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:

• 

  Everything I wanted it to be... - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Pej - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I test drove this car back in April and fell in love... Unfortunately I couldnt stomach the $65k price tag. On the test drive I was having so much fun, the salesman had to remind me that I was doing 120 MPH!!! The car was so smooth and glued to the road it was as if I was drive 40... The recent reduction in price brought the price of the 540i down into my price range, so I couldnt resist. I am very happy with my purchase of my first BMW.

• 

  Love and Obsession - 1997 BMW 8-Series
  By crcruznsf - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with the 8-series when it first debuted in 1991, and dreamed of owning one. Purchased my mid-life crisis car in 2000, and I have been in driver heaven ever since. Handling, handling, handling, on rails! Sinks into the road at high speed (tops at around 160, and yes, I got a ticket). Just drove cross-country with it and it was much more fun than flying first class. Averaged 25 mpg for the 3500 mile trip! Now I have to buy an SUV, because this baby will never see snow. Cant say enough about the design and execution. Routine maintenance costs are what youd expect for a car in this class.

• 

  Mikes 750IL - 1991 BMW 7-Series
  By Mike inNC - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful ride. Handles well for its size and weight. Amazing acceleration and performance. 16mpg mixed driving. No inexpensive repairs. Have recently replaced heater core, radiator and ac compressor.

• 

  No substitute - 1999 BMW M3
  By Limey- - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Superb......quite simply the finest sports coupe on the planet. Its the "standard" no mabufacturer has even come close to. Now go buy one!!!

• 

  My 328i - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Al Floer - October 11 - 2:00 am

  This car was bought with 26 k miles on t.i We have had to replace the brake disks 2 times, but this may be due to incorrect torqeing of the lugs by me. The car otherwise has been great. Just now replacing the shocks at 76k. Plan to keep for many years. May even give it to my grand child that is not born yet.. LOL

• 

  owner - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Mo - October 10 - 2:00 am

  vrey nice car. fun to drive. very highteck

• 

  owner - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By mo - October 10 - 2:00 am

  vrey nice car. fun to drive. very highteck

• 

  540 - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By bentrodri - October 9 - 2:00 am

  All that a perfermormance sedan can be. Outstanding car!

• 

  FUN CAR - 2002 BMW Z3
  By AMILCAR - October 9 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR WAS LOTS OF FUN I TOOK IT TO 130 MILES. LOVED TO DRIVE CNVERTIBLE ON THE RAIN...TRY IT SOME TIME!

• 

  2006 BMW 3 Series 325i - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By lwdw - October 8 - 10:06 pm

  Silky ride and excellent road feel. Very good build quality (matls) and fit/finish.