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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  Love my 540i - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Sue - April 21 - 7:30 pm

  Had this car going on years. Bought it with 92k on, have had to do normal maintenance on the car but thats it. This car is fast, but it also stinks on gas, that 18-21 mpg is only possible on highway in perfect conditions. But boy is it fun to drive!! Handles amazing, rides amazing, well you see where Im going with this!! Going to add an X5 soon, we also have a 318, thats great on gas. I will always drive Bimmers now!!

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  Great Car On Poor Tires! - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Jim - April 21 - 2:53 pm

  This is a follow-up review to one I submitted recently on my 2008 335 xi coupe in which I gave it high marks. If you are considering this car be advised that you can only get RFTs (run flat tires). In addition the 18” five spoke wheels only come with summer performance RFTs. Note: there isn’t an all-season RFT available for the 18” wheel. If you are not familiar with RFTs be prepared for the following. RFTs give a much harder ride, cost about twice as much as conventional tires and may not be able to be fixed if you have a flat. The result of that will be a replacement tire costing $300 – $350! I replaced the original RFTs on my 335xi Coupe with conventional high perf

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  2007 335i - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By mowgli - April 21 - 2:48 pm

  I traded in a vette for this car and I dont regret it at all. Best car Ive ever owned. No maintenance issues. ONLY CAVEAT-- BUY THE ROAD HAZARD INSURANCE FOR THE RUNFLATS. If you get the sport package (low profile tires) it will pay for itself very quickly .

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  A BMW 3 Series as a small SUV - 2014 BMW X1
  By S Flicker - April 20 - 5:59 pm

  The great handling and braking of a 3 series with the added visibilty and cargo space of an SUV.

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  New to Me BMW - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Tony - April 20 - 1:24 pm

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  Great blend of luxury and performance - 2008 BMW 7-Series
  By JG - April 20 - 11:19 am

  This is my 2nd 750. This is the perfect blend of interior luxury and sports car handling/performance under $100k. Fit and finish are outstanding. The iDrive is fine but the Nav system is terrible. My only complaint on an otherwise perfect car.

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  Awesome fast sporty sedan - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By BMW 540iA, M5 susp - April 19 - 3:58 pm

  I bought my 540iA new before the body style changed and Im glad i did. I tested the 6 speed manual first but the sales rep convinced me to buy the automatic with manu-matic shift. The car is fast yet unassuming. My 540iA came with the M5 sports package complete with M5 steering wheel, suspension/brakes and front/rear spoilers. I was shopping for an M3 as I was already driving a 1998 528E but the M3 was too small - am so glad I made the right decision. I would recommend the 540ia to any sports, luxury and German car enthusiast.

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  Ultimate Driving Machine - 2009 BMW 7-Series
  By Riaz - April 17 - 8:52 pm

  Without a doubt this car fits bmws punch line "the ultimate driving machine" this is a real drivers car that can be customized to suit your mood sitting inside makes you feel like you are flying first class and fly you do in this car in sport plus mode the technology is also amazing with blind spot detection, lane assist, night vision to name a few of the new things.

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  All around best SUV - 2004 BMW X5
  By Bloomingdale, IL - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Great performance, fast, reliable and a head turner.

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  bmw 530i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By bmw530i - April 17 - 2:00 am

  BMW 530i is the best car sedan