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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  Black BMW 325ic - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By Venterra - January 23 - 2:00 am

  Great driving car. Quick and responsive engine. Five speed is better than automatic.

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  A Dream - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By tlffxhouston - January 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is a joy to drive and has an exterior design that is plainly beautiful. The interiors design is average and the comfort is average. However, the driving the 530 is pure fun and comfort, with a stronge feeling of safety.

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  Beautiful car with reliability issues - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Jerry - January 22 - 12:33 pm

  I had Infiniti G35 before and hesitated getting a BMW because of poor reliability track record of any new BMW models. The car looks beautiful and drives well, so I listened to recommendations and bought the 335 hardtop convertible. In the 2nd week, the hardtop started to slam down when closing and doesnt tighten. I took it back and its been 4 days and I still dont have my car back. Comfort access features, navigation, and iDrive also have some bugs. While I like the car when its working right, I dont think its worth the hassle. Its been the worst experience with any car purchase across the board.

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  HOW DO YOU SPELL "LEMON"? - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By cpablum - January 22 - 2:00 am

  DONT BUY THIS CAR! THERES A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL THAT CANT BE FIXED, MORE ELECTRONIC GREMILINS AND FAILURES THAN I HAVE SPACE TO MENTION. BMWNA IS PLAYING HARDBALL AND WONT REPLACE THE CAR, BECAUSE THEY KNOW A REPLACEMENT WILL BE NO BETTER!

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  Theres Only One! - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Vegas Bob - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have been driveing for 30 years and have owned..everything at one time or another. My 528ia is by far the best machine I ever owned. Its now got 62,000 miles and its now just breaking in. It may be a six cyl, but it just chews on most 8s and spits them out as it goes by. The quality in every aspect is just the best. The only problem is I have to buy another one now that my lease is up. Theres just no driving anything else after this car.

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  This is th one! - 1993 BMW 5-Series
  By 5alive - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have been BMW shopping for months and then I find this 525i on Ebay of all places. What can I say. This is it. A gem of a car. Fun to drive and looks to kill. The automatic sport trans is a thrill and the power is never ending. These are great values right now. Get a good one with low miles. Mine is at 77k.

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  bmw 330i - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By vineux - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Great in every way. My last car was an Infiniti, and I like this car much better...

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  325 Pleasure - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By mchaplin - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Love my 325i. Didnt spring for leather, not at all disappointed with leatherette. Handsome car, not at all skimpy. If you drive a standard there is plenty of power with the 2.5 engine. My only disappointment is with the 5 speed manual transmission. Wish that there was an overdrive to reduce the revs on highway driving. Also find the shift from 2nd to 3rd very squishy.

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  I love my car! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By bacchus - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive got an Audi wagon & BMW wagon and love them both. The BMW drives like a dream...

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  Ill buy the same tomorow! - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By max33 - January 20 - 2:00 am

  Is the best car I ever owned! Looks expensive, but on long term is not!