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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  So far, so very, very good - 2014 BMW 3-Series
  By e_d_munds - January 19 - 9:50 pm

  I shopped for 3 years and test drove several cars before deciding on the BMW 328d. Ive had the car for a month and I am so impressed with every aspect of it. I have a typical long commute in San Diego - early morning to beat the rush, and a slog in the afternoon. So far close to 39 mpg and >500 miles/tank. Highway mileage is well above the 45 estimated. Car is so sweet and fun to drive. Got the Nav, which comes with a host of other stuff and I say worth the extra $$. For me, this was a momentous upgrade from a reliable 2003 Accord V6 with 145K miles. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in a high mpg, mid-level luxury car. In addition, BMW of Escondido treated me very, very well!

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  Fantastic all purpose vehicle - 2014 BMW X3
  By heiko1 - January 9 - 12:17 pm

  Very impressed with this 3.5 x3 after one month, the heads up display along with steering wheel voice command and what is now a very easy to use i drive system make it very simple to drive the vehicle, change radio, adjust navigation etc without removing your eyes from the road. Suspension and engine are amazing, if you can avoid the hilarity of flooring it, the vehicle gets reasonably impressive fuel mileage. Build quality is top notch and I like the fact that the styling is very conservative. With all the fun stuff, doubtful that anything short of the new Porsche can match it for speed agility and functionality.

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  Fun to drive - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By david_welch - January 5 - 12:44 pm

  I was looking for an AWD sport sedan with a 6 speed manual transmission. The BMW 535xi is the only option in the luxury market. The car is outstanding. It handles extremely well at high speeds and tight corners. The brakes are fantastic and can stop reliably. I wanted a 6 speed manual and the transmission is superb. Shifting is smooth but can be done quickly if accelerating -- merging on the highway is no trouble at all. The AWD is great and I just took the car out for its first test in a New England blizzard. The plow trucks were all out and I only saw a few Audis and Subarus on the road. The BMW climbed icy hills with no trouble at all. Did some donuts too - good times.

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  Ill own this car forever - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By drandy - January 2 - 8:53 pm

  I bought my 328 convertible in 99 with 11k miles, loved it for 10 years, sold it to a needy college kid for two years, and bought it back 18 months ago. With 125k miles on it, the car is still a delight to drive. Soft top is still in good shape, mechanicals are still rock solid, drive is a delight. I use a local German car specialty shop that is much less expensive than a dealership, so brakes, hoses, etc., arent as expensive as they might be. With classic good looks and wonderful driving behavior, this car typifies, "the Ultimate Driving Machine" - Im a BMW-owner for life. If you need to choose between a newer non-beemer or an older beemer, go with the beemer. You wont regret it!

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  435i xDrive - They got it right! - 2014 BMW 4-Series
  By jeffking007 - December 13 - 4:33 pm

  This is my fourth BMW coupe and my favorite by far. It is powerful, yet refined, it can be a beast or a comfortable daily cruiser depending on what mode you put it in. Gas mileage is decent for a car with 300 HP, but Sport mode will of course decrease efficiency. I decided to custom order and get almost every option, including the M Sport Package. I test drove a "Luxury Line" and almost changed my mind about ordering the car - but glad I didnt since the M Sport just felt and looked 10 times better. Dont go cheap on the options unless they dont matter to you. I like the fact this coupe is larger than than before, it is actually a tiny bit longer and wider than the 3 series sedan.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By artprophet - November 27 - 1:57 pm

  Theres a beautiful spirit about this car. Every time I get into the vehicle I find a great peace with the world. This is truly the best car I have ever owned. This beauty of mine is my first BMW. Im now middle aged and have had plenty of cars and driving experiences but nothing compares to this machine. Perfect handling on the curves and it gives you power when you need it. I find myself driving on the back roads and the highways with comfort and ease. I feel no stress at all. If I feel like cruising at 40 mph or putting it to the test at 95 mph its all good. I will always have this car of mine. Its a classic now and forever.

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  Best in Class! - 2014 BMW 3-Series
  By waltr6 - November 21 - 8:10 am

  Recently, we leased a new 2014 328 I sedan, from Braman. The engine is smooth and no lag or jerkiness when the turbo kicks in. The 8 gears makes it so. The three driving modes, Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport will appeal to all variety of driving tastes. The interior is spacious and the seats are very comfortable, which was not the case in the past. The control monitor is easy to use and read. It has multiple functions, which make it a pleasure to us. Having driven an IS 250 previously, this is a huge improvement. Take a test drive, you will love this vehicle.

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  fantastic vehicle - 2014 BMW X3
  By billmcp81 - November 13 - 4:31 pm

  Purchased vehicle about a month ago and have driven 2200 miles. Was nervous at first about 4 cyl engine but it has plenty of power. Recently got 27mpg on trip and that was better than Lexus 400h we traded in. Special ordered vehicle just the way we wanted with tech,parking assist, xenons, upgraded stereo and convenience package. Vehicle is very comfortable on long trips and heated steering wheel is a nice on cold nights. Build quality and dealer experience was first rate. We did purchase tire hazard warranty because of the run flats.

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  The Ultimate driving machine..its true - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By panteaze - November 12 - 12:00 pm

  This car is far from a machine-- in my heart, its better than a best friend. It performs excellent, amazing car to drive and race. I have often encountered cars(men) that want to compete, and I spank them every time from start. Other than it being very fast, its so responsive, it handles perfectly, I drove this car cross country 4 times, pushed it to the max, these cars like to be driven, thats for sure. I couldnt believe how comfortable it is, everything inside is designed intuitively. Ive owned, lexus, benz, and volvo, I like this one the best. The car is worth every penny, parts will always have to be replaced and yes they are pricey, but they dont break often.

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  Amazing car - 2014 BMW 4-Series
  By matthew417 - October 29 - 12:51 am

  Just traded in my 2011 328i coupe for the new 2014 428i. I am very pleased with it so far. Right away, I have noticed that this car uses a lot less gas than my previous car with the new engine and transmission. Youd never know its a 4 cylinder with how fast and smooth it is. This car also seems smoother and quieter than the previous one. The iDrive and modes makes it feel more up to date on the interior. I have gotten lots of looks and thumbs up driving this car around town. The mineral gray paint color is amazing.