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:

• 

  WHAT A EXCELLENT CAR - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By sade - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS OUT OF MY CAR.NOW I GET LOOKS BECAUSE I WAS NOT GETTING LOOKS ON MY 98 NISSANN ALTIMA I JUST HAVE TO SAY AND GIVE IT AN EXCELLENT.

• 

  I Love This Car!!! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By M. J. - October 31 - 7:36 am

  This is the best car I have ever purchased. My only regret was not doing it sooner. Words cannot do justice to the feel of this car, but it is superb. The 2.5 liter engine has enough power for me, and the interior and exterior design is timeless.

• 

  2008 BMW 535xi - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Newyokie - October 31 - 1:53 am

  Had this car for a month now. I test drove M, A6, E350. Now theyre all great cars. But you never choose a car by what other people are saying. Its just what you "feel" when you drive. BMW 535xi had an "x" factor which no others had. Im sure other BMW owners know what Im talking about. Some dislike the rear end, but I think it was ahead of its time and others are catching on. Some say M is at same level as BMW. Are you kidding me? Maybe 2007 model. Not the bi-turbo 2008. I dont know what the fuss is about iDrive. It was confusing during test drive. But if you know how to use a computer or playstation, you should be smart enough to get it down within a week. Even my wife knows how.

• 

  My favorite car - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Richard - October 31 - 1:33 am

  It pays to use a private mechanic for routine maintenance, but if you have to go to a dealer for BMW tech issues, such as electronics, be prepared for high cost. This car is really fun to drive with a stick shift, and handles beautifully, as you would expect with a BMW. Its body is still in great shape after 10 years. People compliment me on how well it rides and its comfortable seats. Ill be sad to part with it.

• 

  Exotic Car at half the price - 2008 BMW Z4 M
  By beemerhead - October 30 - 3:13 am

  I have taken this car on several road trips, the longest to Vegas and I have autocrossed it once, too. The car handles amazingly well and stuck corners I didnt think I could do. It is fine on a track which is why I bought it but it is civilized enough for daily use, too. Most people think the car costs over $100k. In Vegas they parked my car out front with the Maseratis and Astons because of its looks. People point at you as you drive around and kids holler (good) things at you at the theater. I love the sculpture like looks and the fact not a single other car on the road is even vaguely similar.

• 

  Long live the King - 2000 BMW M5
  By jared - October 29 - 2:00 am

  The M5 is definitely the pinnicle of the sports sedan market. The E 55 doesnt come with a manual transmission, the S6 is too soft and loads up in the corners, and the XJR is just too heavy. BMW has given these cars telepathic handling, perfectly weighted steering, and one of the best transmissions I have ever used. The perfect, seamless blend of raw power, race inspired handling, BMW luxury. All hail the king!

• 

  Luxury Luxury Luxury - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By Shorty - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This car is absolutely fun to drive. It handles extremely well. We had looked at the Lexus and Mercedes. The Lexus was more of a softer ride and the Mercedes was in the same ball park with the Beemer, but the cost was extremely more. Even if the Mercedes was priced around the same, we would have still went with the Beemer.

• 

  BMW 325i - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By John Bogan - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Generally the best car Ive ever owned.

• 

  What a ride - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By fasr - October 28 - 2:00 am

  One of the nicest cars Ive had the pleasure of driving. Great build quality, classic looks, outstanding performance. Not a cop magnet, but a lot of fun to drive around. I hope to have my 540i for a long long time.

• 

  M3 wannabe - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By kekle - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This car gets no respect, but as far as Im concerned it is the most balanced, lightest bmw out there. big hatch, can fit 2x4 studs. Great car.