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 iDrive sucks, BMW, Never again. - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By S.H. - July 13 - 2:00 am

  The designers for the iDrive and the ofiicials at the BMW design center must be on drugs to think that iDrive is a good idea for the ultimate driving machine. It is a nonfunctional electronic trouble making disaster.

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  As close to perfect as you can get - 2003 BMW M5
  By ram montinola - July 13 - 2:00 am

  If youve never owned a high-end high performance car before, the M5 with its knock-your-socks-off power and vast, comfortable interior will far exceed your expectations. If you have owned high performance supercars, this is your daily driver.

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  Luxury car - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By sherlyl - July 12 - 6:33 am

  This car is great! I was considering the IS 250 and this car and finally chose this car because it is much more stable to drive at higher speeds. Overall, this is a great car and worth it for its price.

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  M3 - 2003 BMW M3
  By m3 - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Nice Car all around

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  325 coupe - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Amir - July 12 - 2:00 am

  The BMW 325 ci coupe is a well engineered machine. I think they have done an excellent job. Although it may not be the fastest in its price range it is oveerall a best buy

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  On the road again!!!! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By AF in TX - July 12 - 2:00 am

  I never thought Id love again. I just picked up my 325ci on the 19th and cant stop driving. This car is a blast to drive even without the standard 5 speed. Seams as though I have more friends than I thought, everyone wants a ride. If you have the means to aquire one do yourself a favor and run to the dealer!!!

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  Awesome - 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By Drakemac - July 11 - 4:20 pm

  Youve heard it before, the pictures lie. This car is beautiful. The interior is one of the best Ive ever experienced. Ive had a 1st gen X5, 745, 345 and a 2007 X5. This is the best of the bunch. I love the combination of power, convenience and comfort. I myself think the lighter colors hurt the looks of the car. They make it look wide and flat. I have a black one with two-tone, black and off-white interior. Love it. So happy with my choice!

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  Didnt match Hype - 1999 BMW M3
  By JPSinMiami - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I must say that it is not the supercar that all the reviews claim it to be. Firstly, this car is waaayyyy to heavy and you can feel it on heavy cornering loads..it could use more power as has been put into the newer Ms but I would be really happy with the 240bhp if it trimmed a few pounds. This shift mechanism was also a huge dissapointment. Why manufactures still make rubbery indecisive gates is beyond me. Toyota got it right with the Mr2 MKI why doesnt everybody just copy it. Brakes and steering are among the best Ive ever driven. Its a good car...just not the great car I thought it would be. I shoulda saved 8k and bought a Viggen convertible.

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  sweet ride - 1991 BMW M3
  By negaroblue - July 11 - 2:00 am

  it is fun to drive and handles like my porsche 911s

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  Ultimate Driving Machine... oh yeah - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By CCar - July 10 - 3:00 pm

  I have never felt more at ease in a car- it is able to handle any driving situation. The steering, handling, style and speed make driving truely fun. Its been a month with my new car- and I dare say I may be a BMW customer for life!