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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  This puppy flies - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By Thomas E - January 10 - 2:00 am

  Im the third owner to this vehicle. I recently purchased it from a friend for a few grands. Besides the fact that its a BMW, I was blessed with its color- electric red. This puppy has over 170k miles on it and still drives super smooth. Friends who drive 2002 non-bmw cars immediately feel the difference when they get into my 90 BMW. If treated right, these engines can gracefully acquire 250k- 300k miles. Ive yet to spend a dime on it. It honestly feels like a $25k dollar car, which isnt even a fraction for its current retail value.

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  How not to design a navigation system - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By ashwini - January 9 - 2:00 am

  If another car (Lexus) in the class offered manual transmission with almost 300 horses then this would be the wrong choice. Lots of little things keep going wrong with the car. Sometimes the service engine soon light with turn-on and gone after 15-20 miles. The electronic key will stop working. But once it starts to move, this is awsome. I live with the minor annoyances since I really want a manual transmission in my car.

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  Best used car under $15k!!! - 1995 BMW M3
  By bayarea006 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Buy this car. you wont regret it. fast, good looks, and reliable. its timeless design and high performance will keep you smiling for years. have 135K now and still runs like a champ.

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  UGLY Car but Fast as Hell! - 2002 BMW Z3
  By BimmerChck - January 9 - 2:00 am

  This car was extremely fast however, it was one of the ugliest cars I have ever seen!!

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  X5, An Engineering Work of Art - 2002 BMW X5
  By pakman94 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  2002 3.0Sp (white with sand and light wood)in line 6 with xenons, steptronic, rear climate, upgraded computer, lumbar and self dim mirrors is phenomenal! This is one first rate machine that is truely amazing. If I had all the money in the world, I would still choose this exact vehicle. The inline 6 is the smoothest engine in the world. Sweet, beautiful, classy responsive, solid and safe. What a combination!

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  Pinch me, I am so lucky!!!!!! - 2003 BMW Z8
  By laser - January 9 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun to drive, exciting, lay you back in the seat car I have ever driven! Everywhere and every time I drive it, people pull up and comment on how beautiful this car is!

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  Classic Coupe - 2007 BMW Z4
  By Steve Schallau - January 8 - 5:39 pm

  Great looking, really fun to drive.

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  Awsome 2002 BMW 540 i 6 Speed - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By hkochat - January 8 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely stunning performance. One of BMWs innovative performance vehicle for anyone who enjoys manual transmission

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  Perfect LA Car - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Gerry Rosenblatt - January 7 - 6:03 am

  The 330i is small but so quick off the mark, cruises like a big sedan, has true steering and the best brakes. City streets or freeways get eaten up. Seat support outstanding. Very clear and easy to read instruments.

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  Fun to drive and reliable - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By virginia - January 7 - 2:00 am

  My second BMW, this 5-series is a great improvement over the late 80s models. It is solid, great build quality, no roll in the turns and the computer sensitive power to wheels helps in snow for a rear wheel drive vehicle. Great combination of luxury and performance.