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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  Very Pleased - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By jsh2 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  A first rate upgrade from my BMW 540i.It is especially roomy in the back seat and it drives smoothly. The sound system is nothing short of spectacular as this car had an upgraded radio.

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  Not the best from BMW - 2001 BMW X5
  By balp - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Model rushed to market without adequate testing in my opinion.Good in snow HVAC wheel controls replaced door handle replaced due to peeling ball joints replaced after 20,000 miles (car never driven off road) to correct cluncking noise followup service necessary to replace bushings as well. This is unacceptable premature front end failure for a vehicle designed for off road use..Cabin fairly quiet.

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  A 4 door Z3 - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By sports car driver - July 4 - 2:00 am

  This is a great handling family car. Feels much like the 1997 Z3 2.8 I owned. I also own an S2000, so I didnt feel the need for the more powerfull 3.0. As a commuter vehicle the 325i is comfortable, reliable and gets about 27 miles to the gallon on the highway. It has a cruising range of over 400 miles. While the basic car is a bargain, the options are pricey. With leather, premium package, zenon lights, winter package, and stereo upgrade the net was $32,700 after a 4+% discount which I had to shop for.This is a really good car, practical yet quite sporty and fun to drive.

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  Fun & Reliable - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Ana - July 4 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive. It is responsive, reliable and appealing to the fashionable driver. It is surprisingly economical for its performance. Two downturns: I had more hitches than expected, such as burned bulbs etc. - nothing major, but certainly a time consuming pain not a spacious family car at all passengers in the back seat are sure to complain during a long drive. Overall, perfect for a single adventurer or young couple. Absolutely love it and will continue to be a loyal BMW buyer (previously owned a 7-series and a M3).

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  Review - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Indy Virk - July 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is abseloutly fantastic going around corners and the pick up speed is just awesome, this car made me speechless, you just cant find the words which sum this car up.

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  What a dream! - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Chris, Wheeling WV - July 3 - 12:13 am

  Just picked up my 08 535xi with Nav, Logic 7, SAT Radio, IPOD, Premium Pkg, PDC, Cold Weather & sport wheels. Handles great, fast as a rocket and the most comforable seats ive ever been in. IDRIVE is simple. Also the best headlight around. I dare you to drive it, youll love this car. It screams luxury inside!

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  Best luxury sedan on the planet - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By FaustoMD - July 1 - 2:00 am

  The new BMW 745 (I own a fully loaded Li), is, hands down, the best sedan on the planet. Ride, finish, performance, convenience and looks are all straight 10s. The trunk is actually one of the most attractive (and debated over) features. Audi, VW are about to debut with new flagship sedans, but I think only MB in 2005 will be able to come close to this car with the new S series. I also own a MB E430 4Matic. There is no comparison with the finish and the ride. I am very happy for the choice Ive made.

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  First BMW - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By yost - July 1 - 2:00 am

  I am 67 years young so have owned many autos both domestic & import. My 530i is by far the best car that I have ever owned. My grandchildren beg me to let them show it off to their friends and love to drive it. BMW is my friend for th rest of my life! This year & model is so good that I feel it will become a collectors classic in years to come.

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  I love it the 745i - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Marcelo Ribas - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I am glad I bought this car, it is simply the BEST luxury sedan of the world. I love it even more now after I tested the Mercedes S series (what a piece of junk). I make excuses to go to places and drive this AWSOME car.

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  BMW 7 Series poorly build - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By wtmason - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I love driving this car and the way it looks. This is why after having a bad maintenance exp. with my 1992 BMW 7 series and purchased a new 1998 series, all to find I have the same on going maintenance. I have now given up and I am selling to buy another car from another manufacture.