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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  Forget the Infiniti G35 Coupe - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Midas - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased my 325CI. I was seriously considering the G35 COUPE, but with all the BS I had to go through with the Infiniti dealer, I decided to get the CI. What a great choice.. Infiniti was selling at sticker, and the dealer was trying to rob me blind. I was wheeling back and forth with the G#% for days. I walked into the BMW dealer and about an hour later, walked out with a loaded one for $1500 over invoice.. I have the inside scoop on the G35 and they are looking at a min of $3500 over invoice. Way too much for a car that no one knows if it is going to have a good resale value. The BMW kicks butt and I would recommend it to anyone

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  Perfect balance of between sport & luxury - 2017 BMW X3
  By Dale - April 14 - 2:22 am

  Bought my 2017 xDrive28 in October 2016 and have 10,500 on it in four months. Body integrity is exceptional and its both fun to drive and comfortable. I ordered it from the dealer and surprisingly it showed up in less than five weeks, being U.S. manufactured. Didnt go for a lot of options, no sunroof, leather or whatever but did get all the available safety options. Im 73 years old and recognize that my reflexes arent want they use to be so happy to get all the help I can. Very disappointed that automatic braking was not available. Had that feature on my 2015 Subaru Forester and I believe it should be mandatory on all new cars. Very, very disappointed with BMW U.S.A. s extended warranty procedures. I got talked into it at the dealer but decided to cancel it a few weeks later for a full refund as provided in the warranty manual. Just too expensive for what you get. Have gone round and round with the dealer and BMW corporate but still waiting for refund over three months after cancelling it. All and all Im happy with the car. Is it worth twice as much as a Forester? Probably not but at my age and still working full time I figure its just a well deserved present for myself.

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  Amazing - 2003 BMW Z4
  By xyvyx - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Its fast, looks great (gets TONS of attention), feels solid and has an intoxicating exhaust note. Cupholders could use some work and my oil indicator came on after 3500 miles, but fine other than that.

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  Wow? - 2004 BMW Z4
  By hivpozbud - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Gorgeous? Yes. Ugly? Maybe Different? Yes. Eye catching? Yes. Powerful? Y E S !!! The Z4 isnt a car made to appeal to everyones taste in cars. Only those who can appreciate the performance and beauty of a BMW. This is a car that has fluid lines (though some are kind of "out there"), moves gracefully, and looks like nothing else out there. It also, when hammered, carves the road like a brand new scalpel. The exhaust note is orgasmic and the power seems endless. I have a 3.0 Z4 but I drove the 2.5 and even though the 3.0 has a more powerful engine, the 2.5 drove like it would have no problems keeping up.

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  Z Best! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Zeeya - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I was sold on the Z4 with my test drive! I opted for the five-speed automatic, which has been a perfect choice for someone who wants to have fun, but doesnt want the hassle of a clutch, especially in traffic. It is quick, responsive, and takes corners better than our 2000 Porsche Cabriolet.

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  Good Car, Bad Service - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By the tester - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Okay, the car is good (I have the sports package and premium). I love driving it. It isnt the best luxury/sports car I have owned, but its not bad. Heres the bad: the dealership (Beverly Hills BMW) sucks. Bad sales team, so-so service, no loaners. BMW needs a national loaner policy (each dealer loans courtesy cars only if you purchased at that dealership--some dont even have loaners). I mean, you spend 50k on a car, the least you should get is a courtesy car when you take it in to service (I have had to take the car in three times so far and only 6000 miles). Can anyone say Lexus?

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  330i - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By jungster1 - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Have 17,000 miles on it now. Overall, the ownership experience has been positive. It is a great car. Powerful engine, great driving dynamics, look and feel of quality. After years of Toyota and Honda ownership, I have been a little disappointed by the reliability of some of the components. Nothing major but had to take the car in for two unscheduled repairs. Everything was covered under warranty.

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  Perfection - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By BMW528i - April 3 - 7:30 pm

  I upgraded from an 02 525i, which I loved and was afraid to sell, to an 08 528i and the 08 is a totally different animal. It has been perfected inside and out. I love iDrive and I cant understand why every car on the road doesnt have an iDrive system. I love the iPod adapter they offer and its simple to use. I encourage anyone in this luxury market to drive this car. I cant wait to drive it again.

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  be smarter than the GPS! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Chuck Hinnant - March 30 - 2:00 am

  The GPS needs updated DVD muchly. 18" wheels a must. Lines of entire auto follow the front end beautifully.Great brakes,too much brake dust up front. Dont drive the thing if you are susceptable to spoiling yourself with fun.

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  Love my BMW - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Tim Spann - March 28 - 10:00 am

  the greatest car I have ever driven