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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  It really is a value. - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Dozier - August 16 - 10:00 am

  When you consider what this car has and does, plus the sheer good looks and safety, its more than worth the cash. Ive experienced no problems at all, and the dealership is amazing. Im back in the BMW camp for good this time.

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  View from Italy - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Husker9457 - August 16 - 10:00 am

  A classic that everyoe should get to drive on a European highway, to truely enjoy the engineering that went into this fine automobile!

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  330xi AWD Sedan - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By PatrickW9 - August 16 - 10:00 am

  We test drove the M-B E320 AWD, the Jaguar X-type 3.0, the Audi A4 Quattro, the Subaru H6-3.0 VDC Sedan and a few others; we have experience driving Porsches and other performance cars. The xi performs brilliantly; to get better performance and handling would cost over $10,000 more (e.g., the M3). We are just delighted with this vehicle.

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  Great car that needs minor tweaking - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By LEONARD WALL III - August 16 - 5:23 am

  This is by far the most fun car Ive ever owned. I own the 330i with the premium and sport packages. I drove the car from NC to OH and the car did great. Whats not to love about the car? I have only two major complaints. The use of the navigation system, and not being able to change my own oil. The iDrive/nav is a complete pain and utter frustration. That, and the unavailability of oil filters at your local auto parts is about it. 4yr maintenance is included with car, but I prefer to change my own thank you. However, once you get the car dialed in from the iDrive, its a BLAST!

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  Cup Holders? Yikes! - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By gbuck - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Awesome ride. Cant add more to what has already been said. Speed, comfort, handling this car has it all. The cup holders are a laugh arent they?

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  BMW rating - 2001 BMW X5
  By kartahoo - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Sports package comfortable only for the one in the drivers seat. The rest of passengers "Suffer".

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  Awful Experience!!! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By JakesShop - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2002 530i - sport-premium package. The first 4,000 miles were like a dream ... incredible. Then began the vibration, and the "shimmie"ing of the steering wheel. The dealership tells me that is normal for a sports-premium 530i. I cant beieve it. This car shakes! You can feel the vibration in your pant legs ... even on the smoothest roads. I have loved BMWs for a long time. This one, my very first, has been such an awful experience, I can barely look at BMWs anymore!!! Hate is a strong word. Its the only one that fits my experience to this point. BMW - if you rad this please help!!!

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  This car is a Gas ! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By stars59 - August 15 - 2:00 am

  This car is a Gas! It handles on all types of roads with the very best. The build quality is excellent, the sport suspension leaves very little to be desired.This automobile daily gives miles of smiles.

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  Exotic but sane - 2002 BMW Z8
  By zetnensch - August 15 - 2:00 am

  After 6,000 miles the Z8 still amazes me. While its more GT than racer, its cornering and acceleration are fantastic. While it feels big to drive, it autocrossed wonderfully. The big stress is always where to park it so it wont get dinged by some Bozo. My 20 something childrens friends, (and almost everyone else), begs for rides. Anonymous, its not.

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  FunCar - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By CarMan - August 14 - 4:50 pm

  A smooth engine and superb handling make this an enjoyable drive in town or out on the twisties. A somewhat dated design that still attracts attention.