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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  Buy One if You Can - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Ciplex - May 8 - 3:46 pm

  There always lemons and people who cannot be pleased and I would say those are anybody who does not love this car. The 540i is the car to own for fun. Mine is fully loaded with more gadgets than I can ever remember how to operate. The radio went out, I purchased one off e-bay, and self- installed with little effort. The radiator blew out and I replaced that also with no trouble, in fact only needed a screwdriver. Nevertheless, who has not had issues with a use car, this car rocks! I love the body style and the dark red color is the best ever when washed and waxed. In city or on highway this car is so much fun to drive plenty of power waiting to respond and comfort to sit back and relax.

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  Best car Ive ever driven! - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Sadas - May 7 - 11:05 pm

  I bought this car with 156000 miles. Drives like new. Everything works perfect! All electronics work perfectly. A lot of people complain about replacing BMW parts. Its really not that hard takes a little effort and time. I change my own oil air filters, radiators, pumps, and bunch of other stuff. This is a really nice car! I have owned Lexus and Acura this car beats them all!

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2005 BMW M3
  By Ted - May 6 - 11:04 pm

  I came from a BMW 330Ci to the M3. The difference was astounding! The quality and build of the vehicle will not disappoint you at all. I have driven many high performance vehicles, and this appears to be the best daily drive and all around vehicle I drove. The horsepower and torque is perfect, and the sound of the inline 6 brings you to a euphoric state. The SMG takes time to get used to but is truly perfect for daily driving. I chose the convertible because I live in southern California where the weather is amazing, and because I do not track my vehicle. And not only that but you can hear the award winning engine much more. Truly, this M3 is the ultimate driving machine.

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  Performance Meets Luxury! - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Scribe23 - May 6 - 12:45 pm

  Its always a challenge to find a sporty performance car that is also luxurious, comfy and practical enough to be a primary vehicle. Simply put, this is the coolest, most fun, best equipped car Ive ever driven.

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  X5, the best until the X7 might beat it? - 2017 BMW X5
  By Brickey Suggs - May 6 - 11:29 am

  save your money then enjoy it on this extremely safe and exhilirating vehicle

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  Z4 a smile - 2004 BMW Z4
  By AUNDIK - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I love this car (4th BMW - first 2-seater). The top can be up or down - the exhileration is the same. The fit and finish are top, and the instrument layout is clear and logical.

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  Practical Sports Car - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By rauhala - May 4 - 2:00 am

  This is the perfect car for those who love to drive but want the ability to carry people and things. It looks good, goes where you point it, is good on gas, grips the road, has a very high quality "feel" and with the 5 speed manual and glass moon roof it drives like a sports car. It is perfect.

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  3 yrs old and going strong - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Connie - May 3 - 11:51 pm

  This car was the first car weve ever bought that cost more than $20K and we remain in love with it 3 years later. It drives like a dream, gets decent MPG (btwn 25 and 30 mpg) and I think it looks very sophisticated for a wagon. There have been a few electrical issues since day 1 that we vaguely annoying but didnt affect performance and which have finally been diagnosed and fixed. All the maintenance and repairs have been covered by the BMW service plan which is unparalleled. We havent had any mechanical problems at all.

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  Two 4.8 X5s in the garage - 2008 BMW X5
  By BMW fan - May 3 - 7:44 am

  Switched from my 06 750i to a loaded 08 4.8 X5 primarily to carry more loads (dogs and stuff) to our second home. We now have 2 4.8 X5s - an 07 and 08, both loaded. Great performance, not as smooth as the 750, a bit more choppy but still great for a long journey. Engine noise more noticeable, but this is an SUV and not a sedan. The big tires on the performance package have plenty of grip, huge cross section, work well in the rain (unlike the MB GL550), although theres some tire noise. We switch to snow tires in the winter and the noise disappears. Interior and equipment are great, driver sits higher than the 750 but the car is just as chuckable, with no body roll.

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  Great Buy - 2008 BMW X3
  By bimmerdriver - May 2 - 11:42 pm

  This has been a great car so far. No mechanical issues. The BMW engine is smooth and delivers the power when you need it. The suspension works really well too. It provides amazing road feel and yet is able to absorb our Chicago pot holes better than any car Ive recently driven. The transmission has been good so far. When immediate passing power is needed I switch from D to SD for a quick burst of speed.