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 in its class - 2016 BMW 5-Series
  By Bob Ikenouye - September 19 - 7:39 am

  Up grade to the 550 from the 28 or 35 you wont regret it

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Golden Eagle - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Previous car was an Audi A-6. My 325 has the sport package and premium package which I recommend. I also have the nav system which has been great. The seats are the absolute best, more comfortable that the 7 series. Motor growl is wonderful, better than the V8. Handling, steering, suspension are supurb. Unfortunately, reliability is not there.

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  X1 is it a BMW? - 2017 BMW X1
  By Steve - September 14 - 3:28 pm

  I traded a 2014 X1 for a 2017.... I saw it, it looks great! a big improvement, I got inside.. great, another big improvement across the board, really an aggressive/beautiful car inside and out.... then I drove it? wait a minuet, did I get in a BMW or Mercedes? a little less power than my 2014, noticeable in particular when accelerating while moving, such as passing, but even worse the shifting,... gone is the precision, satisfying, almost manual like shifts exactly where they should be in every situation, now shifting feels like standard Mercedes in eco mode, or other quality but soft car. I buy BMW partly due to driving experience, BMW missed a great opportunity to show us a front drive could feel like a BMW, this does not, don´t get me wrong it is a great car, my wife likes it better, says it is more comfortable, and it is, but seat of the pants does not feel as good, it just does not feel 100% BMW due mostly to transmission personality.

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  Mr. Nasty rules the road - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Lditty - September 13 - 2:00 am

  First bimmer but hooked for life. This is the most amazing car I have ever owned(Honda, Nissan, Ford, MB, Porsche Mitsu, Hyundai,& Jeep). Got it with sports pkg, heated seats, navigation is a must but a little difficult at first.

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  Mini Turbine - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By webby - September 12 - 7:53 pm

  Most fun since the 1967 Mustang..the engine is silky smooth, tranny is outstanding and love the sound of the engine. Engine behaves like a mini turbine and the car fits like a glove. It is a joy to go back to RWD car that is perfectly balanced. After 8 months and 1500 km it is solid as a rock. It the first car that my wife and son love to drive. Styling is timeless.

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  Its the little things - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Nice car, but....... - September 11 - 8:26 pm

  This is my second BMW. This car handles and looks great. Great A/C and radio. I am a little disappointed in some interior quality issues.

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  Solid - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By jcmg - September 11 - 1:13 pm

  Overall I have been very happy with my 06 325i. I get great gas mileage, it handles beautifully, although a little sportier than I am used to. The engineering I believe is unmatched by any vehicle. I had to slam on the brakes to avoid a deer and was shocked at the cars response, it stopped on a dime and didnt fishtail at all. I was amazed. I think they could spruce up the interior just a bit more, but I guess if you want total luxury (for the interior) you would need to move to the Lexus.

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  The best bang for your buck - 2003 BMW Z4
  By clubprimo - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I had the Z3,wow what a difference a year makes.Every time Im at a traffic light,people tell me what a cool looking car this is.Performance is incredible.

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  New 2006 BMW 330 - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By TS - September 11 - 12:43 am

  Once you test drive this car, its difficult to find another one that compares to the driving experience. If you like a boring car that wants to keep you home, dont buy this one. The safe and solid feel of the car is great and overall, it is a lot more refined than the previous model years. You do have to up the price to get the right blend of optional items but it is well worth it.

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  08 535 - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Drew - September 9 - 3:10 pm

  What a blast to drive, a real rocket ship, steering has a little much feedback, but the car is all about the driver. I have had an E Class and this blows it away. The gadgetry is a hoot once you master the iDrive, cruise settings at 1 or 5 MPH is cool and the 3 blink turning blinker was smart also. Sirius radio is a must, and when you get your stations preset... enjoy the ride!