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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  review - 2002 BMW M5
  By joe linkon - August 8 - 2:00 am

  i love it. its the best car ever

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  Dreams Come True - 2004 BMW Z4
  By PMendez - August 7 - 10:00 am

  It is a awesome machine to drive! I love the way you can feel the road and cornering is unbelieveable! The power and acceleration is quick and responsive. A pleasure to drive!

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  Superlative from Start to Finish - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Anthony2 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  My 4th BMW. They keep getting better. Old purist balk at the new design (my suspicion is that people are mostly upstet because the new design makes the 2003 and older now look dated). I live in Germany, and the car cruises at 120 MPH as smoothly as if it were going 55 MPH on a US highway. The controls are intuitive without being too busy. Always go with leather and the sport package. You will hate me because I got a US Specs 530i, with Steptronic, and leather for under $42K in Germany under the Military Sales Program (Shipping to the USA, and no taxes when I bring it home)--but Im military and it is a small benefit for spending 12 months fighting the war.

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  bmw M3 - 2002 BMW M3
  By MikesBMWm3 - August 7 - 2:00 am

  the bmw M3 is a great car i have owned mine now four three weeks...and i have nothing but excellent things to say about this car...and the SMG 11 is great

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  Its a ten - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Esarbee - August 7 - 2:00 am

  Perfection on wheels. It handles and corners like the TGV. Titanium gray with gray leather. Best car I have ever owned.

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  Where do I put my stuff? - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By fofoshack - August 7 - 2:00 am

  Perfect, except the console storage (or lack thereof)

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  Very excited - 1993 BMW 5-Series
  By Radley Espadron - August 7 - 2:00 am

  The feel and power of this car makes me feel like Imm actually driving a sports car. But the roominess reminds me that Im in a sedan.

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  Best Car I have owned - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Jodi - August 6 - 5:13 pm

  First time BMW owner and I think I am spoiled already. Ive had this car now for 3 days and just looking at it make me excited. Everything from how the car handles to the style is amazing!!

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  Good entry level BMW - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By tkb - August 6 - 2:00 am

  Good overall car, look great, beautiful interior. Save money on the Harmom/Kardon Systems its not worth it. The hesitant while the car is hot almost got me hit couple time.

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  Weak and sensually wanting - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By waveman - August 5 - 2:00 am

  With an automatic, stock tires and rims this Bimmer is the ultimate pig. My Honda Accord wagon is more fun. At 90,000 miles it creaks and groans like a reluctant old door. My girlfriend does look good in it though! Not up to my expectations of a BMW,