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 to drive. Short on quality. - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By woohoo325 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Clutch assembly was defective from the factory and transmission had to be torn down at 3200 miles. I wonder if the defective part already caused unneccessary wear-and-tear.

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  Fun to drive - expected more reliability - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Obelix25860 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  * After 1 week I had to "sputter" to the dealership - blown spark coil in cylinder (it actually has 1 per cylinder). * At month 3 a panel lit up like a xmas tree (called service they said come in 1 week) one hour later the car died and I was towed into the Dealership. * From day 0 one keyfob didnt work and the replacement still hasnt arrived

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  THE best car - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Amandep Singh - February 28 - 10:00 am

  the car is the best better than all the rest BMW gots the speed not like toyota or honda

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  Thats it, BMW forever - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By newbmwowner - February 28 - 10:00 am

  This is the first BMW that I have ever owned and I am sold for life. I have owned luxury vehicles (Mercedes and Jaguar) as well as a sports car (Honda S2000) and the BMW 325xi is the best of both worlds. I test drove the G35, A4, and X-type but none compared to 325xi. Also, I initially went to buy a 330xi but after driving both vehicles decided that the additional horsepower was not worth the additional cost. I have owned the 325xi for 3 months now and I am completely happy with my purchase.

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  Sports car in sedan clothing - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Catalin - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 330i Performance Package a month ago. Very happy. Performance is fantastic and the interior is great

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  Satisfied - 2003 BMW X5
  By patriotgp - February 28 - 10:00 am

  After buying this car because of the crash tests results, it was aukward at first. But after a few weeks it quickly became ouf favorite car. The car is shurely a drivers car. The service has been excellent. The vehicle has taken our family abuse very well and shows no sign of fatigue.

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  Buy It. - 2003 BMW X5
  By Eugene Capuccio - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Buy it. Theres no better SUV on the market.

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  Great car - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By KB - February 28 - 10:00 am

  The 330Ci is a great mix of handling, speed and comfort.

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  Flagship 650i lives up to the title - 2009 BMW 6-Series
  By Jimmy Wells - February 26 - 4:05 am

  This car has great performance and the used prices are good for most budgets. It also has great styling and the convertible adds a whole new dimension to the driving experience.

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  Its about time BMW makes standout - 2016 BMW 3-Series
  By Kyle T - February 25 - 1:40 am

  Definitely its the best bang for your buck as performance vehicle as of today market. I have test drove numerous of cars, RC F, RC350, C450AMG, GS 350, Q50S hybrid, Cayman S & GTS, then finally settle for 340i. Two years ago I owned a 335I and told myself I m not going back to BMW again after I returned it. Therefore I test drove so many cars but not BMW, but then when I looked at BMW again to see if they have any new, thats when I discovered 340i, so I took my wife to the dealership to test drive it, we felt in love with the car immediately. 340i has so much torque from low rpm which my wife loves it compare to her IS350. 340i out performed IS350 easily, my wife is a big fan of Lexus but now she is driving the BMW daily now, I get to drive it on the weekend because we go everywhere together, you get the picture right, the car is mine but she gets to drive it, and i m stuck with the IS350 for the week. Anyway love the car and definitely would own it after 2-3 Gen come out