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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  A Fantastic Car - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW123456789 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best examples of an introduction line. While the car it self may not have the power of the 325 it is an incredible joy to drive. The car handles like its on rails and it sings when the revs are high.

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  X5 3.0 - 2001 BMW X5
  By ibnu - September 13 - 2:00 am

  BMW X5 ROCKS.. This SAV is much better than the Lexus. Mercedes, or Acura.

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  BMW 330i is overpriced; lacks space - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By gregh - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought the BMW330i because of the rave reviews at Edmunds.com. It does handle quite well, is a lot of fun to drive, and lets face it, part of driving a BMW is pure showing off that you can afford one. I made the mistake of getting the automatic transmission, thinking that the city stop-and-go traffic would be worth it, but it isnt. Ive had both the manual and auto, and manual is better-- much more fun. The automatic is very smooth, but the Steptronic shifting is a bit shaky--no substitute for the real manual.

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  Acceleration delay - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By cruzer - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I want to love this car, but there is a signicant delay in the acceleration response. I was told by the dealership mechanic that this is a "problem" with the 2002s - a redesign that removed the cabling and now uses electionics instead. Most noticable when road conditions require a quick acceleration, a few times left me questioning the saftey of this "ultimate driving machine." I was told by the dealer that a half-second delay is acceptable (I can hit the floor with the pedal and bring it back up before the engine responds).

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  carish suv - 2016 BMW X1
  By L. Taylor - September 5 - 5:10 am

  Roomy, comfortable, well appointed, and fun to drive. If youre looking for a small suv, X1 could fit the bill.

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  Keeps on Going... - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By JoggerDude - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Owned car 8 years now. 190k miles. The car still looks and runs great. Ive only spent $2,400 to maintain it (includes 3 sets of Michelin tires! Oil has been changed every 5K miles. Engine is still tight and very smooth. Ive gotten 36 mpg on the highway. 4 cyl motor(140 HP) with a 5-spd is fine on power. Im still using the original clutch. Handling and looks are what caused me to buy this car. My black 2 door is beautiful and rare! Im curious to see how long this car will last. I have no plans to trade. It still looks good and is fun to drive. Very reliable.

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  It could have been a great car - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By camilosa - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Great engine, great suspension, great seats, but those electronics are going to drive me up the wall. When all is working, it is a fantastic car, but when the keys decide not to open the doors, the memory not to memorize, the controls not to respond it be becomes somewhat overwhelming. The dealer has been great at trying to fix all the bugs, but still waiting to have the thing work

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  Great car for 6 and under. 40K miles 4 yrs old - 2007 BMW Z4 M
  By boyracer3 - August 30 - 8:02 am

  Purchased CPO w 10K mi. Cant imagine why anyone would new bmw when CPO program is so great. Have had car for 30+ mos. And all service has been free. Have had a rattle in the pop up Nav. Fixed. Hatch opening problems fixed by replacing Z4 lid bumpers with 3 series spring loaded bumpers. Intermitent pass door lock fussiness. But thats it for problems. Nav system is grossly inferior to Japanese and domestics. Unfortunate. But I like the newer idrive interface a lot better. A blast to drive. Very responsive handles like its on rails. Cont.

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  BMWz8 - 2003 BMW Z8
  By Jamar /Jamsport09 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  The Bmw z8 is a high performance, sharp- lookin speed car. I would seriously recommend this car.

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  A nice experience with my 740i - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By the MB - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car certified-pre-owned with 36k miles on it. It is a blast to drive and I get a lot of compliments on its styling from clients. I appreciate the fact that it can hold three car seats across in the rear. It has had two repairs in 12 months new ventilation fan motor, new fuel injection o-rings. This would have totaled about $1,000 without the warranty. While this kind of thing seems typical, and is certainly not cheap, a used 740 has a great overall value proposition.