BMW is an independent German company and manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles. BMW is the parent company of the MINI and the Rolls-Royce car brands. The company was formed in 1913.

Background

Ever since the 3 Series launched BMW have been head and shoulders above the rest. However since the cultural shift to premium brands in the late 90s, BMW have become mass market and still retained class leading dynamics, build quality and, until recently, design.

Because the 1 series is recently launched (and awful) well skip it here for now. The M3 and M5 are superb cars with the M5 in particular offering exceptional value.