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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  525 with M package - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By haas311 - January 26 - 10:30 am

  It is probably the best car that I have ever driven, and I test drive cars for fun sometimes. This is not a cup holder type car especially if you have a stick shift, which doubles the fun for me. I dont eat, drink, or do much of anything else but totally enjoy the daily driving experience. I love spending 2 hours washing it inside and out. It does not have a lot of horse power but the torque made a Mustang GT seem like a turtle to me. I will probably never get rid of it.

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  I love my X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By Mocan55 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  We have had no complaints about his vehicle. BMW went to great legnths to design a comfortable, fun to drive SAV.

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  Great Drivers Car - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By drpctp - January 25 - 8:19 pm

  This car is awesome, there is a high attention to detail and once you gun the gas, this car begs to be driven hard. No wonder its the ultimate driving machine.

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  A great beast!! - 2004 BMW M3
  By gcabrera - January 25 - 4:57 pm

  Aside from a couple of minor issues with interior trim work, broken trunk latch, a new starter and a faulty warning light in the instrument cluster this baby is a head turner.The handling, acceleration and the sport option makes this the car to drive.

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  Man This Car is Fast!! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By NateD - January 25 - 1:55 pm

  I bought the 03 540i with M Sport Package Steptronic Transmission, Nav black on black and I couldnt imagine driving the V6. This car has head jarring torque, it scares all those in the passengers seat, and the 18 inch wheels make the 290 horses stick like glue. I heard the 525/530 handles a little better because theyre lighter and weight distribution is closer to 50/50, but Id rather have the power, knowing this is one of the faster cars on the road, you cant help but use the autostick at red lights. Other cars must respect this car on the road, and for all those who complain about the cupholder, you can buy one that goes in the slider drawer and pops up for $89 online.

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  I love my BMW! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By mg - January 25 - 1:55 am

  I was not exactly looking to buy a BMW, but once I test drove the 330Ci, I had to have it. And I have loved every minute I have had it.

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  My First BMW! A great ride! - 2007 BMW X5
  By kp98077 - January 24 - 10:58 pm

  I bought the X5 in early January 07, was very close to getting the audi Q7, and have owned 3 other audis. But I wanted to try somthing different and glad I did! So far so good! This car is smooth, confident, and looks beautiful! I test drove all the midsize type SUV such as the Acura MDX, Mercedez ML350, Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne. I bought the X5 "demo" model so it already had 1000 miles on it. Was a little worried about that but no issues so far and all is covered under warranty.

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  Classic Evolution - 2007 BMW 7-Series
  By Mike T. - January 24 - 10:53 pm

  The new 750Li is outstanding. This is my fifth 7-series sedan and by far the best. The technology took some getting used to but the car is really awesome once you live with it for awhile. This is truly the vehicle of the future. Driveability is the usual BMW excellence. Michigan Blue is a great new BMW color and the black nascar leather is very comfortable. I took european delivery and BMW treated us great.

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  This car is great - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Stefan - January 24 - 7:58 pm

  This is a great car. I have had two BMWs both 525is. They are both great cars and you cant compare to the quality in it. Also is very good for drifting if youre into that thing.

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  Best SUV in its class - 2014 BMW X5
  By ISELAIRE EDMOND - January 24 - 7:16 pm

  Great SUV