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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  528i sport suspension and 5-speed - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By MFKlatman - February 28 - 9:47 pm

  This is simply a great car. Good balance of performance and luxury. Not as peppy as my previous BMW, 95 M3, but far more comfortable and convenient. Great handling characteristics for a "larger" car with so much comfort. Astonishing gas mileage -- pushing 30 on the highway at unmentionable speeds.

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  Couldnt ask for more! - 1999 BMW Z3
  By hexy34 - February 28 - 8:32 pm

  I just got my 99 2.3 a month ago and I smile every time I get in to drive it. Performance is smoother than expected, which is saying a lot. If you want to enjoy driving and dont have to worry about hauling more than one passenger, you cant go wrong with this car.

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  MMMMM Good! - 2002 BMW M3
  By ttocsffej - February 28 - 7:50 pm

  My M3 is Imola Red with the Red/Black interior. It has all options including the nav system and SMG II sequential manual gearbox which is great! The "automatic" mode is a godsend in stop and go traffic. I didnt buy this car for fuel efficiency, which is a good thing. The best Ive averaged on the hwy was about 21...and Ive already seen some 15 mpg "in town" tanks. As such, the 16.5 gallon tank empties FAR too quickly, with fill ups as often as 250 miles.

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  Sports car for families - 2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By livesmile - February 28 - 7:02 pm

  It may be difficult to think of a better *sports* car that can carry four people in comfort. This is as much a sports car as typical driving situations allows nowadays. In my view, to enjoy any more sportiness you need to go to the tracks, so it is a moot point for me to demand additional driving dynamics when I cant use them 95% of the time. The 335i GT is perfect blend of power, handling, and comfort. It looks great from most angles except may be a couple of side ones. The iDrive system is flawless. The only thing that could improve it in my view would be gesture recognition, which BMW is already working on. The sport mode is awesome and makes me forget that it is a GT and not a 3sedan.

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  740IL - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Nello - February 28 - 6:14 pm

  The 740IL is the best car I have ever driven. It is not only good looking but it is comfortable and quick. The run flat tires drive alittle rough but nothing you dont get used to. The navigation system is unbelievable and can honestly get you anywhere.

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  Best Sport Coupe - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By mheilala - February 28 - 3:39 pm

  This has been one of my best coupes to drive. No other car handles as tight. The interior layout is also excellent. If these cars are taken care of, problems are infrequent. But they are very expensive to repair. My fuel economy is 20 City 27 Highway. I bought it with 92K in 2000 and it has 101K now and going strong. No major mechanical problems. Just the minor annoyances - electric windows got off track from an ice storm, taillight that has a short that I cant find.

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  The King of the Crop - 1997 BMW M3
  By jsh139 - February 28 - 11:50 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned, bar none. You cant buy an all around better mix of performance, luxury, and style for less than $50,000. Pre-owned values have really started to come down on the E36 M3 (95-99). Pick one up today before they are all gone!

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  3woodAl speaks - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By al - February 28 - 12:41 am

  Excellent workmanship,reliable and cruises at the upper limits of the speedo in a smooth pusuit of the highway. 8-19 hour drives are a treasure. No tiredness and you feel like the trip should have been longer. Cupholders are non-functional but who cares!!!!!

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  535im - 1991 BMW 5-Series
  By BigDoug - February 27 - 11:16 am

  Awsome... when running.

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  my 328i - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By Turner - February 26 - 8:33 pm

  great performance/comfort/appearance value! Fun to drive, reliable, and definitely worth it.