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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  Upgrade to newer year - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By bwilljr - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I just moved up from my 97 to a 99 528IA. So sweet. I was looking at new Nissan Altimas, used Volvo S-80s, and Infinity G35s. Bottom line - they are not the ultimate drivig machine. Buy a ceritifed used vehicle, beat on the dealer, do your homework on price (TMV with Edmunds and look at Car & Drivers websote as well as Kelly Blue Book on line), sell your used car, and take advantage of BMW financing (Im in at 3.9 60 months, 100%). You will not be sorry.

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  Classic BMW - 740iL - 1999 BMW 7-Series
  By Lord Zornes - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This was our first 7 series - our other being a 2000 740iL. Have been impressed with the quiet, comfort and speed - not to mention the "legacy look" of the E38 7 Series. The new E60 series are too hodge- podged on the exterior for our taste. I doubt well be upgrading anytime soon. Only issue - the Nappa leather on our green one (a butter creme colour) -- seems to reek of mustiness all the time - especially when the summer heat bakes the car during the day. Replacing the airfilter, as well as placing boxes of Arm & Hammer baking soda doesnt seem to remove the stale smell. *sigh* - time for some "leather" spray I guess.

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  My Dream Car-The Ultimate M3 Convertible - 2001 BMW M3
  By dreamtoys - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my dream car for many years. I have heard so much about the M3 in the past. Then the new 2001 M3 with 333 hp. came to this shore. I went and order two of them- one couple and one convertibe. I took the first available convertible in Imola red. I love the red, black, black combination. The other standard colors like silver, white, blue etc. are too common. It is as fast as a Porsche 911. Better than Boxter S which has less horse power, speed and handling features. Ferrari has a reason to paint most of their cars red!

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  Innovation - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Lickerman - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Found new technology to be better than anything I had imagined. The i drive system takes time to understand but then it becomes easy. Overall a wonderful vehicle in all aspects.

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  The best - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By skiier - August 1 - 2:00 am

  The most fun to drive - and I thought nothing would beat my 93 Taurus SHO. Even with less HP, this one really goes. Love to set the cruise at 100 for long trips - thats when the car is at its best.

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  First BMW - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By KenC - July 31 - 7:50 pm

  I have wanted a BMW my entire adult life and Im thrilled to finally be an owner. Great performance and awesome styling.

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  God bless Germany - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Steve T - July 31 - 2:00 am

  The absolute best car I have ever driven, and some of the cars I have driven include the Q45, Lexus LS400, Saab 95 and the Acura RL. The handling is unreal, it takes turns like you would not believe. I mean what can you say about the the ultimate driving machine, other than it really is the ultimate driving machine.

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  2007 530i Sedan Review - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Lineman - July 30 - 3:06 pm

  This car is the best handling and nicest car I have owned. It is smooth when accelerating and the handling is impressive. The navigation is solid and I did not personally have a issue with the iDrive system. Anyone with computer mouse experience and the ability to conquer Microsoft Windows will find the iDrive system easy to use. My only advice is to stay away from the Performance Package with the run flat tires if you dont want to feel like your running over a speed bump by just running over a cigarette butt.

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  bmwci - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Jon - July 30 - 9:56 am

  great design & style. Unbelievable drive from this car. Exterior is beautiful and always a head turner.

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  BMW 745 - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By jim welsh - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding car! Better than after owning it a couple of months!