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:

• 

  Awesome! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By FWWong - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I live in California, I have been driving this car around the country side to enjoy the sunshine, valleys, and canyons on the weekends. Weather is great! DSC Saved my CAR! almost wrecked it! System took over while taking corner too fast, I was learning how to use the SMG. I have the 2.5i Plenty of Power. Love it.

• 

  ZHP is the ULTIMATE driving machine - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By SilverZHP - March 7 - 2:00 am

  The 330i costs more money that its competitors and these cars are NOT for everyone. But if you like to drive, dont need a big back seat and have enough money, these cars are second to none. I have a 4 door "performance package" (ZHP) and it is the best compromise between the standard 330i ( a VERY smooth machine) and the somewhat raw M3. The ZHP package will be a rarity since the new Bangle-ized version will be out next year- These cars are almost "throwbacks"- get one while you can!

• 

  Best value BMW makes - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By MarkMan - March 7 - 2:00 am

  This car replaces our aging SUV and it was a welcome replacement. EVERYTHING on this car is first-rate and driving it is a joy. The color, fit and finish are superb. The interior is identical to our 328 until you get past the back seat and then you have even more room! The car handles very well with little roll and great cornering. Driving at speed on the freeway is especially enjoyable. This wagon is smart, practical, fun and very much a BMW. Everyone who has seen it up- close has commented on what a surprise it is -- this is one versatile and beautiful car!

• 

  Fun - 2004 BMW Z4
  By DVS - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Dont understand reviewers comments regarding styling. This car is great looking and gets looks from all age groups. Handling is excellant and this car is just pure fun to drive.

• 

  Overall Very Pleased - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By jnb062470 - March 5 - 12:06 pm

  Two words: stupid fast. A few bugs from the get-go (difficulty starting, iPod integration) but overall very pleased with the 335. It is more spacious than my 05 330. Fuel economy is not quite what I expect but I cant complain with 300 horses under the hood and expect it will get better as everything gets broken in.

• 

  Disappointed! BMW X3 - 2005 BMW X3
  By sean - March 2 - 6:10 pm

  Nice styling and handling. Poor fuel economy. Extremely cheap looking interior. Driving the X3 makes me feel that I am driving a Low End" BMW. (i.e. BMW 318). It does not feel like an introductory level SUV. It feels like a "Poor Mans Bimmer"!

• 

  Disapointed! BMW X3 - 2005 BMW X3
  By sean - March 2 - 6:10 pm

  Nice styling and handling. Poor fuel economy. Extremely cheap looking interior. Driving the X3 makes me feel that I am driving a Low End" BMW. (i.e. BMW 318). It does not feel like an introductory level SUV. It feels like a "Poor Mans"Womens Bimmer"!

• 

  X3 2.5 - 2004 BMW X3
  By 54 maxwell - March 1 - 10:00 am

  Traded in my Honda Pilot for the BMW X3 and so far I have no regrets. The size is perfect and I like the way it handles. The X3 looks sharp and feels solid.

• 

  bmw again great - 2018 BMW X3
  By Dave - February 28 - 8:37 pm

  Have had 2 x5d....downsized to the x3......that 4 cylinder turbo is almost as good as the 6 cylinder diesel....

• 

  No compromises - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By toerdoc - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought the BMW 325i after considering 2003 Honda Accord coupe, VW Passat, Nissan Altima. The BMW was the best by far. You dont compromise anything when buying the BMW. Great styling, handeling, performance, quality and a luxury brand. I was yelling-out-loud happy while driving it home!