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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  fantastic - 2000 BMW M5
  By Gregory E G - January 5 - 2:00 am

  I have owner many different sportscars from all the major manufacturers, Porsche 911, 1994 Maqzda RX-7, etc. All of them were fantastic but none of them can compare to the M5. I cannot imagine ever finding the combination of true sportscar performance with the 5 series comforts and features. My only gripe is gas mileage which makes me wince a bit. My 911 got ok mileage, (20-25 mpg) my M5 gets (12-17 mpg).

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  Fun, but not worth it - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Readyforanother - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Great fun to drive, but at what cost? The car is in constant need of mechanical attention. The check engine and brake light sensors are constantly on, the electrical system is full of glitches, and everything started falling apart once it got past warranty (not that the warranty covered much anyway). If you are considering a used 3, find one with extremely low mileage or factor in several thousand dollars for repairs within the first few years.

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  I Love My New Car - 2002 BMW Z3
  By katti - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Besides the Manual shift, the car is attractive fun to drive and makes me looks very professional and prosperous.

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  BMW 540i-Great car compared to M-B - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By John E. Hate - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Replaced 1992 M-B 500SEL with this gem. Benz was nothing but trouble. Have had no problems at all. Surprisingly, handles great in the snow without snow tires. Recommend highly if you want a car with much power.

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  Roadster Experience - 1997 BMW Z3
  By Hook Em - January 3 - 2:00 am

  VROOM! Love the power & response! You will definitely turn heads in this one. Surprisingly quiet ride and everything at your fingertips.

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  WOW!!! - 2003 BMW M3
  By Mike L. - January 2 - 2:00 am

  Mortgage the house if you have to - This car rocks!!! I now come to intersections and actually slow down to get a red light just so that I can show off the pure power of this car!! You must drive it to appreciate the responsiveness and handling. If you are a true driver you must buy this car.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By BMWTom - January 2 - 2:00 am

  I cant wait to get in my car and drive, this is the ultimate driving machine.

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  JB B - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By LSTW - December 31 - 2:00 am

  i lease this vehicle. which the price i pay each month, i think i should have bought a lexus or acura or infiniti. NOT BMW. i dont remember how many times ive taken the car to the dealer to fix it and almost everytime i need to leave the car there overnight. lots and lots of problem.. i cant believe BMWs top of the line luxury sedan is like this.. i just feel like im driving a kia with leather seat.. no more BMW for me..

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  The ULTIMATE - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By googleguy123 - December 30 - 10:00 am

  The 330xi is just hands down the ultimate car...4wd, great power, definitely the better choice over the 325i...

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  Review - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By A_Merritt - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Excellent auto. Best car that I have ever owned. I will buy the next in this line.