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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  2017 X1, My 13th BMW - 2017 BMW X1
  By Walter John S - August 12 - 3:53 pm

  This is a small SUV, but it holds me very well, 63 255lbs. This small version of an SUV has an comfortable ride, a little stiff for some, but not for BMWers. It handles very very well. Superior acceleration for a 4cyl engine. Good visibility all the way around.This X1 is fully loaded, but a blind spot monitor was not available at any cost. It must be the only BMW without that option. Why? I think the BSP is a great option, it has saved me a couple of times from cutting somebody off or even an accident that would have been my fault. My wife drives the car mostly, and she loves it. Small enough so that she can park and maneuver around things fairly easily, but large enough to feel like you have some metal between you and the other idiots who drive so nutsy on our local roads. I find the interior of the X1 a little inferior in quality materials from other BMWs, still good stuff, but somehow it seems a little weak for a BMW. The technology and especially the layout of the interior is the best there is, anywhere. We test drove the Audi Q3, Lexus NX, BMW was a clear winner over these two comparable models. I would give this BMW 4.5 stars if not for the lacking BSP. It only gets 4 as is. My 2006 M3 convertible soft top is still my favorite, it gets a 5 along with my Porsche Macan S, the only two cars I have ever given a 5 rating to, and I have owned LOTS of high end cars and SUVs. Cheers...............

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  Ultimate Driving Machine - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Rory - August 11 - 3:46 am

  IDrive not as bad as many people think. With the option to set the buttons on steering to your specific feature is great. Otherwise, there is no reason to play around with the iDrive while driving.

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  Love It !!! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By surfer54 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 23,500 miles on it. I was looking at a Z3, which was nice & fast but kinda loud inside. This car was sitting next to it and took it for a spin. Really nice and quiet for a soft top. Not as fast, but much quieter and has four seats. Gets alot of looks. Handles great, really good dealership ! I even was able to bring home some wood from my local Home Depot.

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  this car rocks - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By chassypoof - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I am so in love with this car. had Lexus, Had Acura. Neither comes close to the quality. Forget the high price, buy one now or be a loser!!!!

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  Great Driving Machine!! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Sandy77 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving the 325xi for the last 12 months and am still loving it! I factory ordered my selected options and requested quotes through the internet. I finally went with Weatherford BMW in Berkeley because they gave me the best price. I commute about 40 miles a day and love the optional, stereo upgrade. Also love the way the BMW sounds, drives and performs. Volume controls on the steering wheel are a great idea and I feel very safe driving up to Tahoe in the snow with the all wheel drive and other traction safety features.

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  90,000 Mile Review - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By maui323 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  After 90,000 miles in under 3 years, Im as satisfied with this car as I was on the first day. It had some relatively minor problems while under warranty - window motors, thermostat re- call, etc. But I can honestly say that other than the tires, Ive put less than $300 into this car. That will change shortly as Im about ready to replace the brake rotors, but really not an expensive car to drive and maintain. I have a 100 mile R/T commute, and Im really impressed with the comfort, handling and feel. We also have a 2002 530, and I actually prefer to drvie the 3.

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  Great SUV - 2003 BMW X5
  By jjs57 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Everything on the X5 has been beyond my expectations. Only issues have been a couple of minor problems that were quickly taken care of by the dealer. I would highly recommend this to any prospective buyer. I can see why BMW is kicking Benzs rear end.

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  Highly Recommended - 2003 BMW X5
  By Sam Gamgee - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this thing. My X5 3.0 is exactly what the doctor ordered. Handles like a German sports sedan, no SUV (this is not a car) tilt warning on the visor. If I drove my other SUV like I drive the X5 Id be wearing it as a hat. Sport package wheels give it a great look. Good amount of power, but if youre a speed demon consider the 4.4. It makes me feel great, like a taylored jogging suit.

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  bring your own chiropractor - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By rockaways - July 30 - 10:00 am

  i bought the 330ci convertible (2003) on its reputation for performance. i have a five speed manual-shifting couldnt be better-i can pass just about any other car.BUT THE SEAT IS THE MOST UNCOMFORTABLE EXPERIENCE!! i did not get the sport package because my dealer said it would stiffen the ride but i understand those seats can be extended. i am petite-only 5/4 but find the window is so low i feal my sight line has a horizontal line through it and the seat is so short under my legs that i can never be comfortable. i am trading this in AT A HUGE LOSS-WHAT HAPPENED TO BMW VALUE?-FOR THE NEW SAB 9-3 2004 CONVERTIBLE.

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  My first BMW - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By magic32 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  My first BMW . . . now I know why they call it the ultimate driving machine!