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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  Best for the money, most value - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Jamie Randazzo - April 26 - 2:00 am

  This car is a workhorse/tank. It offers the most performance, stability and safety unlike any other car. Acceleration is a dream while gas mileage is at 28mpg. And I shift at 5,000 rpm. I have only been serviced for oil changes.There is little back-end maintenance.

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  bmw z8 - 2003 BMW Z8
  By ghkghk - April 26 - 2:00 am

  its a reAlly good and fast car

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  Best of the Best - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Craig Prosser - April 25 - 8:33 am

  Im, on my 3rd BMW 3-series and the new 2006 is by far the best Ive ever seen and driven. It has every feature I could want and finally the performance I wanted with 255 hp. I get excited every time I need to drive and that was what I needed. Go get one and feel the excitement.

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  Another BMW fan joins the ranks - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By beemerfan4life - April 25 - 5:53 am

  Just purchased my 07 335i Sedan. Sports package with automatic tranny. The paddle shifters are too much fun. Reminds me of playing racing games in the arcade only that you crash and die if you mess up with this car. Incredibly fast and excellent handling. The car seems to drive so effortlessly but at incredible speeds. Its a keeper!

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  this review - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By Jughead - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Love the car, but hate the dealer repair capability. Must seek out and find independent quality repair site.

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  BMWs Flagship Sedan - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By The Real BMW - April 25 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best I have ever had! I have recently had a Mercedes-Benz S500 and personally I think the 7 has much more in luxury and performance. This really is the best!

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  Still the best sports sedan - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By MyHarpoon - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I test drove many of the contenders before buying BMW. The G35 wasnt out yet - it wouldnt have mattered (no manual). The IS 300 didnt have AWD and I didnt feel like settling on the all-season tires. The X-Type was slow and the styling wasnt "Jaguar". The WRX didnt impress me. The 9-3 Viggen is a front-driver. The C320 didnt have a manual. It was a close call between the A4 and the 330xi. The BMW is a great daily driver, but I always have a smile on my face knowing that if I should meet a winding, country road, I can cut it loose (Ive found a few such roads in Western Michigan).

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  what a car.. - 2003 BMW M3
  By skifahrer - April 24 - 2:00 am

  i just got my m3 smg about a month ago. so far i have to admit its a great car.. the ride is great.. the speed you can go into turns is phenomenal, the gear changing with the smg transmission is is awesome.. forget about stick shift.. and if you are stuck in traffic roll along in automatic.. the pick up is more then good enough if you want to go faster..in the automatic mode. the breaks are great and no fading even after a few hard brake downs from high speeds (+/-140mph to 65-80mph).. the ride is hard but hey, if you want a softer ride get a c-class mercedes benz or a lexus.

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  Ill keep it till the end - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By mike farmer - April 23 - 8:27 pm

  Im the 2nd owner. Bought it when it had 13000. Has 123000 now. Very reliable, interior looks as good as the day I bought it!

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  Second to none - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By glddmr - April 23 - 2:00 am

  Driven 6 years everywhere from HI & FLA to NY & CT. In deep snow with studded tires and hi speed cross country. NEVER had a mech prob in 113000 miles. Taught wife to drive clutch in 3 days in it, then went to sea for 2 wks. Still on first clutch. I drive it like it has twice the pwr it does. I love it. When the engine dies in another 120000 miles Im putting a v-6 in it and driving another 250000.