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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  Sweet Ride - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Ray-Man - December 13 - 9:09 am

  Great car! 20K miles now and no problems. I love the run-flats but you wont, if you want a cushy ride. My dealer DID repair one with a nail hole and tires are wearing well. At least 5K left on them. After myriad expensive and seemingly unsolvable problems with my 99 Saab 9-5, this is welcome change and when my lease expires Im torn between buy-out and 335! I think seats are very comfortable and Im tall (64", 200).

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  Exceptional! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By charlieV - December 12 - 5:05 pm

  Wow. First beemer, but not my last. 21K incredible miles w/very few problems (rear lamp bulb & drivers side mirror motor). Smooth engine and auto transmission, shifts "like butter." Responsive... just point and shoot... it goes where you aim. 25K miles on the run flat Continentals and they look like theyll last to 50K+. Not sure why so many RFT complaints. Radio, Bluetooth, Homelink are flawless. Did I mention this car drives like a dream. Havent met an on- or exit-ramp I didnt like. Need to merge ahead of that 18-wheeler doing 80MPH, just floor it and drive, the lane now belongs to you.

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  Well Worth It, even now - 1997 BMW M3
  By bdski11 - December 10 - 5:45 pm

  I was actually looking for a 540i, but when I found this car with 50k original miles, perfectly maintained, I couldnt say no. Since then its been no looking back. Good highway MPG-28-30 if careful. Comfortable but somewhat stiff ride. But enough of the boring stuff, it RIPS. If youre considering this car, I recommend it. Find one that wasnt beat. Brakes, tires, parts are expensive, but they are well made. Ive put 25k miles on it, and they were not easy miles. Some dont, but I love luxury package.

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  Two years waiting for this car - 2006 BMW Z4
  By gary - December 10 - 11:14 am

  Two years ago I was driving a 07 PRHT Miata. Test drove a Z4 auto loved it but couldnt afford it. This spring I traded my Miata Roadster for a 03 Z4 with auto transmission. My wife and I took it on a 4600 mile spring road trip to the northwest all in 10 days. Loved every turn, downshift, and gas stop. I auto crossed it during the summer months with great pleasure. My brother in law came to town in his pick-up and we found a 05 Z4 for him to take home. Wife and great grand kids were out riding on the week-end in her Mercedes Benz and just stopped to see if the 330ci was the same size has hers. Saw the Z4, could not believe the mileage! Of course I really wanted a 6spd.

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  What A Car!! - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Bret J. - December 9 - 5:00 pm

  This is my 2nd BMW. I owned a 7 series three years ago and had many problems with it. I leased a Mercedes S550, which was nice, but I decided to get back into something fun and sporty. The New 550i is an awsome car. They made some really nice improvements. Its fast, responsive, handles incredibly, stylish, comfortable, and a pure joy to drive. I bought it fully loaded with the excpetion of the Heads- up display and night vision. This is by far my favorite car Ive owned. I recommend the sport package in any BMW you purchase, after all, BMW is the Ultimate Driving Machine, so how you can not get the sport package. This car is a keeper.

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  Incredible SAV - 2005 BMW X3
  By vacabundo - December 9 - 2:01 pm

  I have had this x3 for 4 months and MAN, its great. We own a 2003 325Cic, and the x3 handles and moves better. Stability and handling are just amazing, let alone the braking capabilities. The 5-speed auto tranny is just right and shifts smoothly, the sport program feels eager to go, downshifting and holding gears in the right moments and situations. The tiptronic manual program is great when you want to really drive. I would rather have a 6 speed manual, you lose invaluable torque with the automatic, but not a big deal. Cornering is just like a 3-series. The aggressive look is perfect, it tells BMW all around, love the style.

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  Xceptional! - 2016 BMW X1
  By M. McReynolds - December 9 - 12:43 pm

  3500 miles in and 5 stars in all aspects. Based on my experience, it lives up to BMWs billing...best in class performance, fuel economy and cargo. I evaluated other comparable models (Lexus NX, Acura RDX, Mercedes GLA, and Audi Q3) and chose the BMW X1. Car and Driver rating 4.5 out of 5. Its roomier on the inside than it appears from the outside. For both rows of seats, it actually has more head and leg room than the current BMW X3. I highly recommend the optional sliding 2nd row seat to gain flexibility for passengers versus cargo. Well-engineered and easy to use information technology (iDrive, bluetooth, Navigation, etc.). I didnt spec the safety technologies, so I cant comment on them. Give it a try - you wont be disappointed!

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  The new 2004 BMW 5 - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By beamerlady - December 9 - 2:00 am

  The handling of this vehicle performs like the 7 with the new sport package, except its cheaper. The comfort is like being on your living room couch.You must drive one to fall in love with it, you will never drive another car again.

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  Lauries New Car - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By UTRXMR - December 9 - 2:00 am

  My wife totalled my SLK. We needed a four-seater this time around. We chose the 2004 525 over a 2003 530 and a 2004 E-320. My ex-wife had totalled two E-320s in the last few years, so we decided a change was necessary!! I had read the car magazines about the 5-series,and was concerned about its styling and controller controversies. But, we loved the styling. The BMW looks great in black. The electronics are challenging but interesting. I wish it had more power, but the cost of the engine upgrade wasnt worth the extra money.

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  Well Worth the Money - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By gap2 - December 9 - 2:00 am

  A great entry level luxury sedan.