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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  In the Shop - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By Auggie - October 8 - 2:00 am

  While Im impressed with the luxury, Im not happy with the ongoing maintenance. This is the "Flagship" marquis of BMW. So then why so many problems? Ive been an owner of Jaguar and I must say Ive had fewer misques than with BMW. I enjoy the feel of the 740il, but think they could have done a better job with the overall quality of the vehicle.

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  not too flashy!! just performance. - 2002 BMW Z8
  By el mauro - October 8 - 2:00 am

  so much power, but the ride feel like feather, just imagine a motorcycle with four wheels !! it is a clasic, from any angle the finishing touches make it so unique, cant go wrong with this car!!

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  The Sportiest "SUV" Out There! - 2002 BMW X5
  By Patricia - October 8 - 2:00 am

  A true BMW performer! Have tested many other vehicles and always kept coming back to the X5. V8 is very fast and the quality finish is superb. Very sexy, eye catching and very safe, especially in a crash! Once you drive a BMW, you will not go back to anything else, it just gives you that special feeling and you know that everyone around you wished they had one too.

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  1995 BMW 530i - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By jpac - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Excellent road car, great performance in any engine. Handling is best part of the car. Better than most new cars I have driven.

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  Best BMW Ive Owned - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By chb - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned 4 5-series and 1 7-series and my husband had a M6 and a M3 and this is the best BMW yet. My last 5 was a 2000 540i Sport 6 speed also. I could not believe the difference between the new one and the old one. The handing is super, the suspension wonderful. I love to drive it.

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  The 5 sets the standard! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By bmwmrc - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I love the handling, fit and finish, and yes even the power of the vehicle, even though its missing a little bit of horse power. The car however, is a dream to drive. I compared it to others in it class including Lexus, Acura and Saab and nothing drives or feels like the ultimate driving machine!

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  Ultimate Driving Machine - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Braindead - October 6 - 10:00 am

  The 330i is the closest thing to the perfect car when it comes to driving. Tremendous acceleration and at the same time the control and the ride are amazing. The price of course is quite a bit more than the competition but spending those few K more gets you the ultimate driving machine.

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  my first BMW...wont be my last, either! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By andergtr - October 6 - 10:00 am

  45,000 miles and over 18 months after buying the car, i still love it. it truly is the ultimate driving machine. near perfect balance and amazing feedback for the driver. i wish it had more power, but then again ive never had problems speeding at over 100 mph from LA to san diego. reliability has been great. the only gripe i have is that it costs a lot to maintain.

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  6 Speed 540i - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By BCUZICAN535 - October 6 - 2:00 am

  BMw is goin in the right way i also have a 91 535i 5-speed and the 540 is much more powerful. The clutch is really have and has rapid engagement. The car is one of the best handling cars out their and its a sedan. I have not had any major mechanical problems yet. Maintanance is high but you do get what you pay for.

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  Excellent Car - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By - October 5 - 2:00 am

  I got it with 89,000 miles on it. Transmission shifts like butter and it has a very quiet engine (and I thot the Honda I owned previously was quiet). I took it to a BMW dealership for a 120 point check up and all they had to do was add some freon to the a/c. Looks great for its age. Definitely a head turner