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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  LOVE THIS CAR! - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By ANDIE3 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I know that the reviewers dont like the controls on the car, but once you drive it for about a month...its second nature.

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  EXCELLENT - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By BBRO - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This car easy easy to drive and fall in love with.

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  I love this car! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By sony3 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 325i after testing the Audi A4 and Lexus IS300. It is everything I thought it would be. I am not a dragster but drive fast. This car is smoother the faster you go, at least that is what my wife says. I got the sport package and the DVD nav system. Love them. No leather, moon roof or automatic for me. I want a drivers car. HID lights are great! What fun!

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  Possibly the best convertible "sporty" car today! - 2016 BMW 4-Series
  By Lee Moss - July 23 - 12:52 am

  Overall, this is the best convertible I have ever owned, and I have owned 7 convertibles prior to this purchase, one of which was an outstanding 2005 BMW 330ci convertible! I traded in a 2013 Audi A6 and 2008 Porsche Boxster for this car, trying to get a combination that best reflected those 2 cars combined. The BMW is not a sports car, nor is it intended to be, but it has the feel of one! It is by far the quietest convertible I have owned, measured both by top up and down. The wind reflector really helps, but it only works with people in the front seats. The back seats are "adequate" for adults around town, but not for long trips. The heated neck ventilator is wonderful anytime it is below 68 degrees. I deeply value a strong sound system, particularly with the top down, and the Harman Kardon system does not disappoint. We have taken several 7 hour plus trips, and it is very comfortable on the long trips, top up or down. The engine and transmission are smooth and powerful, and they are more than 90% of the owners would ever want or need. I loved my 2005 BMW, but this car is much sleeker, with a larger and more comfortable interior. The trunk and fold down rear seat are outstanding with the top up, and more that adequate when down. We comfortably took a week long trip to the beach with beach chairs and top down, which you couldnt do in most hard top convertibles. I have the following criticisms: 1) A luxury convertible should have available ventilated seats, and they are NOT an option, 2) the navigation and sound system are not as intuitive or efficient as in the Audi, and 3) the climate control is not fully automatic, it requires you to manually adjust the fans speed and vent direction. Overall, these are minor detractors, but changes BMW needs to make in this car. I have owned the car for 5 months, and I truly love driving it and am fully pleased with my purchase, and confidently recommend this car if it is what you are seeking!

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  BMW525i - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By davewill - July 22 - 2:00 am

  The design of the cup holders doesnt do a 2 year old YUGO justice.COME ON! The plastic trim around the front seats seems to be a problem area. Loose fitting. In shop twice for the seat trim Engine, transmission and driveability is BMW all the way.

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  2004 bmw 530i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By rfc0521 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  My impressions of this car are that of solid ride comfort, total feel of the road, and excellent response. This is a very stylish car inside & out. one word to sum up this vehicle is "balance" in ride, performance, looks & quality build.

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  Love my Beamer!!! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Odalys Compte - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Love the ride, but the seats deffinitely needs more cushioning.

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  FACTORY DEFECTS - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By MURRAY - July 18 - 2:00 am

  POOR QUALITY OF IGNITION COILS THAT WERE INSTALLED DURING PRODUCTION AND VERY POOR SERVICE ANALYSIS ( SO FAR TOOK 3 TIMES TO CORRECT) BY PRESTIGE MOTORS IN RAMSEY NJ MADE THE OWNERSHIP OF THIS 525I LESS THAN SATISFACTORY. IN SHORT THE SERVICING DEALER COULD NOT CARE LESS ABOUT THE CUSTOMER. THIS WELL KNOWN IGNITION PROBLEM SHOULD HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND CORRECTED PRIOR TO DELIVERY.

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  The cool 530i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By JKDeO - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Sharp, automatic and powerful, the new BMW 530i is the ultimate in sports driveability. Not wanting to be cramped in a sport car and yet wanting the feel of power and acceleration, the 530i is the car for me. At $10,000 less than my last E320, it hard to figure why anybody would not want this sleek muscular piece of steel.

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  MY 2004 5 SERIES. - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By nellhicks - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive had, over the years,driven so many luxury cars. As far as the BMWs go Ive owned the 740il and the Z3. My new 525i has performance and interior comfort like my old 7. But its eyecatching like my Z3 5-6 years ago. I love the Baseball glove color interior.