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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  Completely different car from earlier X1s - 2017 BMW X1
  By Gary from Austin, Texas - April 25 - 11:54 am

  My wife and I test-drove a 2017 X1 last week. Happily, we also test-drove an X3, which, in our opinion, made the X1 look terrible. She ended up buying a new X3, which she finds, at this point, to be a wonderful car. Anyway, I own a 2013 X1, which I like very much. I have nothing but good to say about it. But the 2017 we drove was definitely a different car from mine. It looks pretty much the same, although I think it is a little larger. The turbo-four still has the nice kick to it. But the ride was hard -- bumpy and uncomfortable compared to my 2013 and especially compared to the X3 we drove. So, if you are interested in an X1, keep in mind that you are considering a car so different from the older X1s that perhaps it should have been renamed.

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  What a fun car - 2002 BMW M3
  By mmm - April 25 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing. The SMG transmission is great. With this option you get the best of both worlds. The paddle shifters work great. The car performs great as a commuter and it kicks ass when you let it fly.

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  Summer Car in Chicago - 1997 BMW Z3
  By Josh Clarke - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Its great and doesnt smell inside. Nothing beats a top down day cruising the streets of Chi-town.

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  BMWZ8 - 2002 BMW Z8
  By Ghostridergr1 - April 25 - 2:00 am

  An excellent engine and a really fun to drive car

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  You cant do better than this... - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Kirk - April 25 - 2:00 am

  A dream to own and drive. The Sport Suspension (rare on a 528i) is a big plus.

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  Love to drive it - 2003 BMW X5
  By Don Dimon - April 24 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is terrific - the Dealer service is a joke. Ive been to 3 dealers in South Florida and they are all just terrible. If you are looking for good service buy a Lexus. If you want a fun to drive car, buy a BMW

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  Highly Recommended - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Sinatra - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I own the 330i 4-door. This car is an absolute kick to drive. It is awesome in just about every way. If you are in the market for a sports sedan; I highly recommend this vehicle. To see what I mean, drive all of the 330s competitors first (e.g., Lexus IS, Mercedes 230, audi a4) and save the best for last. It is truely a fabulous car ... the best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Not too bad - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By twmark - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2003 330Cic in November, 2002 and after only 800 miles the car broke down. I couldnt believe it. I was told that they had to replace the entire engine! The dealer however was very understanding and I was given a brand new car with same spec...but I had to wait a month. During that month they loaned me a 325i which I actually thought was more fun to drive and had better seating dynamics than the 330 cic. Since I got the new 330cic, its been a pleasure but I think my next car will be the 325i

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  528i - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By tennis15 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  never had a problem

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  They need to work out the bugs - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By JohnFischer - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I had the car for two days, and then the problems started. i would list them if I didnt have to be under 700 chacters. Apparently there are many software bugs that need to be fixed. Of course the dealership doesnt tell you until after you purchase the car. I have been told that my problems have been already documentented, and BMW is aware of them. However they are not fixed. Its been at the dealership over a week now. The mechanics dont even know how to fix it, and must rely on BMW NA to help them.