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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  After having two X3s we now have an X5 - 2008 BMW X5
  By dfrith - December 14 - 8:24 pm

  While the X5 at first seems a little pricey its standard features make the price much easier to swallow. Xenon headlights, normally about $800 on some BMWs are standard as is a 205 watt sound system with 12 speakers including 2 sub-woofers. Also standard is an alarm system that cost as much as $500 on an X3. Add the fact that all X5s come with BMWs great ZF (German made) automatic transmission rather than the GM6 (French made) transmission found in the X3 and youve pretty much talked yourself into paying a little more. Ill admit that the mileage wont be quite as good as the X3 but the ride is wonderful with only a little roughness noted over the most bumpy of roads.

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  Best all around sports car - 2017 BMW M3
  By Anthony Nguyen - December 14 - 12:03 pm

  The M3 is the best all around sports car. It is the bench mark that all other sports car are compare to. The handling is great with very good power. It is comfortable enough for a daily car also.

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  I love my BMW!! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Donna Rose - December 14 - 8:46 am

  This is the first time I have purchased or driven a BMW. I have to say, that this vehicle is by far the best thing I have had in a long time. It handles like nothing I have ever driven. I wanted a car that would excite me from the second I got into it till the time I got out of it. Well, when I drove this, that was it. I have to check everything out, so I went to drive the jaguar, the mercedes, the cadillac cts, the mitsubishi spyder convertible (which by the way, was the vehicle i really wanted till I sat in the bmw.) I couldnt get the feel, the way it handled, the tightness of the car, the smoothness of the ride, etc., out of my mind. I love it!

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  A Powerful Machine - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By S.K.V. - December 10 - 10:00 am

  The steering performance and ride quality are excellent. With sports and premium package the experience is wonderful.

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  Best car ever owned - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By TriciaJ - December 10 - 10:00 am

  This car was the car of my dreams before I leased it and remains that still. Other convertibles I have owned are noisy. Not this one. The top is a thick cloth material that not only keeps the noise down, but also helps contain the interior climate. In the desert, a convertible can lose air conditioning quickly. This one cools down fast and stays cool. And the convertible mechanics - the way the top folds down -- are just plain fun to watch. It handles like a dream. It has great acceleration. And it has fairly good trunk space for a convertible.

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  Fun finicky car - 2005 BMW X5
  By scrosby - December 9 - 7:31 pm

  Kids got older and wanted a luxury smaller SUV for me. The X5 fit the bill perfectly. It is a sexy, fun, powerful vehicle with plenty of room without feeling like a truck posing as a SUV. BMW thought of everything with this vehicle with a few exceptions. The CD is in the back, therefore I never use it.The tires wear awful! Can not be rotated. Had transmission issues since day 1, and just had replaced by BMW. It would not engage upon takeoff at times and would feel as if you had been rear-ended when it engaged. No problems since. Would not be particularly comfortable for four adult size people. My teenagers get nauseated riding in the backseat.Otherwise I LOVE my X5, would recommend!

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  330Ci Showoff - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Paulo - December 9 - 3:23 pm

  The overall fundaments for me to purchase this car is the exterior design, which catched me and so many others. The overall maintenance is very good. The major problem for me is that I did not have much choices to choose unless I wait at least 2 months to get the options I desire. In another words, there isnt many of this cars in stock.

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  2010 BMW 550i GT - 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By Nick - December 7 - 5:15 pm

  I bought this car used on ebay motors from a Florida dealership. I knew nothing about this car before before I saw the auction. I fell in love at first sight. I did a little research, and bought the car the next day. I have had it since November 2016. Such a smooth ride, excellent transmission, engine, and suspension. This is the first German made car I have owned. and the quality is amazing compared to every "American made" car I have owned. With the proper maintenance, I expect this car to last a very long time.

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  Love the quiet - 2017 BMW i3
  By David Vener - December 7 - 4:27 pm

  Its been a great first month. The car has had no issues. Acceleration is amazing and the quiet is just sublime. Good sound insulation also protects the interior from external noise as well as the lack of engine noise. Weve had no problems; range is as advertised. Installed a 220 v 40 amp charger in the garage that is very convenient. Havent had to use the Range extender yet, though my wife told me she got a notification that the engine was cycling, presumably just to keep the fluids from settling too much. Enormous headroom; Im 64 and have another 2" beyond the top of my head. Visibility is excellent. The rear seats are quite usable but wouldnt buy it if we anticipated using them a lot. Lots of trunk space. Only gripe is that the BMW technology integration is a bit wonky and takes some getting used to. Would have loved to have electric seats, but I suspect that would have added significant weight. Carbon fiber body is really nice as is the interior wood. Seats are very comfortable.

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  i love this car - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By lori kaplan - December 6 - 12:45 pm

  i wont drive another car after having had a Volvo and then a Saab. This IS driving. Super fun car but with the safety of size.