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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  Great car - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By thormark - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I have the SMG transmission which is superb. Can drive as a manual when desired but also as an automatic while sipping your coffee on the way to work. The 545 is very quick and fantastic for highway driving. Super stable at high speeds. Fantastic brakes-stops on a dime.

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  Fantastic - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By ajm2727 - July 9 - 2:06 am

  Car is a dream. The ride is like that of any luxury sedan, yet the car feels tight and responsive instead of much like others. Power, even in my 528 is good, and the engine is seamless. Seats are comfortable and every button is where is should be - even iDrive, which is not the problem it is rumored to be. I have no problems using it at all and 10 minutes of instruction from my salesman was all it took. The car looks great. Sit it next to a Benz E, Lexus ES, Infinity M, or Audi A6, and it beauty prize goes to the BMW. It is the best of the bunch. Wonderful car!!

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  The 528I is definitely not a sports sedan - 2016 BMW 5-Series
  By Gary - July 5 - 12:04 pm

  Build quality was fine; but it is sluggish and slow and lacks the exciting driving feel youd expect in a BMW. The Turbo 4 is inadequate and leaves it under powered and wanting. Ive had that engine before and it starts to burn oil between changes at about 20,000 miles so be warned. The navigation system still requires a PHD and a lot of patience. Its not intuitive. Unfortunately, the car drives like a Buick. If Id wanted a Buick I would have bought one for $20,000 less. Very disappointed. Ive owned six BMWs and this is the worst. Believe the new redesign in 17 is intended to remedy some of its faults.

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  BMW 745i MONSTER ISSUES - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Ken Ganner - July 4 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS VERY BAD IS A FREAKING NIGHTMARE. OTHER BMW PRODUCTS ARE GREAT,,STAY AWAY FROM THE 745i. THEY NEED TO DO A TOTAL REPLACEMENT. COMPLETE SCRAP OF THIS GARBAGE.

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  awesome - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By dentkorn - July 2 - 10:00 am

  Car drives and handles beyond expectations.Annoying cuphoder,and radio only blemish to this buyer.

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  What a blast! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By foxworthy77 - July 2 - 10:00 am

  My dream car has been the BMW...I have had this 330Ci with Premium, Sport, Cold Weather packages for just under a year. I have over 15000 miles on it, and thoroughly enjoy it. I have had some minor problems with the driver door handle but other than that its been the dream I thought it would be. Definitely a head turner! Still cant believe its mine!

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  Love my car - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Troy C - July 2 - 10:00 am

  The 325i is the best car Ive ever owned.It has plenty of power and drives like a dream.The only squibble is that its expensive to work on.I lovedriving it anywhere.

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  most bang for your dollars - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By mike92876 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  this car is built like a jewelers safe. when you drive it..you have a very safe feeling..altoughit is no rocket.. it has surprising performance from such a small displacement straight six. wind and road noise are minimal..Im 61 and the car has plenty of leg room

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  trasmition shifter in this car is anoing - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By VKORD - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Nice car, good value but nissans have better quality.

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  My 2011 BMW 528i - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Bill H - June 24 - 1:44 pm

  Good upscale transportation. Very comfortable and dependable ride. Have had some trouble having recalls performed as do not have a relationship with a dealer. None in close proximity to me and this is a seasonal car.