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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  A Great Car - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By JJC_0910 - January 20 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for over 2 years now and it performs better more than a few luxury vehicles I have driven. If upscale driving performance and handling are what you appreciate than you dont have to look further!

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  Way exceeds Expectations - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By cmiller - January 20 - 2:00 am

  I stretched to buy my 325iS in 1995. Since then it way exceeded my expectations, being perfect in every way. The only issue could have been a little more power but it was enough to get me into trouble if I wasnt careful. Even 8 years old, this car has never had any single problem, has had extremely low maintenance costs, and is not even close to its half-life. For someone who has taste, its nearly perfect.

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  Sexy 6 Speed - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By M1ke B - January 20 - 2:00 am

  Ultimate Driving Machine: it fast(beat a z28 stick, M3) , handles great, and looks great.

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  Bad Car - 2003 BMW Z8
  By john53 - January 20 - 2:00 am

  Uncomfortable, bumpy ride, extremely loud engine

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  Best car I have ever owned - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By mnbeckertx - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have ever owned - great value for the money... Wish I still owned it.

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  The best! - 2002 BMW Z3
  By Steve-in-Denver - January 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd bimmer and, even though I loved the other two (94 325is and 96 325iC), this is the best! This is what I wanted when I bought the 325iC - glad I waited until the Z3 came equipped with the 3.0! What a blast to drive and quite the head turner. I think I will hold on to this one for a while as I am not too impressed with the Z4s styling.

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Matthew Gilligan - January 19 - 2:00 am

  My mates tell me this is an old mans car, until I take them around the block and they realise its a wolf in sheeps clothes. Its an absolutely fabulous car, smooth and exciting to drive. Feels sturdy and safe at all speeds, and great breaking ability. Open road driving is magic in a 540i. If you like smooth grunt with refined elegance, this machine qualifies.

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  My BMW - 2005 BMW X5
  By Len51 - January 18 - 1:33 pm

  I always had a 4runner which I loved but I wanted to move up to BMW and keep my SUV feel so I purchased a BMW x5. I love it. The drive is smooth and the 3.01 has a lot of kick on the freeway. On long drives the interior is comfortable and relaxing. The seat memory is a great feature. The ride is smooth and a blast to drive. Steering is steady and it handles great changing lanes and on unexpected moves. The option to drive in the sport mode makes a fun change when you are bored. The gas mileage isnt great but what I expected for an SUV and when I purchased it. The price was not much more that any other high end SUVS and I feel like I got maximum value.

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  Neds Review - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Ned - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Way over priced. Tiny trunk does not handle well in snow or on wet road surfaces non-existent cup holders (break at least once a year) limited interior storage. Difficult for a six footer to enter and exit (steering wheel feature not really helpful) leg romm is very narrow for driver no compass.

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  The Ideal High-Performance Car - 2003 BMW M3
  By Rob in Great Neck NY - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is fantastic. Top-notch performance: acceleration, handling, braking. Great looks. Very comfortable and smooth. Can be driven very smoothly or very aggressively. How many other high performance cars have a back seat that can hold two 6 3" adults comfortably. I feel like Im on vacation every time I drive this car. Downshift with a flick of the SMG2 paddle, hit the accelerator, and smoothly zip past and around any car going too slow. 155mph top speed. Drives very well in rain and light snow, with help of limited slip rear differential and DSC (which I turn off when the pavement is dry). I love the heated seats in cold-weather.