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:

• 

  Nice Ride! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Silver4evr - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I took delivery on 12/12/03 of a Titanium Silver 530ia with light grey leather/Antracite trim, Steptronic Auto Trans, Premium, Sport, Prem. Sound, Parking Distance Control, Active Cruise Control, and Fold Down split rear seat. I test drove a 330ia and a 525ia before deciding. The 330ia was very fast but bouncy. The 525ia felt a tad bit under powered. The car does everything asked of it and more. There are some cool design touches: The mirrors automatically turn down when in reverse so you can see the curb, the music volume automatically increases at high speeds to overcome road noise. Through the iDrive, almost everything is programmable.

• 

  Great Car - 2003 BMW M3
  By M3neurology - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great car. I would recommend it for anyone.

• 

  AWSOME IN BAD WEATHER!!!!!! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By hockii - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This 325xi lives up to the commercial that touts good handling in rotten conditions just unreal to drive live in northeast and it hugged the road in snow and sleet which is why I purchased it !!!!!!!

• 

  The Ultimate Driving Machine............ - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By tc2700 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  They sure nailed it when they came up witht that slogan years back. I was lucky enough to snag a 2004 convertible in late summer and what a car it is! The steering is incredible with a nice heavy secure feel as you are cruising about. I was also amazed at the turning radius, the wheels can cut so far compared to past vehicles. The styling is flat out gorgeous, something about the grill and headlights on a Beemer, definitely a head turner. The top drops in 20 seconds at the push of a button and tucks cleanly away. The interior is laid out well and is comfortable (in the front seat anyway) This car is truly the ultimate!

• 

  Wow...i like - 1999 BMW Z3
  By Silver w/blacktop - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Used to own a 97 2.3L Z3....this 2.8L is much better. The power behind this car is incredible, its very fun to drive. The added roll bars provide better security. The seats are incredible: heated, holding capability, and comfort all rolled into one. Not very practical, but thats not its purpose. Its a very fun toy!

• 

  I LOVE IT - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By rjs5689 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 1990 and still today she runs strong. i love hitting the parkway entrance becuase i know i can just hit it and fly on with no problem. It is very comfortablt it is black on black so it does get kinda hit. the auto transmisison shifts like a charm even with the 90000 mile son it now.

• 

  Amazing Automobile! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By mentalmijit - December 23 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. The fit and finish on the car are perfect. The cockpit is well laid out and the car fits like a glove. Performance is great, but gas mileage (22 mpg is what weve observed) stinks compared to 30 mpg we got w/ our 00 Jetta GLS. We are delighted with our purchase and look forward to owning many more BMWs over the years.

• 

  2 seater fun ride - 1996 BMW Z3
  By - December 23 - 2:00 am

  The z3 can be described as the ultimate fun cruz when it comes to driving on curving mountain roads in western North Carolina. This sports car hugs the road like a suction cup, no sway or bounce just sheer control, not near as enjoyable on expressways with 18 wheelers towering above the little car.All in all a very enjoyable car to drive.

• 

  2 seater fun ride - 1996 BMW Z3
  By Norm - December 23 - 2:00 am

  The z3 can be described as the ultimate fun cruz when it comes to driving on curving mountain roads in western North Carolina. This sports car hugs the road like a suction cup, no sway or bounce just sheer control, not near as enjoyable on expressways with 18 wheelers towering above the little car.All in all a very enjoyable car to drive.

• 

  528iT - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By branmur - December 22 - 2:00 am

  great alternative to a mini van and SUV