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:

• 

  This is a sport car - 2003 BMW M3
  By scott - July 28 - 2:00 am

  The perfect car....if you drive on a track. I have the SMG transmission and really dont care for it much. It is very notchy and not very friendly for mundane daily driving. If you drive very aggressively all of the time, this could be the car for you. If you dont, I would suggest one of the other 3 series cars....Ive owned them as well and loved every minute of it.

• 

  Best Car of 90s - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By sehmid - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I have always wanted a 95 540i 6 spd manual, and was finally able to afford one. This car is amazing in every mannar. It is by far the best car you can purchase for under 15K, hands down. Extremely reliable, and awesome performance. I am just changing the wheels, and getting a ltd slip diff. Besides that, this car is better than any new 2002 or 2003 below 40K. Save your money, find a 540i 6spd and buy it if you can find it.

• 

  No wonder it won so many accolades! - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By DDS2B - July 27 - 2:00 am

  The complete package!! Absolute fun to drive!

• 

  Best car I have ever owned - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By bimmer guy - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Test drove the car on a whim assuming that I would never actually purchase it. Previously owned 3 SAABs, Ford Mustangs and 1978 1/2 Datsun 280Z. Compared to everything else the little 318ti was the champ! Could use a little more horsepower but at the expense of fuel economy it is just not worth it. Only thing that comes close today is the MINI Cooper! Handling and overall build quality have no equal in this price range!

• 

  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By D. Ward - July 26 - 2:00 am

  BMWs tagline of the "Ultimate Driving Machine" applies here. The 330i accelerates smoothly, stops quickly and takes the curves aggressively. If you are considering a 3, this is it. Not a lot of luxuries on the inside (bells and whistles) but paying for the things you cant see, i.e., brakes, handling, suspension, etc. A true performance car. I suggest the Xenon headlights, the fold down rear seats and the premium package...the rest is up to you. If you purchase, do the Performance Center Delivery...you wont regret it. One more thing, no automatic carwashes. Lastly, enjoy the ride, a great road car.

• 

  Practical fun - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By luvvit - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Sporty, luxurious, fun AWD vehicle -- fast, smooth, quiet. Dont be fooled by "only 184 horses" -- gearing plus no turbo lag mean you get all the power you can use in an urban area. Drove other AWD sedans, plus RWD bimmers -- this ones da bomb.

• 

  Fun AND Practical - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By LucyN - July 26 - 2:00 am

  A very practical car but loads of fun to drive. Does well in the mountains or stop-and-go city traffic. Safety and comfort features are excellent.

• 

  A blast to drive Rocket Wagon - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By JDMartin - July 25 - 2:00 am

  This car has plenty of room to carry whatever you need, but with the driving pleasure of a sports car. A long time luxury SUV driver (Grand Cherokee, Denali XL), I wanted a car that handled better for a change. This is definitely the one. It is definitely nice to look at, and if you take this car out on your favorite windy road you will experience complete exhilaration.

• 

  this car is ahead of its time - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By All M - July 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is not for the simple minded person. this car made me injoy driving like when I was in my teens.

• 

  BMW 745 - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Kobe - July 23 - 2:00 am

  EVERY FUN TO DRIVE AWESOME CAR OVERALL