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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  BMW 3-Series - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By mercurysqueen - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I waited a long time to finally own a BMW and I wasnt disappointed in my choice of a 3-series. I opted for the 325 coupe over the 330 - I couldnt justify the extra cost for the few extra horses. It took me a while to get used to the sports car ride of the 3-series - you can really feel the road. The control panels are well-lit, the interior is comfy, but at times it can be a bit confining. Ive yet to be able to fit an adult in the back seat, but I bought the car for me, not my riders! Overall, Id recommend this car to anyone wanting to get into the BMW line for a reasonable price.

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  BMW 740i - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Mike Weber - May 23 - 8:42 pm

  Great Car. Mediocre reliability but I dont care.

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  Wings missing - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Alexander Foch - May 23 - 6:06 pm

  Owned a 540i touring for ever and waited for the new 545 tourer. Just got the new toy. The boys from Munich managed to do an even better job, again. It´s amazing. My wife doesn´t care for cars at all, but she loves to ´borrow´ my flying carpet. If you have money to burn, here´s a great cause. And it doesn´t look as its price tag may suggest - a feature I truly like about this monster in sheep skin.

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  128i Convertible - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Mike N. - May 23 - 4:42 pm

  I went from a Z4 to the 128i convertible and from manual to automatic transmission so there was an adjustment in expectations. Overall, I have been very happy with the 128. The build quality is outstanding. The handling is exceptional and the motor has plenty of punch, especially in manual shift mode. I love the way the car learns your driving style. The only negative is the standard sound system (not the premium pkg). Speaker placement makes it virtually inaudible with the top down at freeway speeds. The Z4 was better probably because the speakers were directly behind the seat.

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  BMW as it used to BE - 2016 BMW 2-Series
  By Richter - May 22 - 11:42 pm

  Superb handling in all driving modes. 4 runflat tires, no spare! (I dont know where a person would buy a BMW with non-runflat tires, ALL models have them) I dont know if I mentioned this, but great handling!! All modes. Very comfortable seats My local dealer, is second to none. Especially where service is involved. Great visibility Great MPG Very tight body with no creaks or rattles.

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  My one year review of my 135i Vert - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Katera - May 22 - 3:45 pm

  Awesome...just awesome. My wife and I bought our Baby B a year ago for our 20th anniversary. We bought it specifically as a weekend car, hence the low miles. Our car is loaded with every option possible except for heated seats which we dont need in Houston. The car is stupidly fast, handles incredibly well and is built SOLID. I never really noticed a difference in build quality before with my American or Japanese cars...until I bought my first BMW. Tight is the only word that comes to mind. Since the 1 is still somewhat rare I get head turns everywhere I drive her. It really is an amazing car. p.s. We got a stick :p

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  Wow, Great Car!!!! - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By Kar Krazy - May 22 - 2:06 pm

  Well its been 4 years since Ive owned a Beemer (02 330i Conv. Sports), have been in a 05 Mercedes CLK500 and 97Porsche 911 Conv. Its great to own a Beemer again, dont think Ill ever go back to a Merc (quality was sub par although engine and power were amazing). Been driving my 535I sports package for the last couple of weeks and am extremely impressed, I was worried that I would miss the power of my CLK500 but have been satisfied with my 535I twin turbo engine. Interior with black bamboo is fantastic, this is the most comfortable car I have ever been in, more than enough space and the contour seats are great. Overall handling is superb and the drive is smooth. Cabin is extremely quite.

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  Great Fun, but... - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Luckyme - May 22 - 1:14 pm

  The 335i Convertible is a great year round car. Hardtop is splendid, and top down is, well an ideal convertible experience. Performance with the 300HP Twin Turbo is seamless and strong. Nice exhaust note. Would not recommend the Sport Package. Tires are different sized front to rear and terrible runflats (Bridgestones). They were OK until about 7000 miles and then feathered, cupped and droned all the time. Awful experience, dealer and BMW were not helpful. Beware, these tires on Sport Package cannot be rotated and the Run Flats ruined my BMW experience. Never again. Otherwise, car is great, but tires are so important as that is your contact with the road. Shame on BMW for using that tire.

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  Play hard, pay hard! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Darkknight335 - May 21 - 3:56 pm

  Very fun, good looking car to drive. The acceleration is amazing and effortless. Very quiet cabin and poised until youre surprised by a bump. This car is very customizable to your preferences. Having the comfort access gives this car an extra lux quality. However, all the technology makes me afraid that its going to be an expensive car to maintain in the long run. The seatbelt assist arm has acted up a few times already. City gas mileage is horrible, but highway is better than my last car (avg 17/27). At the end, Im glad I bought this car. The best car Ive ever owned by far.

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  The Civilized (and legal) go-kart - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Rajan - May 21 - 11:23 am

  This is my second car (and first BMW). Good God....I just realized what Ive been missing. I moved to this car from an 07 Mustang. The acceleration is blistering and the car handles like its on rails. To make it more insane, just initiate the Sport button and it goes like stink. This is driving in its purest unadulterated form which convinces me why BMWs are the ultimate driving machine. I used to take the metro in to work everyday however after getting the car, I drive in just because it brings a huge smile to my face and is the perfect anti-dote to a hectic day and NO Im not exaggerating. It looks fantastic and flatters you. So much for getting a bike.