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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  Great to drive but safety features lag behind - 2017 BMW X3
  By daniel - January 5 - 10:35 am

  We bought drivers assistance plus package to include blindspot, lane changer warnings but they only activated at 35 MPH so driving locally do not work. The driver siide definitely has a blindspot on the left side but blindspot only works at the higher speeds and the navigation package was pre-requisite. All in all, a waste of $3,000.

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  Fun, but not worth it - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Readyforanother - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Great fun to drive, but at what cost? The car is in constant need of mechanical attention. The check engine and brake light sensors are constantly on, the electrical system is full of glitches, and everything started falling apart once it got past warranty (not that the warranty covered much anyway). If you are considering a used 3, find one with extremely low mileage or factor in several thousand dollars for repairs within the first few years.

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  I Love My New Car - 2002 BMW Z3
  By katti - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Besides the Manual shift, the car is attractive fun to drive and makes me looks very professional and prosperous.

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  Wow...i like - 1999 BMW Z3
  By Silver w/blacktop - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Used to own a 97 2.3L Z3....this 2.8L is much better. The power behind this car is incredible, its very fun to drive. The added roll bars provide better security. The seats are incredible: heated, holding capability, and comfort all rolled into one. Not very practical, but thats not its purpose. Its a very fun toy!

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  2 seater fun ride - 1996 BMW Z3
  By - December 23 - 2:00 am

  The z3 can be described as the ultimate fun cruz when it comes to driving on curving mountain roads in western North Carolina. This sports car hugs the road like a suction cup, no sway or bounce just sheer control, not near as enjoyable on expressways with 18 wheelers towering above the little car.All in all a very enjoyable car to drive.

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  2 seater fun ride - 1996 BMW Z3
  By Norm - December 23 - 2:00 am

  The z3 can be described as the ultimate fun cruz when it comes to driving on curving mountain roads in western North Carolina. This sports car hugs the road like a suction cup, no sway or bounce just sheer control, not near as enjoyable on expressways with 18 wheelers towering above the little car.All in all a very enjoyable car to drive.

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  Its a keeper - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By fladoc - December 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 1991 318is in 1991, as my first BMW. I enjoyed the performance, although my driving style is far from pushing a car. The BMW 318is attracted me because of the small size yet interior room and seating for four. The car is now 12 years old and still looks like new and runs great. I found a local German machanic who did all the service beyond what was covered by the warrenty.

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  Too late to turn back - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By uncleg - December 21 - 2:00 am

  When we first bought this car for my wife she was in love wthi the style power and performance. I loved the the features. But little did i know it would be the beginning of the end. Not soon after we bought the car we had to replace all the head lights and break lights under warranty. Buy the 3rd yr we have replaced allexterior lights at least 3 times. Called BMW and they state, it is a common problem up until I started to experience more expensive items like the ASC and the transmision relay.etc.etc.etc. The BMW dealers will only provide a loaner if yuo bought it there? Not lexus or mercedes. I will never buy another, I go back to Mercedes and lexus.

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  Best mid-size sport sedan out now - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By GER_545SMG - December 20 - 5:36 am

  This car has delivered...and more. I have never enjoyed a car as much as this. Everything is just great. Sure the cupholders could be better, but this is otherwise German engineering at its finest.

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  fun - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By adams7 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  best balanced car I have ever driven.worth every penny.no problems even in snowy Buffalo.enough room for two sets of golf clubs.