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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  Best car Ive owned - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Poway driver - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful car. Great handling which is especially noticable at higher speeds compared to other cars. Braking is excellent. Acceleration is appropriate for engine size. Fuel economy better than expected.

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  Scared to own an M5 - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Converted007 - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This is one rock-solid car that delivers phenomenal gas mileage. At first we thought the digital readout was incorrect, but have learned to trust it after fill to fill checks. With the cruise set at 140-160 kph (86 to 99 mph) and a good radar detector we have consistently achieved 30+ miles per gallon on the highway and 23 mpg in the city.

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  Very clean - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By johnnybadboy - December 7 - 2:00 am

  the best car i ever had

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  Flying car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Flying Car - December 6 - 11:30 pm

  I would have rated this car very high if it was not the hesitation in acceleration from full stop and location and size of control buttons

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  Good lookin - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By Chris Campbell - December 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun car! It makes people turn their heads. I just recently put new BMW factory wheels on mine to make it look newer. This car has great handling. It is very reliable and I have had no major problems. Overall it is a cool car. Electronics need some work. The car is weak when the air conditioner is on and when its cold.

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  My 16th birthday present - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By JChris - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Everyone at my school loves my car. I got it from my mom after she drove it for 2 years. No problems since our ownership. This car is fun and turns lots of heads. Great gas mileage! Still looks and feels new!

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  Possibly The Perfect Car - 1997 BMW M3
  By Sportscarnut - December 5 - 2:00 am

  THE best practical sportscar on the market. Looked at the 4 door M3 also until my significant other declared it "plain". Quick poll of females at the office reached the same conclusion. Take your time looking and spend about 20% over the Edmunds estimate to get an enthusiast owned car. Youll be glad that you did. High mileage is OK as long as maintenance has been done, and the pricing is appropriate. Be prepared for sticker shock on operating costs if you have owned a Honda. Dealer parts are pricey, and M-specific parts are ridiculous. 17" tires last about 15,000 miles at the max. PAY THE PRICE AND BUY THIS CAR!!

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  Wow - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By MacGyver - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Performance for all seasons. This is tops when it comes to entry level sport sedans. The all wheel drive on this car is absolutly perfect for the snow and ice in the northeast and the power and responsiveness put the audi a4 1.8t and the ugly ford-styled x-type to shame.

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  It Will Teach You to Drive - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Buzzy501 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Performance, Speed, and Handling are all tightly integrated with a great user experience. As the road conditions became more demanding, I found that this car responded at each opportunity better than I anticipated. After driving this car for awhile, it struck me that BMW needs to market this machine in this way: "IT WILL TEACH YOU TO DRIVE"

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  Wow - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Macgyver - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Performance for all seasons. This is tops when it comes to entry level sport sedans. The all wheel drive on this car is absolutly perfect for the snow and ice in the northeast and the power and responsiveness put the audi a4 1.8t and the ugly ford-styled x-type to shame.