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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  Euro 3.8L - 1993 BMW M5
  By JBH - February 7 - 2:00 am

  This is one of those great motor cars that as soon as you drive the first mile you can sense its motorsport background. Free-reving engine, tight steering and suspension, sport seats, and the deep exhaust note all tell you this is something special. It is not cheap to own - despite being simple in design by todays standards, the car has a number of very advanced features that are great when they work, but when they dont, the cost to repair them can be high. For example, this car has the Nurburgring suspension - with its dynamic dampering system it sense cornering loads and adjust the shocks to compensate - cost of replacement about $4000.

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  This is the one - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Carlosq - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Nothing better to drive

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  Just want to rate this vehicle - 2002 BMW X5
  By accordlegend - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Overall very happy with the X5. Nice styling and great performance all in one. Great handling in Lake Tahoe as well as touring around town. Nothing beats it in my books.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned!!! - 1997 BMW M3
  By cravnpup - February 6 - 2:00 am

  This car is by far the best car Ive ever owned. It has balance, poise, style, power, and handling that puts a smile on my face everytime I drive it. If you are a car enthusiast, you will love this car. Perfect in every way. My only gripe is the cost of parts/maintenence. Ive never had any problems with the car whatsoever, but the scheduled maintenence is quite expensive.

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  Talk About a Dual Personality - 2002 BMW M5
  By M5inVA - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Mild mannered for everyday, run of the mill driving, an absolute BEAST when you want it to be! By far the best car Ive ever owned. Highly recommended!

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  Good Car But! - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Dont Get the Tan - February 6 - 2:00 am

  As with most BMWs the horror of the onwership is dealing with the Dealers Service Department. This time my experiences have been no different. While I love the ride and fun of the car, things just dont work. In 20,000 miles I have replaced the Dash Pixels and Sunroof liner. Trim on the door sill and rear passanger door and left front kidney trim fell off.

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  First but not last BMW - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Tribe07 - February 5 - 9:36 pm

  This is my first BMW and wow, am I impressed. This car is flat out amazing. The best attributes are those characteristicts with the pure driving experience. If you love to drive, then you will love this car. The steering is amazingly precise, the brakes are strong yet smooth, the manual transmission is a joy to operate, the clutch is easy to use and then theres the engine. That twin turbo I-6 alone is reason enough to buy this car. To hear it rev is like pure automotive symphony. I love to rev this engine probably as much as the engine loves to rev. Cannot wait to hit the track one day. It also excels on the freeway - never got uncomfortable during an 11 hour trip. I love it!

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  Great Car - One of a kind - 2003 BMW M3
  By BMW Power - February 4 - 2:00 am

  Name another vehicle that seats four, offers open-air motoring, and goes like stink. This is one of the most practical, and among the most exciting, sports cars available today, all for a relative bargain. Beyond rational considerations, look at this thing. I have tested every single convertible out there (from Ford Thunderbird to Mercedez) and none can compare to the BMW M3 convertible (unless you are willing to spend more than $100,000 for a Z8 or the new 500 Mercedez convertible).

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  excellent and beautiful car!!! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By tk - February 3 - 10:00 am

  I love the beauty and performance of this vehicle. It has a great feel and is a blast to drive. I just love my car!!!

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  BMW 540ia sport - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Furman24 - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Awesome power, fun to drive, safe, good looking..what more could you ask for? Never have I regretted paying the enormous cost of the car...would do it again.