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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  323xi good in all weather - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Tyndaris2000 - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I always thought that owimg new a BMW was extremely exspensive. Well, its not always the case. Expecially when you compare the price with what you are getting. I previously owned a new A4 1.8. Both vehicles are in the same price range. But the 325 xi is way better.

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  The Ultimate Driving Experience - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Georgia Peach - July 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive. Ergonomics are great, with the exception of the plastic cup holders. Expect lots of stares as you cruise or zoom the roadways.

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  Amazing car! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Jeff - July 15 - 3:43 pm

  Great car! A MUST test drive! 95% of the performance of the 2006 BMW M3 at 75% of the price. BMW hit a home run here!

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  Its a beautiful creature - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Manish - July 15 - 6:33 am

  I love the way this car looks and drives. Solid build quality, great to drive, tight suspension and corners well.

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  A real nice SUV - 2016 BMW X1
  By Karen Carruol - July 15 - 1:08 am

  This car handles and rides effortlessly. Great interior finish and instrumentation.

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  Pocket rocket - 2016 BMW 2-Series
  By Stuart - July 13 - 4:04 am

  Fast car not quite as sporty unless driven in sport mode then much more impressive. Do not like that tires are not runflat and there is no spare.

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  z for me - 2003 BMW Z4
  By r. t. kopetan - July 11 - 10:00 am

  all the zip you could want. sport package a must for back road driving. fair amount of room for long legs. wind noise with top open is not objectionable,consider optional wind deflectors.

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  love the car, hate cleaning the rims - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Kevlarmorte - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I love the car, a 330i sport package w/ xenon, split seat, and the 5 speed manual. Its fast (especially if you have the engine computer reprogrammed) and it handles like a sports car but rides better than any sports car Ive been in (I even get about 26 miles to the gallon in the city).

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  It doesnt get much better this - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By WhoaaaaNelly - July 9 - 9:30 pm

  Absolutely the best car I have every driven or owned. The faster it goes the smoother is gets....taken corners rated at 15 MPH at 60-70 MPH and the wheels never slipped. Fun to drive. Sound system fanastic

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  Best car Ive owned - 2004 BMW M3
  By RP - July 8 - 8:30 pm

  I would advise against buying this car if you dont have money for maintenance or if you cant do the maintenance yourself. I have been wrenching on cars for 30 years and have money set aside for maintenance, but I do all the work myself. It is extremely easy to work on if you have any mechanical knowledge. Parts can be pricey but Ive saved thousands doing all the work myself. That being said, in the 2 years that I have owned it, it is my DD, I have only had one proper break down when a TPS sensor gave up. I drove it home in limp mode and replaced the part in 20 minutes. Make sure the car has documentation and service records before buying. I have the SMG transmission, which I love, but know that the SMG hates driving slow, especially in traffic or around town. Maintain the car and it will take care of you (saw a 300k mile car posted on ebay), neglect it and it will make you suffer. Suspension is stiff and can be jarring, especially when you have a hangover.