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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  love my 5 series - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Katy t - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I own a 2004 545i BMW and I LOVE this car. I have had so much fun with it, it drives so smooth and comfortable. I have a bad back and so many cars are just not comfortable for me to drive or ride in for a very long time, this BMW is so great I can go at least 6 hours without stopping at all. I also love the new design, I dont understand it when I hear that some dont like the 2004 body style, it looks so sleek and fast (like it is) and going fast, well, that is the best thing about this car it just pulls you and wants to go.

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  The most enjoyable car I ever had - 2000 BMW Z3
  By Readyo26 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Its so much fun getting into this car, start the engine hear it start up right away, the 6-Cylinder humm, backing out of a space is easy, the way it handles is great, it hugs the road, ... just all in all a fun vehicle.

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  I Love My BoomDub! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Hookembaby2004 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  The BMW 330 Ci is super-classy, yet maintains the driving experience every sports car should attempt to live up to.

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  awesome car to buy - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By wade quinton - August 12 - 2:00 am

  the BEST car i have purchased!!!! nice color, good handling, overall excellent vehicle. reccommend this vehicle to any person(s) looking for a a new car, especially for the price... for roughly $40,000, you can get a well equipped bmw.. the heated seats definitely come/came in handy! EVERYONE was great at the dealership also. no pressure in buying the vehicle, very professional. best place around to buy a vehicle.

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  BMW - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By Bearing Engineer - August 12 - 2:00 am

  The handling of this car is exceptional and very perdictable. This car combines very good performance with good fuel economy. Interior layout is excellent.

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  many small problems - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By CJ - August 11 - 2:00 am

  oil leaks,a/c noises-rattles,this car runs sluggish at times.handles very well.onboard computer always dispaying incorrect warnings!

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  X% a bummer and NOT a bimmer - 2002 BMW X5
  By Disappointed BMan - August 11 - 2:00 am

  The X5 looks great and performs well during the first year. However, the vehicle does not keep "chuggin" like the other BMSs I owned. This one is a true American car. All the platic pieces start failing at 25,000 miles and the brakes, transmission and AC fail at less than 30,000 miles. BEWARE! The X5 is not really a BMW. Its good looks hide faulty workmanship.

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  Great Engineering - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Lucky One - August 9 - 2:00 am

  I am on my fourth BMW. All great cars. Have had some (very few) minor problems. Very dependable cars.

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  1998 BMW M3 2 Door Coupe Dakar Yellow - 1998 BMW M3
  By cac - August 8 - 2:00 am

  LOVE this car, treat her well and she will treat you equally. Think I would have prefered to marry the M3.

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  Wow!! - 2002 BMW M3
  By JasonMS - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I had heard a lot about this car. I was going to buy a M5, but the dealer convinced me to buy a M3 Convertible. I have the SMGII transmission. This is the best car I have ever driven. It handles, accelerates, and looks good. My friends and family are jealous. Although expensive, the M3 is the best car for the money, when compared to more expensive sports cars that do not stand up to the M3.