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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  545IA - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By bdh - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car of 2 months. It is the best driving vehicle I have ever had. Terrific acceleration and handling. The Logic-7 sound system is awesome. The i-drive has many uselful functions but I question its overall benefit. It is not too obtrusive if you are willing to spend the time to learn it. The active steering and suspension adds to the experience. I drove all of its competitors and they are not close to matching its handling characterisitcs. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who loves to drive.

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  better than expected - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By wmwesty - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I EXPECTED A GOOD, QUICK CAR, NICELY APPOINTED. WHAT I GOT WAS A REAL SWEET DRIVING MACHINE. TIGHT. THE MULTI-MODE AUTOMATIC[SPORTS DRIVE, DRIVE, AND MANUAL]REALLY MAKES USE OF ALL THE HORSES. MUCH FASTER THAN I EXPECTED AND MORE SMOOTH THAN I KNEW A CAR COULD BE. A REAL ADULT CAR FOR THOSE THAT DONT WANT TO BE OLD.

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  bmw 325 Convertible alot of fun . - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By browrck - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a lot car for money. I have had two other bmw I 635 an a 735. The improvement is easy to see. I currently have two mercedes as well,a sl an the large s-class. I had took a look at the jag xk-8, but it back seat was to small. I also looked at the new 320clk convertible by merecedes, but it wouldnt be avaiable until mid march or april. Also The merecedes didnt have the option of a hardtop like the bmw. An finally the reliability of the bmw was much better then the 2003/2004 merecedes.

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  Watch front differential - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By fulks - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Front differential went out at 40,000, no driver negligence. Stalled on a cold night. Shouldnt happen to a bimmer. Dealer ok, manufacturer hard to deal with on car rental for one day, well I was less than 100 miles from home, clerk takes no consideration of driver age, weather, time of day, passed rental cost back to Moses who paid, will not let owner talk to an engineer, to defensive about being sued, which, if someone is killed by this on a busy freeway, they will be.

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  John B Review - 2004 BMW X3
  By John B Jr. - August 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a superb car-like SUV. It handles like a 5 series auto, but has the advantages of an SUV.

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  My Arctic Green Flying Machine - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By jkf398 - August 18 - 10:33 pm

  Im about to cross the first 30,000 miles with my 325i, and it has been my favorite car of any Ive owned in 25 years. Its fast and sure and feels like 50 mph when youre going 80. Ive had absolutely no maintenance problems, and the dealer has been very accomodating about delivering the promised "free service" as far as oil changes and various check-ups. This car makes me feel safe and, frankly, well off, even though Im upper-middle- class at best :-) and the leather upholstery has not yet lost its beautiful shape or aroma! The car is flawless inside and outside and seems built for many years of use.

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  Wow - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By JScott - August 17 - 7:00 pm

  The 2009 BMW 335i is even more fun than my previous 2006 BMW 330i. I had a great experience with my previous 330i and didnt think there was much room for improvement. The 2009 335i takes an already near perfect design and adds just a little more in a lot of area. The engine is something you just have to experience by driving the car. Great power at all speeds and seems to beg to be driven harder. The handling is great in the curves. The new iDrive is fantastic. This is not the sluggish iDrive system of the past. If you are into tech toys and can operate a modern cell phone you will love the new iDrive. If you like performance cars go test drive one. Just be prepared to want one.

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  Great roadster - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Joseph Schmidt - August 16 - 8:41 am

  It was between this or leasing a new Miata. The BMW definitely feels like a more solid car. Very pleased with my purchase.

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  ALMOST PERFECT... - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By vilarja - August 16 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle IS fun to drive.It handles extremely well around the turns, has above avg acceleration, and excellent braking ability.The car does not do well in the snow even w/ the DSC traction control on, but I knew that before I purchased.When negotiating the price, the dealer would not budge much at all.Everybody wants one of these “bad boys” and they know that.BMW also has a high resale value - another big plus! Gas/brake pedal are too close together.I wear a size 12 mens shoe.Many times a get my foot caught under the brake pedal when taking my foot off the gas and attempting to brake-NotGood

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  Wish this was the car I thought I was buying - 2016 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW1320 - August 14 - 1:14 am

  So far Ive had the brakes completely redone, fuel pump replaced, dealer-inserted foam to stop a steering wheel road noise, worn out a set of tires at 33K due to a faulty alignment, and now the transmission is acting up intermittently. All this has been paid for out of warranty, except the alignment/tires. I asked BMW USA to fix the alignment, but they refused. I love the looks of this car, but would never buy another one. It makes me sad since Ive always dreamed of owning a BMW.