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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  First BMW - 2017 BMW X1
  By Harry - March 30 - 1:52 am

  We shopped around for quite some time looking for a small/midsize crossover. We test drove literally dozens of vehicles: Mazda, Audi, Benz, Honda, Ford, to name a few. We were between the Volvo XC 60 and the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. We loved the Volvo but the price at $52K out the door was a little more than we were willing to pay. We were about to settle on the Hyundai (even though it didnt drive especially well) when the night before I read an article about the X1 and figured well go check it out before settling on the Hyundai. To our delight, we loved the way the X1 looked, drove, and its interior is bigger than it seems from the outside. The trunk was the biggest surprise to us with the underneath compartment. We loved the car. We compromised on the base X-Drive model MSRP of $36K but got them down to $33K. We took it home that night and have been enjoying it ever since. Nearly 1 month later, we have gotten a good feel for the X1. Our biggest complaints have to do with some basic features lacking in the base model which we knew going in. The fully loaded Hyundai had all the features Im talking about i.e. LED Headlights, XM Radio, Blind Spot monitoring, Sunroof, backup camera, adaptive cruise, forward collision warning, integrated sunshades, heated seats, navigation to name some big ones. The X1 does have some of these features if you elect certain packages but the price will quickly climb into the 40s and beyond. Ultimately, we chose the BMW because it drove 100 times better than the Hyundai and at the end of the day, no matter how much you dress up a Hyundai it is still a Hyundai and drives as such. Weve been averaging 25MPG combined which is better than all the other vehicles we tried especially with an all-wheel drive. Besides our lack of options our only other complaint really is the suspension. As expert reviewers have stated, the X1s suspension is very stiff and you feel it when you go over speed bumps or bumps in the road. But I still prefer the stiffness over the squishyness of the Hyundais body roll suspension. Another weird thing our X1 lacks is the ability to control the rear dome light from the rear. Its an odd design flaw but well get over it. Ultimately, we are very pleased with our decision.

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  Not what you would expect. - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Wynne - March 29 - 11:13 pm

  The new 2006 BMW 325i is not what you would expect from a 4-door sedan! The comfort level is superb (Even for someone who is 63", as I am). The new 3 liter engine really does the trick. The automatic transmition allows for a comfortable ride in "D" mode, however, when you find yourself on an empty road filled with curves, put it in Sport mode or the semi-manual mode and the car truely comes alive. The sports package adds quite a nice touch. The larger rims and adjustable sport seats are easily worth the money. Also, I have been averaging a great 34 mpg on the highway. Hard to beat! The car is truly a joy to drive, and I find myself taking a rural, winding route home in the evenings.

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  $60K+ Fun to drive, but has some interior rattles - 2016 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By John McDonough - March 28 - 8:49 pm

  At times I think this is the Ultimate Rattler. Less than two weeks into ownership and there are LOUD rattles emanating from the plastic entertainment console. Simply pressing on the frame halts the annoyance for a brief time or until the next bump. Other rattles are starting and cant determine their source. My 10 year old Infinitis have zero rattles. This car is difficult to get in and out from and the command center is not very intuitive. Im 62" and sports seats have good support but the seat section could be wider. More than enough leg room, which is great. The car has terrific storage capacity, comparable or better than many SUVs. Never have to worry about the car bottoming out on rough road or a steep driveway, as it rides fairly high. AWD gives immediate handling confidence.

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  Great Car! - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By John B - March 26 - 9:06 pm

  I recently traded in my 2006 325i sedan for the 2008 328i coupe. The difference between the 2 cars is night and day. With the addition of the sport package (upgrade) and the newly upgraded runflat tires for 08 models, the car drives 100% better than my 06 sedan. This car is truly fun to drive and I cant really see the need to spend the extra $8,000 for the 335i. You wont be disappointed!

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  Loaded 330 Ci - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By jgp - March 25 - 10:00 am

  First car I bought (all SUVs) and Im very impressed. Has all the power along with the beauty one can handle. The acceleration and handling are so very impressive.

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  BMWs - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Char - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This car has excellent performance. I would like to tell others to really buy this car. It is excellent and I love my car.

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  X5 3.0 - 2003 BMW X5
  By alexroys - March 25 - 10:00 am

  It is hard to imagine how 225 HP pulls a 4,500 lb vehicle so sprightly. Handling is absolutely car-like, and certainly that of a very well-designed car. Interior comfort is excellent for four adults, and the various systems seem to mesh well together. NO off road experience yet, but if you, like most of us, seldom venture off the pavement, this has to be the SUV for you!

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  Best of Both Worlds - 2012 BMW X5
  By TJ Lewis - March 20 - 11:30 pm

  Looking for the perfect vehicle to replace a luxury car and Sport Utility Vehicle without sacrificing fuel economy or power and I hit the jackpot.

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  BMW 5 Series Review - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Vinny - March 20 - 6:33 am

  The BMW 5 Series is an awesome ride. The front passager side is a little small if your 59" or taller, but its with a few adjustments is ok. The car does gets a lot of attention. The carholders could have been a make so the cup can sit a little deeper in the holder. I would purchase it again, but only in the 7 Series for more leg room.

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  BMW 330i - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By John - March 19 - 1:33 pm

  Fantastic car and really meets the adage that it is a drivers car. It is a pleasure to drive and handles extremely well. BMW must improve their Navigation system and the iDrive interface is not user friendly even after 9 months of using daily.