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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  Dream car. - 2001 BMW X5
  By thevman - December 28 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed this car from day one, and over a year later, still love it. I initially test drove the Acura MDX (several times), and even had a deposit on one. I drove the X5 once, and immediately canceled my MDX order. It handles like a dream, has enough pep off the line, and the major components are of quality build. People always comment on the heaviness of the doors upon first entering, and there is an overall "sturdy" feel.

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  1998 540i Sport - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Scott C. - December 28 - 2:00 am

  This cars lives up to the hype and continues to impress at 70,000 miles down the road. I can not think of a single car that I would want to drive for what the value of this car is worth currently. It is still tight and drives as good as ever. Taken care of properly this car is as good of a performance sedan that has been put out in the last 10 years. I cant wait to see the new 540 due out in 2003 as an 04 model.

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  Tradition of racing - 2001 BMW Z3
  By dmccarty - December 28 - 2:00 am

  The style of this car will always be one of tradition and class. The handling and responsiveness are exhilarating, but can be improved with a worthwhile $3,000 investment in a Dinan S Package.

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  Rocket ship - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Eppykid - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I drove a 3 series for the past three years. I loved it. I recently graduated to the 540i. The 540 feels like a rocket ship. If I could afford an M-5, Id buy it...but...this car has everything I need.

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  Wow. - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By FrostyPaw - December 27 - 2:00 am

  You just cant drive anything else once youve owned one of these.

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  2003 BMW M-3 Conv.in Phoenix Yellow - 2002 BMW M3
  By Ferraristi - December 26 - 2:00 am

  As the owner of a 1965 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 which had the mishap of NOT dodging a tree last March,and a 1985 Chrysler LeBaron Town&Country conv. that had run its course, I wanted a car for everyday transportation that would provide excitement and performance. The BMW M-3 has outdistanced my hopes and expectations! The Phoenix yellow exterior, cinnamon interior leather, 6- speed trans, 333HP engine, HarmonKardon speaker system, and Navigational system all contribute to providing me with the BEST vehicle I have ever owned.

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  powerhouse that seats 5 - 2002 BMW M3
  By iamderek - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I see comparisons between 911s and z06s for a car that can seat 5 (very tightly) and can beat any Porche save the turbo and gt2, is built solid, and hauls butt. This is a sports car that isnt really a sports car ie. 2 seats that can hang with some of the best 2 seaters for lots less. If you want style, brute force, and luxury, this is the car to get.

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  Greatest Road Car ! - 2003 BMW M3
  By knockout - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Highly Recommended sports car ! Its is truely bang for the buck with its F1 PAddle Shifting SMG ii Option, is Precision, Power and Passion.

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  Even better... - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Noel - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Love at first sight. Love it even more after a month. The ride, performance, features and look are just what I want. Only one complaint: the cell phone choice is bad. Ancient Motorola and no GSM carrier. No reason to not have universal adaptor and any carrier, phone or plan.

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  The beastest car ever! - 2002 BMW M3
  By never dies - December 24 - 2:00 am

  A diablo embodied as a car!!