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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  11th bmw and still counting - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By elibruno - April 17 - 10:00 am

  never can get enough of this make. and the new 330ic is about the best one yet.decided to get one with steptronic as no manual available for months; still question that decision, for as great as the 5 spd auto is, the stick (my other car is a 330 coupe with stick) is superior for the sheer fun and performance limits of these cars.

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  BMW Hit a Home Run With The 2018 X3 - 2018 BMW X3
  By Tom Ivey - April 17 - 5:20 am

  If you are looking for a SUV with a real transmission (not a CVT), excellent acceleration and handling, good MPG, comfortable ride, and all the high tech anyone could desire, then the 2018 BMW X3 is your car. I drove the CRV and the CX5, and while they are considerably cheaper than the X3, they do not deliver the overall satisfactory driving experience of the X3. The X3 is very solid and quite inside, with little road noise, and while it is not as sporty as a BMW 3 series, it does a great job in balancing between comfort, performance and technology.

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  330CI Excellent Choice - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Bill - April 14 - 10:06 pm

  I previously owned a a 2001 325i (manual) sedan, and wanted more of a sporty car, so I picked the 330Ci (premium package, cold weather package, and sport package, steptronic). The handling makes this car, and horsepower makes a big difference. Steptronic in manual mode is a nice change from regular auto. Interior screams luxury. Best sports car I have owned.

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  330Ci - Excellent Choice - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Bill - April 14 - 10:06 pm

  I previously owned a a 2001 325i (manual) sedan, and wanted more of a sporty car, so I picked the 330Ci (premium package, cold weather package, and sport package, steptronic). The handling makes this car, and horsepower makes a big difference. Steptronic in manual mode is a nice change from regular auto. Interior screams luxury. Best sports car I have owned.

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  Much more fun than X5! - 2004 BMW X3
  By Beine - April 13 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle feels roomier than the first generation of X5s, has a better sunroof, and its definitely got a nice price. The drive is beyond amazing and there are no blind spots whatsoever. My only issue is that at low speeds, the entire vehicle creaks whenever I make a turn. Maybe its an SUV/4WD thing. After 6 great years with Audi, it was tough to leave, but they are currently lacking an SUV in their line-up. I love my X3-what a great introduction to BMW!

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  2004 3 Series BMW Conv- True Euro Luxury - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By breadmen - April 13 - 10:00 am

  The current BMW 3 Series has the BEST looking INTERIOR of ANY of the current BMW series! Why? Because it has been "Banglelized" (or upgraded to a newer?! design- what an oxymoron!") yet!! All of the new upgraded interiors on the new 5 and 7 series look cheap with less leather and wood than the old designs they replace. Sure BMW claims they are trying to reach a new (larger) audience but their competitors use LOTS of wood and leather in their interior designs. Some may say that the wood and leather steering wheels found on lots of luxury cars are the "vinyl top" of the 21 century BUT that is what luxury customers WANT! Not a homogenized WORLD design!!

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  I love my BMW! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By SmartyPantsGirl - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my BMW! I would recommend this car to anyone who loves to drive :-) Its great- my next car will for sure be a BMW!

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  ABSOLUTELY THRILLED!!! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By SonLenn - April 12 - 12:56 pm

  Ive owned my 06 330i (White with Beige interior, premium package with extras) for approximately 1 week and I absolutely love it! Quality, quality, quality... that is the best way I can describe the 330i. I cant believe it took me so long to pay attention to the Bimmers. My family thinks Im nuts because all I talk about is my 330i and all of its features. Wow!!!!

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  Very impressive - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Stardog - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I just traded in my 97 328iC and 93 Integra (summer and winter cars) for a 325xi. With the huge moonroof open its practically a convertible and with the AWD rainy and snowy days wont be so bad now. Especially when you consider reliability, it easily beat out the Audi A4 Quattro and Mercedes C240 4MATIC and any SUV. All comparisons aside, I love this car for what it is. I thought Id miss the convertible - no way (even if its 70F today). My 120mi/day commute will now be a near- pleasure. If youve got $35K to spend this is the only car to consider.

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  Beauty is only skin deep - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By swany - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Truly one of the best performance sedans on the market. Clean design with a solid feeling of reliable performance. You ride in quiet luxurious surroundings and at the same time have a real "feel" for the road and the exhilaration of strong performance.