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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  I wish my commute was longer!! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By DaveH - August 8 - 8:00 am

  If you like a cushy, comfy ride to the grocery store or you want every wiz bang electronic gadget under sun, look to the Japanese automakers. If you want a drivers machine thatll demand you hit exit ramps at speeds other cars cruise at on the highway, this car is for you. The 330i is a drivers car. My wife says, "Why do you need to go that fast from stop light to stop light?" Jam the accelerator in 2nd at 3000 RPMs and youll feel the answer. This car begs to be driven and its way too tempting not to comply. Aside from flat out acceleration and gobs of torque, the 330i feels like its on rails whilst careening around corners or exit ramps. Drive it and youll see.

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  Warranty King - 2007 BMW X3
  By Warranty King - August 7 - 10:32 pm

  I had this car for a 1 1/2yrs and I love it. This is my first BMW and I will continue to buy due to the best warranty service. Ive taking my car in for an oil change for zero cost. The car handles very well in the rainy season, the seats are comfortable. The sunroof is awesome though a little loud and the trunk is very spacious. Ive driving this car from and to California and it just runs smoothly. The performance of a BMW is no comparison.

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  great car as the first owner for bmw - 2016 BMW 3-Series
  By Ning Qu - August 7 - 7:24 pm

  great car, but the interior is not good as expected

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  BMW 330i Sedan - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Mike Gentry - August 5 - 9:30 pm

  This is the best BMW I have ever owned. The last trip I went on (most inter-state driving), I averaged 33.6 mpg. The car is very quiet and handles great. I totally enjoy it.

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  Easy Rider - 2016 BMW 5-Series
  By Charlie Lawrence - August 5 - 8:21 pm

  Very happy with car after one month...quality, ride, performance, features all as expected so far!

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  Impressive 330i Sport - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Richard - August 5 - 12:50 pm

  I have owned this car for seven months and it still never fails to impress me with its performance and economy. My car has the Sport package and adaptive steering and hugs the road better than my Porsche 911. On a recent trip to DC I averaged 32+ MPG. It is my first BMW, but will be a family member for many years to come !!

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  Lady in Red - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Scoob - August 4 - 10:00 am

  Fun, responsive, smooth, precise. ultimate driving machin indeed. dislikes- goofy radio on/off volume knob- cheap. also, instrument cluster vibrates - whole thing pushes in when I reset the odo- weak. also, goofy right-side rear-view mirror looking down every time in reverse. otherwise, clean, simple, quick, smooth and precise. The convertible retracting Top is flawless so far! great!

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  Even Better Than Its Predecessor - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Padre J - August 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd BMW and my favorite to date. After I drove the first one, I was hooked. My last 5-Series was a wonderful car, and I like the 2004 even more. The increased passenger room and storage in the cabin are welcome. Although a bit of a challenge at first, the i-drive isnt really that hard to learn. The Sports Suspension and Active Steering are terrific. People constantly approach me and want to talk about the car.

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  what a car - 2004 BMW X3
  By Luciano - August 4 - 10:00 am

  Bmw hit it big this time with a fun to drive, responsive felling SAV. The X3 is beautifully designed and has all the toys car buyers love this days.Its technology,although many times invisible (Xdrive,Dynamic stability control)gives the driver a sense of security and control. A great alternative to monster sized SUVs. This is a size conscious,performance driven family car.

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  Got Much more than what I expected - 2004 BMW X3
  By Caballeros - August 4 - 10:00 am

  I Recently purchased an X3 2.5i not nowing exactly if I bought it because it was a BMW or because it was a car that made sense for me. After a month driving it I relize that I got a lot more than what I expected. I was scared of criticism of a very stiff suspension but is not an issue at all. It is not soft but if thats what you want you dont want a BMW. The standar features make sure that your driving experience is pleasant, fun and safe including all kind of airbags, ABS, DSC, etc. Yeah if you want leather and other gimmicks are extra. But your basic driving needs are covered.