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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  What A Beauty - 2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe
  By kingc0mm - June 11 - 12:51 am

  Guys , this 640i grand coupe fully loaded is a stunner on the road and sitting in my garage. Some guy in a Lexus GS wanted to play on the highway last weekend. I hit sport mode and sliced and him so bad, he will never forget he tried to get cute with the grande coupe. My wife could not understand what came over me. I told her its a guy thing. The grand coupe can park next to anything in the swanky part of town and look stunning. You get Comfort , luxury. Fuel Efficiency and sexy as a runway model. Dont let the online pictures fool you go have a look for your self. Kingc0mm

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  What a Car !!! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By van861 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned a VW Passat GLX which I loved. The 2003 I test drove was improved but than I test drove the BMW(it is fully loaded). Where the Passat was great the BMW was a whole new world. I bought a factory demo with 10,000 miles and for only a $1,000 price difference. The handling is extreme and car is solid and quiet. Every drive is a new experience.

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  330i nice ss but needs some improving on - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By pp9975/Paul - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Pros: Great handling takes curves with ease. I was afraid of pushing the vehicle to hard in turns but somehow it begs to be driven harder. Good gas mileage on highway (32 mpg around 65mph)Cons: Cheap interior plastic, going over bumps I can hear plastic rattling as it just doesnt fit right. The engine has a bit too much growl inside the cabin. I owned an IS300 prior to this and Lexus engine is so much more subdued even when pushed. The interior on the IS was more refined simply because the cabin is quiet and you cant hear the plastic when going over bumps. Harmon Kardon needs improvement. My IS with Nackamichi was much better. Overall: Truly a SPORTS car with little luxury conveniences

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  Very Cool Car - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By SC - June 4 - 4:36 pm

  I have owned the car for about 2 months now and have no regrets about stretching my wallet for this car. To paraphrase Jack Nicholson, this car makes me want to be a better driver. I chose the car after driving the TL and G35, and had a hard time justifying the higher price until the 06 version, which appears to be a better value IF one does not desire all the creature comforts. A minimalist approach works best if you are on a budget because most of the safety features and the phenomenal handling are standard on this car. The fuel efficiency is impressive for a vehicle of this class and only gets better at higher speeds. I find the sport suspension unnecessary and like the standard wheels.

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  Awesome - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Crews - June 4 - 6:00 am

  We purchased this vehicle two months ago and have already put 3,000 miles on it. I love the way it handles and the acceleration when passing someone on the highway. The trunk space is deceptive. We took a family of five with luggage on a Spring Break trip and had enough room.

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  It Is the Best BMW Ever - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By RHBMW - June 3 - 9:25 pm

  Great car. Buy one if you get the chance. Just lost mine to an accident.

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  truth in new technology - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Imacgenius - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I think that the 745 is s beautiful car, but after 9 months and many recalls, poor reparirs, computer blow outs, and a few stranded experiences, i am not sure that it is worthy of the BMW name. Wish I got the Mercedes

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  My BMW 330xi - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Noah12343 - May 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car in general. It is a blast to drive, and it screams quality. The performance is adequate although it could use a more powerful engine. My major concern is BMWs neglect of its interior. There is no room in the back seat for anyone over 55 or over 150 pounds... and the options leave alot to be desired.

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  BEST CAR ON THE ROAD! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By RKWRIGHT - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car a few days ago. I have already put 300+ miles on it. It is AWESOME! I love everything about it. It is fast and beautiful. It has every toy and safety feture on it you can imagine. The convertable top is perfect and very well designed.

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  Best car in its class - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Moe - May 28 - 9:43 am

  I waited 3 months to get this car, but it was the best decision that I ever made. This car is the best. The power it has shocks you. The luxury is amazing, the look of the exterior is stunning... just an amaazin car. Only one con... the price is a little too high for a 3 series, but I love it and its worth every cent.