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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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Golden Eagle - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Previous car was an Audi A-6. My 325 has the sport package and premium package which I recommend. I also have the nav system which has been great. The seats are the absolute best, more comfortable that the 7 series. Motor growl is wonderful, better than the V8. Handling, steering, suspension are supurb. Unfortunately, reliability is not there.

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  X1 is it a BMW? - 2017 BMW X1
  By Steve - September 14 - 3:28 pm

  I traded a 2014 X1 for a 2017.... I saw it, it looks great! a big improvement, I got inside.. great, another big improvement across the board, really an aggressive/beautiful car inside and out.... then I drove it? wait a minuet, did I get in a BMW or Mercedes? a little less power than my 2014, noticeable in particular when accelerating while moving, such as passing, but even worse the shifting,... gone is the precision, satisfying, almost manual like shifts exactly where they should be in every situation, now shifting feels like standard Mercedes in eco mode, or other quality but soft car. I buy BMW partly due to driving experience, BMW missed a great opportunity to show us a front drive could feel like a BMW, this does not, don´t get me wrong it is a great car, my wife likes it better, says it is more comfortable, and it is, but seat of the pants does not feel as good, it just does not feel 100% BMW due mostly to transmission personality.

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  Solid - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By jcmg - September 11 - 1:13 pm

  Overall I have been very happy with my 06 325i. I get great gas mileage, it handles beautifully, although a little sportier than I am used to. The engineering I believe is unmatched by any vehicle. I had to slam on the brakes to avoid a deer and was shocked at the cars response, it stopped on a dime and didnt fishtail at all. I was amazed. I think they could spruce up the interior just a bit more, but I guess if you want total luxury (for the interior) you would need to move to the Lexus.

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  Watch front differential - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By fulks - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Front differential went out at 40,000, no driver negligence. Stalled on a cold night. Shouldnt happen to a bimmer. Dealer ok, manufacturer hard to deal with on car rental for one day, well I was less than 100 miles from home, clerk takes no consideration of driver age, weather, time of day, passed rental cost back to Moses who paid, will not let owner talk to an engineer, to defensive about being sued, which, if someone is killed by this on a busy freeway, they will be.

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  Great roadster - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Joseph Schmidt - August 16 - 8:41 am

  It was between this or leasing a new Miata. The BMW definitely feels like a more solid car. Very pleased with my purchase.

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  2017 X1, My 13th BMW - 2017 BMW X1
  By Walter John S - August 12 - 3:53 pm

  This is a small SUV, but it holds me very well, 63 255lbs. This small version of an SUV has an comfortable ride, a little stiff for some, but not for BMWers. It handles very very well. Superior acceleration for a 4cyl engine. Good visibility all the way around.This X1 is fully loaded, but a blind spot monitor was not available at any cost. It must be the only BMW without that option. Why? I think the BSP is a great option, it has saved me a couple of times from cutting somebody off or even an accident that would have been my fault. My wife drives the car mostly, and she loves it. Small enough so that she can park and maneuver around things fairly easily, but large enough to feel like you have some metal between you and the other idiots who drive so nutsy on our local roads. I find the interior of the X1 a little inferior in quality materials from other BMWs, still good stuff, but somehow it seems a little weak for a BMW. The technology and especially the layout of the interior is the best there is, anywhere. We test drove the Audi Q3, Lexus NX, BMW was a clear winner over these two comparable models. I would give this BMW 4.5 stars if not for the lacking BSP. It only gets 4 as is. My 2006 M3 convertible soft top is still my favorite, it gets a 5 along with my Porsche Macan S, the only two cars I have ever given a 5 rating to, and I have owned LOTS of high end cars and SUVs. Cheers...............

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  90,000 Mile Review - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By maui323 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  After 90,000 miles in under 3 years, Im as satisfied with this car as I was on the first day. It had some relatively minor problems while under warranty - window motors, thermostat re- call, etc. But I can honestly say that other than the tires, Ive put less than $300 into this car. That will change shortly as Im about ready to replace the brake rotors, but really not an expensive car to drive and maintain. I have a 100 mile R/T commute, and Im really impressed with the comfort, handling and feel. We also have a 2002 530, and I actually prefer to drvie the 3.

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  bring your own chiropractor - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By rockaways - July 30 - 10:00 am

  i bought the 330ci convertible (2003) on its reputation for performance. i have a five speed manual-shifting couldnt be better-i can pass just about any other car.BUT THE SEAT IS THE MOST UNCOMFORTABLE EXPERIENCE!! i did not get the sport package because my dealer said it would stiffen the ride but i understand those seats can be extended. i am petite-only 5/4 but find the window is so low i feal my sight line has a horizontal line through it and the seat is so short under my legs that i can never be comfortable. i am trading this in AT A HUGE LOSS-WHAT HAPPENED TO BMW VALUE?-FOR THE NEW SAB 9-3 2004 CONVERTIBLE.

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  maintenace - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By sherry flewellen - July 30 - 10:00 am

  my car has had alot of problems window regulator went out conpressor went out brake problems radiator tank cracked air conditioner would cut off for a few minutes and come back on

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  Love my Beamer!!! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Odalys Compte - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Love the ride, but the seats deffinitely needs more cushioning.