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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  bmw 325 cic - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Jenni Shiflett - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Overall I think this is one of the best vehicles around. It has great fuel economy and for a 325 it is just as nice as our 740.

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  An experience everyone must have! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Andre Wintz - August 12 - 10:00 am

  After driving my 530i everyday,ive learned why other BMW owners stay loyal.Its the best car ive owned so far!

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  Its a NICE RIDE! - 2004 BMW X3
  By Kyle G. - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I love it, personally. It drives like a car, but has the four-wheel drive capabilities of an SUV. Yes, they say it doesnt do too well in off-roading, but I am not about to hit any desert dunes any time soon. The sound system is also incredible, it comes standard with 10 speakers. The peppy engine, comfortable leather seats, and the awesome sound system make for an incredible driving experience. Highly recommend it.

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  BMW X-3, 2.5 - 2004 BMW X3
  By Montgomery - August 12 - 10:00 am

  the X3 is a dream to drive. More like a sports car than a "truck." Plenty of power, 6-gears and lots of features. The full time 4-wheel drive gives a real feeling of holding the road in all conditions. I live (and drive) in Germany and the X3 is great on all roads, autobahn or winding back paths. My 5th BMW but first SAV. It wont be my last.

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  Best Car I have ever driven - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Brinker - August 12 - 8:38 am

  Sitting in the drivers seat in the dealers lot was enough to convince me that this was a great car. However, since the car was for my wife, I felt she should take it for a spin. She did and we bought it. My first chance to drive it was last weekend and I must say it is the best car I have ever driven. Between my wife and myself we have owned 25 to 30 vehicles over the years. Sport Cars, SUV, Luxury, Compacts, New and Used Vehicles, to quote my wife "I dont think I will ever be happy driving anything else". Turbo System is Awesome!!

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  Its a Keeper! - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By Robert - August 11 - 1:14 pm

  I am the second owner of this car. It had 35250 miles when I bought it and now 2 1/2 years later Ive only put 2000 miles on it. It was special ordered with the Dakar Yellow that was only available in the M series that year. So...to me its pretty rare. I keep it covered in the garage and rarely drive it. It always turns heads whenever I take it out. Most of the ones like this are beat. I plan on having it forever. I love this car!

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  Awesome - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By kaiyer - August 10 - 11:38 am

  Just purchased it. Torque if fantastic. Best when merging into the highway. Cabin ergonomics are top rated. The whole family loved it.

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  Very Happy with Diesel X5 - 2009 BMW X5
  By NorthernVABMWdriver - August 9 - 1:52 pm

  This is my 6th X5 and probably my favorite. I like the idea of driving clean-diesel and a more fuel efficient SUV without much trade off in performance and comfort. Acceleration is excellent it feels faster than performance numbers indicate. Diesel engine clatter does not intrude into the cabin you would not know its has a diesel engine from the interior. I custom order my BMWs and this one took only 9 days from production start to delivery.

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  Perfect Sedan - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By bmw3driver - August 8 - 1:50 pm

  I drive my car very hard, and it has continued to amaze me. For the money, there isnt a car on the market that measures up. Perfect small, luxury sedan.

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  Perfect after changing tires - 2008 BMW Z4
  By David Kirby - August 8 - 10:21 am

  WOW! I replaced the Bridgestons RF (run flat) tires, with Michelin Pilot Sport ASXL. The ride with the sports suspension, improved significantly, and eliminated the jolting, without compromising the handling. As a bonus, it may enable me to use the car year around in Upstate NY, without having to invest in snow tires, and if I can get even close to the projected 40K miles tread life, I will be even happier.