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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  Happy so far - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Denny4 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I compared the 330CI to the G-35-C and was 85% sold in the Infinity. That was before I test drove the 330. Basically the test drive blew me away and I could justify the $7000 price difference. Every day I drive the BMW I feel I made the right choice. The car is fully evolved. Cat quick, handles like a dream, great exterior and interior styling. The dealer has been terrific.

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  Wish they still made this style - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Discriminating Taste - February 24 - 9:13 pm

  I understand why this 530i was Consumer Reports highest rated car ever in 2001. I got a Mercedes after my first BMW, but after experiencing this 530i, I may be a BMW loyalist into my 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and if I need a personal driver by the time I reach 100 years old, he/she/(or it if robots can drive by then) will be behind the wheel of a BMW. BMW, keep up the good work!

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  Great 2016 BMW X1 - 2016 BMW X1
  By w62vette - February 23 - 6:24 pm

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  Great Ride, once you replace the tires - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Kevin - February 23 - 5:19 pm

  First BMW, bought after much research, to replace a faithful Nissan Maxima, which I loved. Best car Ive ever owned or driven. I had reservations from the start about the Run Flat tires. Nobody will repair them, they ride harsh and loud, tramlining is horrible, they only last 12k miles, and are very expensive to replace. Replaced with regular "go flat" tires, and its like a different car amazing what a difference regular tires makes. Now I just carry a couple cans of fix-a-flat and my triple A card. 2 problems: drivers side mirror and steering wheel lock had to be replaced.

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  What can you say - 2000 BMW M5
  By David Edwards - February 23 - 8:40 am

  Awesome acceleration and braking. Matchless handling and space for a saloon/sedan. Its reputation goes before it and people still ask to see the engine, after all this time.

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  Nice car but - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Nice care but - February 23 - 2:13 am

  I truly like my 325i but there are few quirks that come to mind. Sometimes when I insert the key, theres a weird semi-grinding sort of noise behind the steering wheel and I have to reinsert the key, lock the steering wheel (sometimes 2 or three times) to get the engine to start. Runflats were a bad decision. Besides, if you have to put a key in the dash anyway, whats the point of the push button? I have the light grey interior and 2 weeks after I bought the car, the drivers side door handle started to peel.

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  Awesome Car! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By James - February 22 - 8:43 pm

  This is one of the best cars I have ever had. I now have 36000 miles on mine, a 545i, and it is just as good, if not better, than when it was new. The build quality is impeccable and the performance beyond reproach.

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  I think I am in love! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Mrs. White - February 22 - 10:00 am

  This is the most wonderful driving expeirence I have ever had. I have had this car for almost 2 weeks and I just love to drive it. It handles like you would not believe and looks good doing it. My husband brought it as a Christmas gift and had driven it more than me. We are having a ball! Thanks BMW. I think that we will stay in the family.

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  I love my Beemer - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Hunter - February 21 - 1:23 pm

  This is one of the best cars I have ever owned. It is comfortable but sporty and the I-drive is very useful once you get used to it. It has more features than I have figured out yet. I like the exterior styling and note that many of the more popularly priced cars are staring to imitate it in 2005. The 3 liter in-line six is very powerful but quiet and the automatic transmission shifts very smoothly. Its a great car. My only gripe was I had a few glitches to correct at the dealer after delivery but it was handled quickly and efficiently.

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  I love it - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Bix - February 20 - 9:37 pm

  The title says it all, truth is this is the overall very best car Ive ever owned. After over 30K miles I still smile every time I drive the car. And because its a touring model I can haul real things. The only complaint I actually have is stupid and dangerous cupholders. Oddly the only cup which works is "Mini" mug.