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:

• 

  Amazing Bimmer! - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By E39Lover - August 20 - 2:00 am

  This car has the sport/premium package and what a difference it makes. The car handles like a dream, equally balancing sport handling with a luxury feel. The quiet, smooth ride makes you want to go around the block one more time. The car has 33K miles and accelerates just like new. Best Car Ive ever driven - beats Lexus, Audi and Mercedes, hands down.

• 

  Drivers choice - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By FatCat - August 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is simply the best. Its gives a great driving experience and serves as a practical car, with four doors and spacious trunk. Power is excellent with the V8, and control is spot on, the big tires plant themselves to the road and just dont let go. I dread the day, many years from now when Ill have to give up this car.

• 

  FUN!!!! - 2002 BMW M5
  By chasmcg - August 20 - 2:00 am

  The car is nicknamed the "Beast" for a reason. The car is simply amazing! It will leave your heart in the back seat as the beast comes to 60 mph under 5 seconds. All the gears pull strong. The M5 Driving Experience put on by BMW for every owner explores the real capabilities of the beast. Then and only then do you appreciate the enginneering and performance. The M5 stops quicker than a 911 (that says something.)

• 

  The ultimate worst vehicle - 2001 BMW X5
  By Miffed - August 20 - 2:00 am

  X5 simply quit running on the interstate today for the third time in 2 months. Fuel sensor and fuel pump problems before but I think this time its something else. Several workmanship issues still crop up: rear hatch pops open, window seals fall off, interior light pop out of fixture. Consumer Report rates this X5 as a "Worst" used vehicle.

• 

  Simply the Best - 2002 BMW X5
  By bimmerguy - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Just took delivery of a X5 4.4. Previously owned a 01 530ia. The X5 I find is built better and more solid. Tons more enjoyable to drive. Gas mileage is okay given the performance and weight of the vehicle. So glad I changed vehicles. Never looked back at my decision to trade the 5 series. The price may be steep but well worth it.

• 

  Great car - 1991 BMW 7-Series
  By psy - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Brought it at 105,000 miles, put another 65,000 in 6 years. Had of put about $1000/year into the car but a great, fun and comfort car to drive. Great car to pass on the freeway. Smooth at high speed and taking corners.

• 

  Its the real thing. - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By jet black - August 19 - 8:13 pm

  Its our first German made car and we were thrilled with it. Its the real thing and not going back to Japanese made car again. Comes with sports package and navigation system. 18 inch wheel and run flat tires makes it sportier. Feeling cloud 9 once you are driving it. The acceleration and the brakes are very impressive. Its one of the fastest and the sexiest cars ever made. Its driving me crazy and wish Im in it 24/7.

• 

  1990 750iL - Wow - 1990 BMW 7-Series
  By Rich01810 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  What a car! Here is a chance to purchase a car that went for over $70,000 for 10 cents on the dollar. The features this car has rivals current luxury cars and its 12 years old. The pickup is tremendous for a car its size, and it is the most comfortable car Ive ever owned. A pleasure to drive on multi hour trips. A must buy!!

• 

  Great buy for the money! - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By allawi1 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Excellent value, better than expected with soothness of drive and very impressive engine !

• 

  BMW 325is - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By ICatchYou2004 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car! i love it!