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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  Disappointed - 2008 BMW X5
  By kz - December 7 - 12:15 pm

  I have had my x5, fully loaded, for less than 3 months. I have had it towed 1x and will be taking it in to the dealer again this week because I cant use my bluetooth or BMW assist. I can hear them but they cant hear me. Additionally, I dont think I have the power I should. My last vehicle was a loaded 530i, I expected the same performance and do not get it. Yes, I realize it is a heavier vehicle, but supposedly adjustments have been made for power. I dont have the confidence to pass when immediate acceleration is required because of potential lag. I want to love my car, this is a purchase not a lease. Given the cost of this vehicle I am kicking myself.

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  Best Car Ever! - 2001 BMW X5
  By bmrx5pa - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Since purchasing my X5, we have been on several long trips and absolutely love the comfort, convenience of controls and just simply love the drive this car! The frontal visibility is unlike any other and the interior is so roomy and comfortable that you get spoiled and dont want to take any other vehicle - anywhere. Alway reliable, drives and feels like a 740I with 4 WD.

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  My first BMW - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By xania - December 7 - 2:00 am

  My only complaint about this car is that it is terrible in the snow. Otherwise, its great. I love it.

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  What a Great Car - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By j mcburney - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I came awfully close to getting a MB CLK 430 until my boss, a confirmed BMW fanatic convinced me to not buy anything without trying a 540i. Boy, do I owe him! Mine is a sport package with MSport wheels and steering wheel and trim - kind of an M5 wannabe. It is simply the best car in its class by a long shot, and easily one of the finest in the world. I wish that the 6 speed had not been an extra cost option, because that combined with its negative impact on resale got me into the Steptronic, but it is the best auto Ive ever driven. Simply a fabulous car that obliterates standards of luxury, performance and engineering excellence. Bravo!

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  One Year w/335i sedan - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By hellenist - December 6 - 12:45 pm

  Had my sedan for a year. Its my second BMW. The first was a 2002 325i. There is no comparison. I am not sure why I bought a second BMW, since my 325 was below average in reliability. My 2008 has been a pleasant surprise. Not one problem and it really does handle and drive light years better than the 325i. I tested the Audis and G35s but there really was no comparison. And now that gas prices are falling its even better! No thanks to the hybrids.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Garhuff - December 5 - 2:15 pm

  I bought this car because I loved the styling and two years later, I still get excited every time I drive it. I still get stopped by people asking me questions about it frequently. I picked this instead of the Porsche Cayman and Ive never regretted it.

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  Awesome Car - 2008 BMW M6
  By Carman - December 5 - 11:09 am

  I have owned many types of expensive vehicles but this one tops the list. Power is absolutely thrilling as well as the handling and comfort. A little hard on fuel but considering the way I drive its probably much better for the average driver. I did not buy this car to save on gas anyway. I would have paid double than what I paid for this car.

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  330i, a class act - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By charleshterrell - December 4 - 6:16 pm

  All the things that make a sport sedan what it should be, the BMW330i has cornered and presented in a beautiful package. It never saw a curve that it didnt like and can run forever in the triple digits.

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  Cheap Materials - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Stickwithpre1991BMW - December 3 - 11:09 pm

  My biggest complaint after wrapping up my 2 year-22k mile experience with this car is the CHEAP plastic, dye, wood, leather, and moleskin used on the interior. I take very good care of my cars with weekly cleaning, detailing. The interior on this car was literally falling apart. The dye was lifting off the plastic console pieces, arm rests on doors and other areas. The moleskin material on the windshield frame was wrinkling up. The sunroof slide was falling apart from Florida heat I think. I have owned 13 BMWs and I will certainly stick with the 1988-older 5 Series, 1991-older 3 series cars for build quality and enjoyment of owning. Not to mention they hold their value better vs. new models

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  Incredible vehicle, effortless steering, swift - 2016 BMW X5
  By Aaron Bourgeois - December 3 - 4:00 pm

  Very pricey but worth it!! I do have the 20" wheels sport package and the ride is a little rougher and will pull some on rutted roads. The sporty look though subdues any worries!! Awesome ride!!