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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  Technology Hell - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By DSNieman - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I love the road manners of the 745i. You cant beat the handeling and performance. However, the I Drive, I could do without. Its cumbersome and awkward. I would use the voice activation but it doesnt work when other people are talking in the car. The sound system is phenomenol but could BMW use an in-dash 6 disc versus a magazine? I still have not figured out how to program the key to link to my seat and radio settings. Lastly, my navigation system is not easy to use compared with Lexus and Acura. Periodically it showed me driving in water rather than land.

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  Long time BMW owner - 2016 BMW X1
  By Beemer31 - April 1 - 2:28 am

  Ive had a 328, 528, and now a X1. I have the MSport pack (Estoril Blue), Tech, Cold Weather, and Driver Asst packages. The SAV (as Munich likes to call it) is/has everything I need in a car. Most importantly, I dont have to fold down the seats to put two golf bags in the back. My favorite attributes about BMW is the familiarity with the iDrive system and its the only manufacturer in this segment where the passenger can enter an address into the Nav while the car is in drive. I test drove Lexus/Audi and both required the car to be in park in order to enter an address into the nav (unless I wanted to use the voice recognition - which is always terrible)! Anyway, this car is typical BMW - high end interior parts and all of the controls are where they should be. Now I do have ONE gripe - the temperature controls only move in two degree increments and in even numbers only. I contacted BMW about this and its because the car is based off the MINI Countryman. Lets not forget, this is an entry level BMW, so its not the biggest deal for me. Overall, Im glad I got this SAV.

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  Great ride but I-Drive needs work - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Klaus is in the Haus - March 31 - 2:00 am

  I test drove them all and the BMW won the ride derby. No complaints there but the I-Drive interface needs work. The controls are not intuitive and this from a computer programmer! Be prepared to spend hours figuring this out. Audio controls are really minimal - e.g. no CD track titles, no fast forward, no random across multiple CDs. Page numbers in index of owners manual are almost all wrong!

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  Drivings a pleasure - 2004 BMW X5
  By mlnelsen - March 30 - 2:00 am

  First BMW experience. Pros, Handling of the SUV is excellent. Great feel for the road and decent acceleration for a heavy vehicle. Cons, Accelerator pedal has a mushy feel. We were told it is because it is electronically controlled, not physically. Just need to get used to it. It is not one of the positive features of this vehicle.

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  M3 Madness - 2003 BMW M3
  By Gretsky911 - March 29 - 2:00 am

  I upgraded from a 3-series coupe to a M3 and found the 2003 out-performs the 323ci hands down. The M3 is an awesome car and has specific apects that make it so. Whether your an middle aged man or a Guy out of college, youll feel the freedom of driving one of the most powerful cars on the market. Whether your on the track, on the highway, in a city or even in a lot, you can always find some time to push the car. Whether its the speed you like, cornering, or just the style. This car has got it all. Improved stock suspension, brakes and strut bar help the car to preform over its successors. Though there are always aftermarket room for improvements.

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  Best Sedan on the Road when it runs - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By dealer bound - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Car is astoundingly fun to drive for a $40,000 four dour sedan, but this car has been in the shop 3 times for minor mechanical and fit/finish problems. The service was absolutely terrible as well. Takes a month to get an appointment to fix a broken speaker and they still do not fix it right. When you tell them it was not fixed right, they schedule you another appointment 30 days later!!

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  The 1994 530i V-8 Auto..In Alpine White - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By DixonMillerRN - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I inherited my 1994 530i V-8 when mom upgraded. Sheepskins on the seats REALLY preserve the leather. No visible rust save on door edges where 1-2 mm. spots peek through. The car drives quite well and you have to remind yourself that it is actually 10 years old. The road "feel" is GERMAN solid. It shines in handling, avoiding accidents opposed to merely surviving one, & surprise stops/lane changes. Itll bring you home alive no matter how bad the road conditions/other drivers may be. This car is a classic of understatement and abhors the idea of being pimped out.MAINTENANCE is key.Overall, this car may not "rock" but it is rock solid.

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  It Sucks - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By Mike76 - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I thought i bought a real dream but it was all a nightmare. i bought this 90 525I with 120k on it in 98. it ran great for couple of miles then fell apart. the drive shaft fell off $600, crank shaft $1000, electrical problems. i can go on and on.

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  Solid Feel - 2001 BMW X5
  By bgrand1 - March 21 - 2:00 am

  What a great car. Very responsive and fun to drive. The all-wheel drive system provides very solid manueverability and handling in turns. Both interior and exterior fit and finish are outstanding. My experience with the dealer was also very positive.

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  Great!!!! - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Angeleyes - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive always owned a BMW but only with the 3 series family. However, I finally upgraded to 5 series and its great. It feels heavy bec of lack of power but it has been reliable and has not given me any problem as of yet. I will always own a bmw just bec they are safe. I got into an accident(Truck T bone my car, passenger side) and none or I got injured. Great car.