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 - could use more hp & torque - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By interceptor - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Great handling car with the sports package. Responsive and precise. Although the interior is smaller than most of its competitors, its exterior is still the best in my mind. Aggressive, sporty and purposeful without being trendy and tacky.

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  325i great handling, lite on power - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By jking - May 17 - 7:10 am

  Overall a good car, but the 325i could use more hp! Get the 330i if you can afford it.

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  Great car - a few niggling issues - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Mark - May 14 - 1:30 am

  I previously owned a 2002 325i - the new model is significantly upgraded and updated - more of a "Lexus-ized" version of the 3-series than ever before. Only concerns: Satellite radio cannot be added to the car radio by the dealer unless pre-wired by the factory (?) - cupholders are a bit flimsy; the headliner is decidedly cheap and rough; no spare tire - apparently BMW thinks the $350/per/tire run-flats are another great innovation - all I see is an unnecessary cost for me should a tire blow prior to wearing out thru normal wear and tear. Ah, yes - but I DO so love driving this car! Terrific driving dynamics, wonderful to throw into corners.....just wish they would allow the use of regular!

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  Almost perfect electric vehicle - 2017 BMW i3
  By SEAN MARTIN - May 12 - 11:59 pm

  Fun too drive. Supet quiet. Zero emissions. After this great experience with first electric car, I dont think I could go back to another internal combustion vehicle. Electric range of 200+ miles and a 5th seat would make it perfect.

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  BMW M6 - 2006 BMW M6
  By JASOM - May 11 - 3:00 pm

  This car is amazing, with 507 horses this car can run. i got from 0-60 in 4.0 sec! which isnt bad, compared to its weight. It was pricey, but it was worth it.

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  My red Z4 - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Joe Wilson - May 9 - 10:10 pm

  The car is my daily driver. I love the ease of the manual roof. Opens and closes in one quick motion, can close it at 40 mph (do this when it rains). Smooth engine and excellent 5 speed is addictive. Good torque. Unbelievable handling. Good ride. Phenomenal standard stereo. Get heated seats (my only option). Had a few problems but BMW fixed them. A hoot to drive with the stability control off. Winter traction excellent if you buy winter tires (mine are Hankook), but snow and ice traction is terrible on stock tires. Recently drove new S2000 and Solstice both very nice. I like the feel of the BMW. Nothing compares. Buy the standard transmission and engine is my advice.

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  Fun to Drive - 2003 BMW X5
  By Frosty05 - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2001 4.4 and have thoroughly enjoyed this car but have had reliability and feature problems (mis- marketing of towing feature, horrific cup holders...). The acceleration, braking and overall handling are similar to a sports car. I describe the vehicle as an SUV sports car. I tried out many SUVs and none compared in handling and power to the X5. We are sadly selling the X5 (see below). We bought an H2.

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  BMWs Colossal Blunder - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Shifty - May 7 - 8:23 pm

  Great car, fun to drive... but impractical! The sports package comes with run flat tires and a donut. No room to put in full sized tire in the well. But I am better off than those with a 2006 or later 3 series who have no spare at all.. Get a flat wiith these babies and you can go 150 miles. You can put on the donut and go about the same distance. Get a flat tire over the weekend like I did and you are out of pocket for 2 days. Nobody, I repeat nobody stocks the odd ball tires. This is a MAJOR flaw in the BMW. Hear that Edmunds? BTW, the run flats are not repairable, so you are looking at over $300 a pop for a flat. Also they ride terribly and have 15,000 mile tread life.

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  Great Sedan - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By petepeter - May 4 - 11:11 am

  Purchased my 528i new & have driven 84000 miles. Great road & @town performance. Just had a wreck, a total loss. Doors still open and no injuries. I was in control to swerve & miss a head-on collision & was hit on the drivers door and to the rear. Great safety for its age. Cant find a comparable to replace it.

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  In the shop for the first 30 days - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By John Stadler - April 29 - 8:46 pm

  Nice car was in the shop for 30 days with a noise that caused the dealership to pull the dash, and finaly found it in the sun roof. Not the quality that I would have expected. The blue tooth does not work well. I liked the old hard wired, worked every time