By GoCubsGo - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car to drive.