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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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By UNKNOWNBMW M5 - October 24 - 2:00 am

  Best Car on Earth All BMWs are

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  Try It, I Bet You Buy It. - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By newbmw745 - October 24 - 2:00 am

  Great deal, great car. This car has the feel of a much smaller and nimber vehicle. Its rides smooth on the highway and like a 3 series in the city.

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  Great Leap Forward for BMW - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By oinick - October 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is unbelievably good. Has awesome power, excellent build quality, wonderfully comfortable power heated/cooled/massaging/ventilating seats. iDrive is no big deal, but setting radio stations a pain. Nav system is behind the times (need DVD system, which other BMWs except 7 will get for 2003). Has been back to dealer for software problems three times, but dealer is really interested in fixing problems and has always had loaner (7 or other). Overall, quite pleased. Much better car than my previous 2 7 series cars.

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  So sweet - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By Hxciter - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this car from my Dad, he bought it new, so I know the history. It has 63,000 miles and feels as tight as the day he took it home, quality is awesome, down to the door sounding solid when shut, and even how rigid the turn signal lever feels. You cant put this stuff into words until you drive this thing. Quiet on the inside, the heated seats heat up 3x as fast as my new 2003 expedition, and for a hog of a car it does move out. Love the way the engine sounds too. Not one single complaint. (although I have yet to have major maintenace work done yet, so I am unfamiliar with the cost of repairs. i.e. brakes, etc.)

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  Great Overall Car! - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By Kansas City Andrew - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Very fun car to drive, I always look forward to driving somewhere. It has a lot of power and a lot of options. It is the ulitmate luzury package. No car drive better than a BMW 740!

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  Great sport suv - 2001 BMW X5
  By Matt D. - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Drives like a car with the added bonus of a suv. I wouldnt recommend going off road, but who does anymore?

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  Would Be Great But.... - 2003 BMW X5
  By Jeffrey19608 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is unsafe. My brake pedal fell completely off. Fortunately I was in a parking lot when it happened with my family in the car. No one was injured. The driver side window decided tt break on a trip. Had to drive the car with the window down. Window fell out while driving. I have a 2000 4.4. This vehicle needs more testing & quality control. Have lost confidence in the vehicle! Fotunately the dealership I purchased the car from is top notch! I think they need to be. They see me too much.

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  Pure Excellence - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By John Doe III - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this Beemer for almost 5yrs It has taken me to a level never dreamed of with 40 other cars, trucks. It is more like my airplane construction quality. Solid ride, no expense except maintainence to 116000 mi. 29 mpg Hy all day on PLUS. Paid $19k in 98 w/36k mi...cant find another "deal".

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  Z3 2.5 - 2000 BMW Z3
  By az - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This is the greatest car I have ever owned. Cannot see driving anything else.

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  X5=Fun to drive - 2001 BMW X5
  By PMM - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a fully loaded X5 3.0 September 2002 and could not be happier. This vehicle is well crafted and very powerful. Test drove the MDX and was not impressed with handling and design compared to the X5. Highway and local driving is an absolute pleasure. Interior design is carefully thought out and comfortable. This is a great SAV!