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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  Jims 530i - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By JamesHBaker - September 27 - 2:00 am

  The car is great fun to drive! I have driven more miles since I have had my 530i than I normally do. I must say that I have enjoyed every minute. If you buy a BMW, and have the time, I suggest that you take delivery at the BMW Performance Center in SC. I think it was one of the best days of my life.

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  Great Car - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Soupy - September 27 - 2:00 am

  This car has no faults. It is the best BMW I have owned.

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  A real British roadster - 1997 BMW Z3
  By Ralph Chantry - September 25 - 2:00 am

  In British racing green. The car I have wanted but couldnt get from british cars.

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  In love - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By bimmergal - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 528ia last year, and I love it! Not only is it fun to drive, but I get great gas mileage, and I get a lot of attention from the guys! I have never had a car before that responded as quickly and powerfully as this one. I would like to have an M5 but as of yet cant afford it. Thank goodness I didnt get that 98 328 convertible I looked at first! My car is gorgeous outside and inside.Im only 26, so I didnt want a sedan that looked like an old lady car. I doubt that I will ever buy a car by any other maker! So far reliability has been good.Im at 47,988 miles now.

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  The ultimate Driving MAchine - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By broke4u - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I took delivery in the German factory and drove this bauty for 10 days on the Autobahn. I just have to say, this is the most rounded, comfortable and roadworthiest car I ever owned-- and I owned a lot of cars (61). From a stad still to 150mph the engine doesnt take a breather. It just goes like a rocket. The handling (I got the sports package) and the precision is phenomenal. I dont know how anyone could not like this car. I am absolutely happy.

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  love to drive - 2002 BMW Z3
  By driver100 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. The first time I test drove this car I new it was the one. I will never buy another Japanes car. The tork is awsome and the handeling is cool. I can say I enjoy driving to work now.

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  Hole in the wallet - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By BisForBummer - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Worst designed BMW ever. From plastic radiator to plastic fins on the water pump blade to a computer that does not adequately drain when the car is taken to a car wash such that is floods and shorts out.

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  Too many times in service - 2000 BMW Z3
  By kellyae - September 23 - 2:00 am

  This car was the dream of my life until I owned it. GREAT car to drive, but went in the shop over 20 times in the 2.5 years I owned it with non-engine problems (AC, Power windows, shift knob, clutch, etc). Some problems were the car and some were the dealership. Spent so many days in the shop that I ended up trading it in last week for a NON BMW. No more BMWs for me. It was a sad day when my dream came to an end.

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  If only it would start. - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By jbill - September 23 - 2:00 am

  What a dream to drive - if only I could get it started. I have only owned this car for 6 months and have had it in the shop 6 times. The battery keeps getting drained, the heater needed to be replaced and the cup-holder replaced twice. I know the service people on a first name basis. Not a good sign with a car that only has 28000 miles on it.

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  Lucked out ! - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By Michael Spiro - September 23 - 2:00 am

  We bought a BMW 525i in may when we fisrt arrived. We couldnt beleive what a buy we were getting. I mean we paid cash for a BMW and thought its just a matter of time before something major goes wrong with. 4 months later and she goes like a dream and start up like she has been waiting all night to go for a drive. As my mechanic said this is the best engine that BMW ever built. It will just go on and on and on as long as you look after her !!! And trust me we do.