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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  In Love With The BMW - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By dwugman - September 16 - 2:00 am

  THIS is the ultimate driving machine...long trips are not long enough when you are riding in such comfort. Have you ever felt like you were floating on air? Take this car for a spin and you will.

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  bmw 325 convertible - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By bradr - September 16 - 2:00 am

  excellent, the ultimate tanning machine

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  Buyer be ware! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By HPBaco - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I thought I was buying a car that would last me for a long time. I only have 63,000 miles on it and its starting to break down like an American car. Electric problems, complete brake job, and more! I had 2 Nissans and 2 Hondas, and loved them all, see you BMW, hello Toyota!

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  My new love.... - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Monica - September 14 - 1:16 pm

  The car drives absolutely amazing. It grasps the road like no other car. My car was custom made to perfection and the way I would want it. I have not seen anyone with my Barrique Red color, thankfully. The car is truly and absolutely amazing! This was definitely the best 18th birthday present ever!

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  First Time BMW Owner - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Ken C - September 13 - 4:40 am

  Wanted a BMW my entire adult life. Purchased a new 2007 328i 4dr and am really enjoying it. I have never considered myself a "car guy" but the power and ride that this vehicle provides is exceptional. While my overall expectations were met (and sometimes exceeded), there are still some opportunities that I believe BMW should address, such as the poorly crafted leatherette seats and the ill-placed cup holders.

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  A definite head turner - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By JonInAustin - September 10 - 10:00 am

  A little pricey compared to other convertibles but the quality is definitely there. Youll be amazed at the number of people who will talk to you at traffic lights in this car. The inside is very simple without the bells and whistles found in so many other cars but that keeps your mind focused on the road. The one major drawback to this car is the lack of a built-in alarm system!

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  Garbage reliability - 2008 BMW X5
  By Colin - September 9 - 5:34 am

  Nothing else drives like a BMW! Really its pretty good, great view out, great seats, comfortable and wonderful to drive... When it works.. I also really like towing with the car and its hitching alignment features where the rear view camera helps you align the hitch shank with the trailer hitch. Plenty of room for all of my equipment. The downside, these trucks have garbage reliabilty. Ive replaced the alternator, the CCV system. The sunroof wont close from vent, the engine leaks oil and burns it due to crap valve stem seals. The control arm bushings die every 60K miles depending on the road conditions. The heater valve has failed, the engine bay rain tray craps out. The oil seals around the alternator bracket fail. Lots of poorly made parts that are like $5 but cost $1000s in labor to replace fail. These cars are garbage reliability, only buy one if its low miles, or you plan to wrench it yourself. Man, Ive never had a car have some many things brake, they arent hard to diy, but shouldnt fail in the 1st place. Really oil seals leaking at less than 80K, common BMW.

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  Nicep - 2016 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe
  By ADRIAN HUANG - September 8 - 9:05 pm

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  Wow! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By J Anderson - September 8 - 12:50 am

  Bought the coupe in December and have had a blast. This is my first BMW and it has been a great experience. Careful not to hit anything with the run flats - it will set you back $400.

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  I wish I bought the XC90 - 2004 BMW X3
  By Liau23 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Good car with great handling. A little stiff though.