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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  Great Car for the Money!! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Deon - May 10 - 9:36 pm

  We found our 330xi to be a great car. Its comfortable, has BMW build quality and reliability. We found the run flat tires to be annoying, so we replaced them. Now our ride is much smoother. Great snow traction, and handles the road very well. Cheers!

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  Amazing - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By John - May 7 - 10:30 pm

  This is my first BMW and will not be the last. I love cars and I can honestly say I have never driven a car like this one before. I feel like I am always in control, even in the rain. I test drove all the cars in its class and nothing comes close to it. Yes, it is a little more of an expense, but it really is worth every cent. I get so much satisfaction from this automobile that I never want to leave it. It really does live up to its rep. Job well done!

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  Great Car! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Ella - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I love my car, although I would prefer a more user-friendly electronic/audio system. The car is extremely comfortable to drive and ride in.

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  Great Car ... - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By rega - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Love the car and the way it handles. Love the exterior. Interior nice, needs more storage area. I also had the transmission problem. I took mine into the dealer after noticing the problem, and a replacement was ordered right away and installed within weeks. The dealer handled it very well. Its just a shame that one pays so much money for a car and then finds out within the first few miles that the transmission must be replaced. And yes, BMW has not issued a formal recall as of yet (dont know why). But I have heard the issue is resolved as of 12/03, and they certainly fixed mine and stood behind the car.

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  Great value, and ROOMY! Beautiful vehicle! - 2016 BMW X1
  By Gary - May 4 - 7:56 pm

  This is the new "Handsome car" I tell my mother. She just purchased this vehicle and took the title of "handsome car" from my fathers Mercedes. I dont even really know what to say about this car. Everything is perfect, and when I drove it the thing felt sportier than my RSX-S. Quicker too!

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  mostly satisfied - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By spiker - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Impressed with handling and upper speeds, but it is a little sluggish on take off, even with manual. Irritated at stalling problem (some sensor) and power windows, but all fixed under warranty. In fact, at 30K, dealer even replaced both control arms. Grateful for free service even at 30K.

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  Compare to my Lexus RX300 - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By 330 lover - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Love my Bimmer, great performance 225- hp, good handling (I dont have sport package, so handling is just good not great). No overheat, no water leak or anything. No visit to the dealer until the 1st oil change just like my Lexus.

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  Cant go wrong with one of these. - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By daswolf - May 2 - 1:40 pm

  There are faster cars, there are better handling cars, there are more luxurious cars - BUT nobody has the whole driving package as well balanced, in this car category, as BMW does. 6 months later and I still have a big grin when Im walking out the office door to the parking lot. If your shopping around, drive your other options first. That will save you the return trip to the BMW dealer.

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  04 bmw 530i sport package - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By jmmymack - April 30 - 10:00 am

  the car is really an amazing vehicle from the active steering to the anti roll feature. i-drive is as simple as using your mouse on your pc. minor problems have been drivers side window anti trap device making window go half way up and then down again as well as broken drivers cup holder. besides those minor ( but annoying) problems, car is trouble free and a real eye turner.

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  the ultimate driving machine - SMG - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By kncreed - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 325 for 3 weeks now. All I can say is that it really is the ultimate driving machine. The SMG is fantastic! Downshifts are smooth and quick. I cant wait until the break-in period is over.