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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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2003 BMW M5
  By The Knight - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive always wanted the best, so I purchased my M5. Its the best of luxury and sport. Capable of being a family sedan as well as a weekend sportster.

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  The Best Ever - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Billdemos - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned many differennt cars, Jags, MG, but I love this automoble. Handles with firm control and looks good even standing still. Its fun to drive and a great value....wouldnt trade it for any other auto on the road....

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  530i - fine sports sedan - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By brad_t - August 25 - 2:00 am

  I love my 530i w/ Steptronic and Sports Premium pkg. While its not as powerful as, say, a G35 sedan, its better balanced handling, precise steering and grippiness make it the most satisfying sports sedan in the mid luxury class. New 5 coming soon (with fancy steering), but I think most people will find the old 5 fine enough. 5/5 stars... and Im not alone, "Car" of UK rates the 5, 5/5 also. Brad

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  Run dont walk from this disappointment - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By TagAxle - August 25 - 2:00 am

  I was leary about the 745 from the 2002 reviews but thought that all the computer glithches would have been resolved by 2003--No such luck--My vehicle is again at dealer to fix the gremlins of the I DRIVE--intermittent problems persist with phone,navigation and tire pressure systems--Now a recall for more software updates for rough idling--

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  My Dream Come True - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By AndyMan - August 25 - 2:00 am

  Ever since I read the rave reviews of Car and Driver and Motor Trend, I made up my mind that the BMW 3 series was my car. I finally got a 97 328i and I absolutly love it. I havnt had it long, but so far its been the most enjoyable car I have ever been in. The engine delivers the torque low and immediate, but the horsepower continues all the way to the red-line. The five speed sport transmission throws are a little long, but the overall smoothness of the entire package make up for it. From both performance and comfort standpoints, this car is by my favorite of any I have ever driven.

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  A 5 thats almost a 10 - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By BoyOboi78 - August 25 - 2:00 am

  had an Acura TL but didnt want another one. had a 99 Audi A6 and had nothing but problems, so no more Audis for me . tried out a Mercedes Benz E320, nice car but didnt seem to ride as nice, handle as well, or be smoother or quieter then the 5, plus the price and value didnt seem to be worth it. The Lexus GS300 was also another nice car i drove, but was to underdamped in my opinion and didnt feel as refined as in closing the doors or the trunk like the solidness of the 5 series. Jaguar S type, well basically build in partner ship with ford and kinda screamed cheap from a few of its parts. the 5 series has the right combination of an upscale luxury car

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  2006 325i - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By bzbimmer - August 24 - 10:10 pm

  Picked up the car 2 weeks ago. I have been loving every second of it. It seems that the drive gets better and more fun every time I drive it. Driving experience is like no other. Took mother in laws Mercedes E500 out yesterday and I could not wait to get back into my car. Felt like I was driving a boat, not feel for the road. Bmw makes a great machine here.

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  A Truly Fine Sport Sedan - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By UT VOL - August 24 - 3:46 pm

  I have had 5 different BMW cars and this is the best one yet. I find many of the magazine reviews perplexing in their critical comments on the I-drive, the variable steering, the shifting, and the sport suspension. The I-drive takes just a little effort to figure out. The variable steering is a joy to use in that low speed maneuvers are effortlessly executed and the transition of steering ratios as speed increases are imperceptible. I have a six-speed, sport package car and the shifting and clutch are smooth, smooth, smooth. The sport suspension is perhaps the most remarkable feature in that the car corners almost flat. It has a great ride too. Those magazine editors are techno grouches!

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  The SPORTS Is Gone, Replaced By Luxury - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Jonathon - August 24 - 11:46 am

  BMWs major changes to its 2006 3-Series is fascinating and yet somewhat boring as well. This is my 4th BMW in the 3-Series and while I welcome change, I find myself associating the new design and approach as similar to what Nissan did to its Z cars or what Ford did to its Thunderbird. Sports cars that were fun to drive became fat, boring and touted with luxury instead of sport. I love BMW handling and above all, BMWs intense focus on safety. My 325i 2006 came with i-Drive and the navigation system. Once I get my pilots license, I might have it mastered. Until that time, I really dislike it. Rear view side mirrors are too small and run-flat tires with no spare concern me.

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  Riding a Silver Bullet - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By TranC - August 24 - 2:00 am

  This is definitely a drivers car. My only complaint is that I should have gotten the sports package. You definitely get the lookies from other luxury car drivers. The torque-ie engine makes the car feel a lot faster than it really is, but at cruising speeds, the passing power of this car can be felt and seen by those in your rear view mirror all you have to do is nudge on the gas a bit, all without having to downshift like other cars. This is, after all, a car meant for the autobahn where everyone drives like speed racer.