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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  THE BMW - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Adrian Brault - April 10 - 2:00 am

  well the bmw is much better then my other bmw which was a 2000 roadster. i like this model much better

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  First time BMW Owner - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By critacco - April 8 - 10:00 am

  According to the automotive press, this car is the standard for performance sedans and I would have to agree. The car drives like its on rails and there is constant power throughout the pedel. The leatherette is good enough that I dont even tell people that its fake. I like the smooth shifts and feedback from the engine. This is a true drivers care.

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  Too much for average quality - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By tv550 - April 8 - 6:20 am

  Poor storage space for little items like sunglasses, wallets, change, phones. Ride position is very low with the sport package. Transmission and brakes make for poor stop and go traffic comfort. Rough shifts in the mornings. Handles and drives like no other sedan above 70 mph. Horrible car for speeds below 30 mph. Large turning radius and bad blind spots. I bought this car with much regret and cant wait to get out of it. Nice looks and performance at high speeds but worthless in every day traffic. IDrive is plain horrid and after 6 software flashes it crashes randomly for 2-3 days at a time. Techs cant figure out why. Bluetooth works great, nav is the worst I have seen. Not worth price.

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  Pretty fenomenal - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By EnthusiastDriver - April 4 - 2:00 am

  This is the second 540i 6spd I own, replacing a 98. Performance, reliability, workmanship are incredible. I did Euro delivery for both cars, and it added to the experience. Overall, the price/performance ratio is incredible. Best car I ever owned.

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  Still Fun - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By J. B. - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I love my BMW, but I too experienced the aux. fan failure two months into ownership. In my instance, I was left stranded in 95+ heat with two very young children. BMW Roadside Assistance took over two hours to arrive and sent a hook! I refused and one hour later a flatbed finally arrived. The dealership provided a 5 series loaner for almost six weeks...until they finally had aux. fans that worked. Since that time(18 months) the car has never missed a beat and is a wonderful car to drive. It is not "just another car."

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  A true "Driving Machine" - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By rickmckee - March 31 - 11:43 am

  This is my second 325 in the last 4 years and this is quite the improvement over my 2003 325xi! I didnt think that was possible! The only thing I have a problem with at times is that the voice activation doesnt always pick up my commands on the first try, And the iDrive is a bit slow to respond at times as well. Overall, this car has great acceleration from a dead stop and lots of power to spare while cruising down the highway. It takes a 35 MPH exit ramp at 60 MPH with a squeal in the tires. Handling and cornering are perfect. MPG with my car is 19 mpg/city and 30 mpg/hwy (a bit worse when I get aggressive with the gas). It is a beautiful vehicle and is a true "Driving Machine"!

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  First full year of enjoyment completed! - 2016 BMW X5
  By Jim Campbell - March 31 - 11:05 am

  This is my third X5 and they just keep getting better. This 2016 with the 5.0 V-8 is a rocket and handles like a dream. This is my Dailey driver and business car that rides like the 5 series and will pull my fishing boat on the weekends. This is a performance machine so dont expect exceptional mileage. When I drive the interstate at 70- 75 the mileage is 23 but around town 16-17 with all the starting and stops- heavy machine so you should expect it. My last 2012 was the diesel an I got 20 in town and 26 Highway. Amazingly got 12.5 pulling a boat 950 miles to Florida! I like the diesel but wanted a change. Im a gear head and have a Corvette, so I enjoy performance and handling. You really cannot compare this to another V6 SUV, this V-8 with 440 hp can run with the Porsch SUV for 25k less.

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  Fun First Sport Coupe - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Jeff Mortberg - March 31 - 4:21 am

  Bought this car about a year ago. It is the first and only BMW Ive ever owned. It is my favorite car of all that Ive owned. With the top down on a sunny day, zinging through the twists and turns of an undulating country road, this car is a ton of fun. My first thought on a beautiful day when I am free from obligations is "...Go for a drive..."! The 2.5 liter in-line six is smooth and responsive. With just 184 hp and similar number torque, it wont win a drag race with a Mustang, but it is surprisingly peppy. Id estimate 0-60 comes in around 7 seconds, which is comparable to my 2011 Fusion Sport AWD (which has 263 hp). But the miles per gallon is much better. Im seeing around 28-30 highway, and 21-23 city. This car also just looks great. It cannot be considered practical, seeing the owners manual strongly suggests using premium gas, and it only carries four people (and their handbags) with just a modicum of back-seat comfort. But who ever buys a convertible with practicality as their first consideration? This is one fun, reliable, and pretty car. I cant recommend it highly enough to the right buyer. This one has definitely made me a BMW fan!

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  Rather have a Z - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Germanator - March 30 - 10:00 am

  No more Beamers for me. I switched to Nissans Z, much better, more power too. BMW sucks. My Z came for a fraction of the price from the Z4. Computer faiulures are a daily hassle.

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  325Ci Sport/Premium Package - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Earl Grey - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 325 coupe in December 2000. I presently have 32,000 miles on it. The only problem I have had is with the window molding on the interior. I have heard that this has been a problem with almost every coupe. The dealer fixed it with no problem at all. The dealership also changed my brake pads for FREE. They said that they were not up to specs. This is by far the best handling car that I have ever driven. The sport package is a must. It gives you a tighter suspension and it hardly compromises the quality of the ride.