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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  Best Sports Sedan -- Period - 2001 BMW M5
  By JFB - July 30 - 2:00 am

  A "Beast" in sheeps clothing. Looks like your basic family sedan, but keeps pace with a Corvette. The fastest production sedan on the planet. Plenty of power in all 6 gears. Top speed 155 MPH (182 MPH if delimited). All the fun of a sports car. All the amenities of an executive luxury sedan. Leather everywhere. Accolades from every major automotive magazine.

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  Former 500SL Sport Driver - 2002 BMW M3
  By sscott - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Awesome two lane performance, supremely comfortable on long, high speed, highway trips. Get rid of the cheapo plastic aluminum trim and put in the real thing or wood. Kepps driver in high adreneline mode!!

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  2002 530i, a fabulous ride - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Kodachromeguy - July 30 - 2:00 am

  This BMW 530i is so much fun! Its a remarkable combination of comfortable ride and great handling. I dont feel like Im in a mushmobile (typical Accord, Lexus, Infinity, etc.,), and I can actually feel the road surface through the steering wheel. But yet, its also comfortable on a long road trip. My car has the standard suspension, so I cant say if the sport version is much harsher. In 8 months, this car has been absolutely flawless. I highly recommend the adjustable lumbar supports in the seats, an inexpensive option. And the Xenon headlights are great for those of us whose vision is deteriorating with age.

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  near perfect, but not quite - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By 328 w/ SP, PP, Xe,CD - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Certified inspection mustve been forgotten, is in dealership for the third time getting worked on. Nothing major - speaker, seatbelt noise, alignment, rain-sensor, two-freak- electrical-events, some suspension squeaks, missing rear-view mirror trim. Other than all than, it is truly an incredible car. 5-speed and Sports Package are a must! Have driven w/o and not worth the dough. But with them the car is simply an extension of you as you fly on down the road.

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  My Bimmer - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Saud - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I had owned other sport cars as well as luxury cars. I enjoyed them all, but this is my first BMW 540 I with Sports package... Wow, I cant begin to tell you how much fun I have driving it. I dont think I would be going back to any other manufacturer from here on.

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  A well rounded performer - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Mommamobile - July 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle for someone who needs 4wd/awd and wants to get away from an SUV and have some fun!! i have 1 child and a large dog, and we fit very comfortably in this wagon. its pluses are wonderful performance, fun to drive and ability to drive in the snow..it is a little small for those with large families or those who want to haul huge amounts of gear..poor rear visibility..you have to back very carefully. i have even taken this vehicle on the track for a BMW driving school!! Highly recommended!

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  BMW 3.0 Diesel - 2003 BMW X5
  By Hungria - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I have x5 3.0 diesel, this is a fantastic machine with high torque, exelent fuel economy (about 35mpg in the city) in my country the diesel fuel is a half cheaper than the gas. There is no noise from the engine seems like gas and no smoke from the back like another diesel machines.

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  Best Car I Ever Owned - 1992 BMW 5-Series
  By Joey Bag - July 29 - 2:00 am

  She is a 1992 535i 5 speed. I have owner her since 1999 and havent had any major problems at all. She now has 215,000 miles on her and runs really strong. I changed the clutch and throw- out bearing at 180,000 miles. That cost $800. I did the front-end and replaced all the gastket including the head gasket at 200,000. was around $2000.00. She rides like a brand new car, people are always asking me what year it is and when i say 92 they are like wow, and everyong always compliment the smooth ride. She has great power and with the 5 speed its alot of fun, I added 17 inch wheels and now she handle awesome.

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  Best Deal for Cheap Wheels - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Asian Persuasion - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Here I am sportin my latest automobile acquistion. A 1996 BMW 318ti. I took this little white gem out for a spin after calling the selling party, in what seemed to be a deal that was too good to be true...$7200.00. No dents, perfect paint, everthing works! No argument here as it looks pristine! On the road it performed flawlessly as I flogged it on turn after turn. This vehicle handles! This vehicle is a nostaligic reminder of my old BMW 2002. I had the most fun in that car and the 318ti, in my opinion, is the spiritual successor brought up to current standards of crash worthiness and reliablity. Heres to another love affair with a car!

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  Labor Day Trip - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By JohnnyD - July 27 - 10:13 pm

  Just took my new 06 325i for a trip this Labor Day weekend. It was just fantastic! Felt like I was gliding on air. The transmission is so smooth and the steering makes you feel so in control. I got 32 mpg highway so the cost of gas was not as tough to handle. I thought the space was great. We got 3 suitcases and 3 shopping bags easily in the trunk. I also have the open space in the rear seat to put a long pole we go for our garden. The navigation and satellite topped it off for us - the best road trip ever by far!!!