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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  After 8 years of Lexus LS400-430s - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By arby - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Likes and dislikes in order: It is good looking. It turns heads like you cant believe. It steers like it is on rails. The I-drive is easy if you give it a chance. It is just a learning curve you have to get through. It is safe and efficient. It is extremely cold natured. The I drive is great...if it hangs up here and there go get the latest software update. I dont like the seats..period. I would like to up shift manually.

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  The red baron flies again - 2001 BMW Z3
  By Roy Kulland - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this Z3 coupe for nearly 4 months and it just keeps getting better and better. It is like riding a guided missle - scary fast amazing! I honestly dont have the skill yet to get all the handling and speed of which this car is capable. It really draws the looks and questions too - total fun. Its even a bit more fun after I added the Dinan stage 2 cold air and chip.

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  Excellent - 2005 BMW X3
  By Laurie Aulicino - January 29 - 1:20 pm

  Drives like a dream. The inside is a little small but sufficient for a family of 4.

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  BMW325i - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By patmac - January 29 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellant car

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  WOW! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW-Black - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Over 16,000 miles of trouble free driving. The 330i is fast smooth and quite except for the great sound of the exhaust note. Everything is quailty and I have been getting 28-29 mpg mixed driving. On one trip it got 33mpg this is all with the manual transmission which to me is the way to go. And get the sports package!

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  Best Sports Car For the Price - 2002 BMW M3
  By FastWhite - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This is hands down the best sports car for the money. Nothing comes close. This is the complete package. Styling, power, handling, and quality. If you are in the market for a $50K sports car look no further...because nothing compares.

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  it could have been so good - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Dr kanji - January 29 - 2:00 am

  The interieur is miserable, the signallight stalk is placed wrong. The "I" drive should be srapped at once. The doors do not open far enough. Ever tried to undu the emergency brake,good luck

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  Best BMW 7 Series - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By HB - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I had a 740IL and went to the s class while waiting for the 745 series.(Kept it 6 months and sold it ) I am on my third one. The latest is the li. I have purchased the XKR, SC 430 as well.There are no words to describe the 745. It is by far the best auto I have ever owned. Once you learn the systems you will love them. What a ride!!!

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  too many problems - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By johnfra - January 28 - 2:00 am

  This is an absolutely incredible driving car, nothing can touch the BMW driving experience. However, as exceptional as this car is in driving and performance its equally disappointing in its reliability. My car has been in the shop for so many issues I cant recall them all. The majority of the problems were fixed under warranty but I had to have the radiator replaced,new suspension components, a complete new ignition system ( this one was especially fun since the car would not shut off with the key completely removed from the ignition,)along with just nagging problems.

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  The Best There Is - 2003 BMW M5
  By adeluca - January 28 - 2:00 am

  If you havent ever driven an M5, you have to find someway to get behind the wheel. Everything about it is awesome! Comfortable, beautiful and faster than all-get-out. The handling is so good it is disturbing. Get one as fast as you can!