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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  Goodbye Lexus - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By NJ530xi - October 9 - 6:56 pm

  I was set to buy a Lexus GS 300 AWD until I drove the 530xi. It is a great, but expensive, car! Also drove the Audi A6, Infiniti M35AWD and Acura RL. The handling is superb and the attention to detail is appreciated. Long live iDrive - for me it is like using a mouse or joystick. No more fumbling for the correct button or the proper position on a touch screen! Should have listened to the owners forums and ordered the Head Up Display.

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  My 1st SAV/BMW ever! - 2005 BMW X5
  By Bruce W. T. - October 9 - 3:40 am

  Wow! I love this BMW! Great handling, tremendous performance with the 3.0 - it is a GREAT vehcile and FUN to drive as well. The best safety features you can buy! The X drive is fantastic - what a car!

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  You have to live with it to really know... - 2016 BMW X6
  By Str8line - October 6 - 5:20 am

  Im a wagon guy. A utility guy. A lover of great handling, powerful cars. I spend my money on cars. To me the ultimate car for the money is a GTI, or maybe a truck if you want the ultimate in utility. But lets say you can afford to splurge on a luxury car... why would you get an X6? Well, first off I have a truck. And a sports car(911). And a wagon(BMW 530). But the wagon is getting older and it was time for a replacement. So naturally I got the X6M as the ultimate wagon. That was a little over a year ago and when it was time to get rid of my wifes third row SUV(Mercedes GL550) for something smaller she decided on... another X6! This time the six cylinder X35i. I was surprised. But this is a surprising vehicle. Dont believe what they say about its storage space, there is a ton, trust me. Like fill up two shopping carts at Costco and fold down the rear seats and watch the X6 swallow it all, space. Which brings me to the X5s cargo space. This is the same car as the X5, just without the tall rear, so in the x5 you really only gain the space above the cargo area where you would stack stuff, and then you cant see out the back window. If you have one vehicle that extra space in the x5 might be important, but if you have a truck or dont usually buy big items you wont miss it. As I said the X6 has a LOT of space in its own right. Also, dont believe what they say about the rear seat room. Im 6ft. tall and there is three inches of room above my head, and a large amount of legroom. The back seat is actually much more comfortable than the X5s which feels a little like a bench. Now for the good stuff... The X6 is an incredibly fun vehicle to drive. I have a 911. I have an X6M. I know fun. The 35i is a potent engine with great throttle response and a sublime transmission. The suspension is firm, never harsh and entices you to drive this thing like a race car. The brakes are stout. The steering is not 911 or X6M great but its pretty good and the really the only thing drive-wise they could improve in my opinion. The steering is too light but if youre not jumping out of a 911 or X6M or GTI or BRZ you might not realize that its not perfect. Want to go off-road? I drove an X3 through the off-road course at the BMW plant in South Carolina and trust me you can do a lot with the x-series BMWs. I go to Moab. I drive Jeeps on their gnarly routes. The X6 wont do that but dont underestimate its abilities off-road, it is very impressive. And the interior, oh my the interior. Wow, wow, wow. Gorgeous. Quality. Comfort. Perfection. The exterior? Well I like it. I dont love it like the 911 exterior, or a Ferrari. But it is different and there is something about this car that makes you take notice. I think its cool, if a bit quirky. As I said, you really have to live with this vehicle to realize how great it is. One pleasant surprise has been our MPG with the X6. We are averaging over 20MPG in mixed driving with lots of hills. Our old diesel Mercedes GL averaged 20 and we thought that was great. 20MPG for this sporty, gas vehicle is super impressive and I have heard of people getting over 30 MPG on the highway. So if you are looking for a versatile vehicle that drives fantastic and provides a lot of utility while being stylish and different check out the X6.

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  bought a used one and very happy - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By ArielMcN - October 5 - 10:00 am

  after test driving about 7 makers, i was blown away by the BMW sports package ride in this wagon. I bought it certified used and the warrenty coupled with present low apr made it a great deal. My honda seems like it was a tin can in comparison.

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  The Last 5 Made By God - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By SPUY767 - October 5 - 10:00 am

  When we stroll through the annals of automotive history, I dont think that any car quite embodies all aspects of a perfect car like the 5 Series. Power, handling, comfort, economy, style, its all there, and in droves. I do not think that anyone has ever built a more refined vehicle than this generation of the 5.

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  The Jury Is Out - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By LoyolaCub84 - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the 530i. Currently, dealers are offering heavy discounts due to factory incentives to make room for the newly designed 5 series coming in October. Im happy so far. I agree with many of the reviews that the car has both sport and touring car characteristics. More sport than touring, however. Time will tell if it turns out as reliable as the Lexus whos place it took.

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  AHHHHH - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By 04330ci - October 5 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome. Definitely the Ultimate Driving Machine. Flawless handling, smooth and strong acceleration, comfort, and beautiful styling. The new features such as Adaptive Headlights that turn to look in a curve, and the LED tailights look great. This car is extremely quiet and flies. It drives better than any car I have driven before. The road feel and feedback is unmatched in the automotive world including Mercedes- Benz, Audi, and Lexus. BMWs orses seem a little stronger than japanese manufacturers numbers. I cant believe it is rated at 225.

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  Only Tested and Waiting to Pickup - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Blandy - October 4 - 8:43 am

  I have checked out other $35k-$55k convertibles and the BMW 330ci was the all around best fit for my enjoyment with driving, power, style, handling. I have just ordered my 330ci and am looking forward to getting behind the wheel. The dealership has a great reputation and is very important for me. This is my 1st BMW and so far very satisfied.

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  Disappointed! - 2017 BMW X3
  By D. Gee - October 3 - 2:18 pm

  2017 BMWS ONLY COME WITH A 3 YEAR 36,000 MILE WARRANTY VS. PREVOUS YEARS 4 YEAR 50,000 WARRANTY!!!!! ALSO, NO SPARE TIRE!! WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET A FLAT TIRE ON A SUNDAY OR HOLIDAY? I JUST READ ONLINE THAT THE WARRANTY IS. OT TRANSFERRABLE! Think twice before buying a 2017 model!

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  Just not a good value - 2016 BMW X1
  By Roy Simpson - October 3 - 3:24 am

  Ok small SUV, but noisy on the freeway, some cheap bits in the interior and harsh ride. Dealers are not willing to move of MSRP much and its just not worth the purchase price. Poor value for the money.