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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  My 5-Speed Wagon - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Sharkey - January 13 - 2:00 am

  Apparently a stick-shift BMW 5-series is a tough sell in Los Angeles. So, I landed a good deal on the car. It is equipped with both the Sport and Premium package, Xenon headlights, and Park Distance Control. After owning Japanese luxury cars, you notice the lack of amenities like a center console, extra sunvisors with extensions (the 5-series sunvisors cant really be utilized to shade the drivers side window), an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and an in-dash CD changer. The sport seats can be tough on your left thigh when clutching. All that aside, its the best-handling, highest quality wagon Ive ever owned.

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  cant go wrong - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By 540i sport - January 13 - 2:00 am

  The best car Ive ever owned. Awesome power, handling, safe and attractive, as well as good resale value. I can count on one-hand 4-door sedans out there that have better attributes than this automobile. Does need snow tires for the winter, but once you put them on the car becomes entirely benign. Also, stick shift and sport package make all the difference.

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  530i best car you can have!!!! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By eduardo - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Im happy with my 530i premium, sport, this is a excellent car, fuel economy in the highway i got 30 mpg, at 85 mph, and this is a safest, powerful, elegant, and the best on resale value, if you like the 5 series go for the 530i, the 525i the engine is to small for the body and weight of the car.

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  Love this car - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By John McAllister - January 12 - 2:00 am

  The is one of the best vehicles I have owned - very cool for a four door sedan. The fun factor is high and the reliability is been very good. Its expensive to repair but thats fine as mine had very few problems.

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  The 2006 BMW rules - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By John - January 11 - 12:56 pm

  I have nothing but good things to say about my 2006 330i. After test driving it I traded in my 2003 G35. After driving the BMW my G35 felt like a tin can. The G35 was only fun to drive when I beat the hell out of it. The BMW is so sweet you do not have to beat it to enjoy the ride. I have the sport package so the ride is a little bouncy at times but is worth it as you do not even have to slow down to take corners if do not want to. If you love to dirve the BMW is for you. If you like to be driven, Japan has many options for you. Do not test drive the 3 unless you plan on getting one.

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  bimmers rule - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By hieninem - January 11 - 10:00 am

  i love this car. im 18.. but its still a sweet ride and i can tell that even when im 40.. ill still think back on this car as one of the greatest..

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  convertible - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By bmwdale - January 11 - 10:00 am

  fun car, bmw reliability, best color combination (steel blue w/ tan interior, dark blue top -- pricing service is "crazy" to give a deduct for that color)-- weekend car for me (I should have got a stick shift)

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  driving perfection - 2003 BMW M5
  By md - January 11 - 2:00 am

  likes fuel,but turns it into driving heaven.. Have never driven anything so fast, so pampering, so controlable and so forgiving. Worth the admission price!

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  17000 miles in 6 months - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Ralph in TN - January 11 - 2:00 am

  The car has been a great road car. It is comfortable, easy to drive, reliable, and has more than enough power to handle any highway. The reliability and BMW assistance are noteworthy. I ran into a large pothole and despite major damage to a wheel, the car (using run flat tires) got all passengers back home (about 10 miles) safely so a tow truck could come and install the spare. The BMW dealer in Ft. Lauderdale got the car up and running like new again.

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  The Best Car - 2003 BMW M3
  By bmwguy - January 10 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this vehicle for a coupke weeks now. It is simply amazing. I cant wait to hop in everyday and drive. Ive never liked to drive anywhere until I got into this true.. ultimate driving machine.