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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  Great SUV - 2017 BMW X1
  By Pedro - November 1 - 6:59 pm

  Love this car, did lot of research and decided to order this car. The reason I ordered the car is because of the color and i wanted the sport package that has the sports seats. I did not like the regular seats at all, and my advise to all is that for 2017 you can order the car with sports seats, i would have not bought this car otherwise. I got this car loaded except for the driver assistance package with is worthless in NYC. I only have a couple of minor gripes about this gorgeous car. The first one that when i picked up the car at the performance center i found out that the media system does not have a hard drive and my second grype is that the car does not a a space for sunglasses, so I use the cubby hole in the drivers side door. This car looks luxurious and great with the sport package big difference over the regular one. it is worth the extra money for the looks and suspension. One more thing I would love to see this car with a bigger engine and a diesel option.

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  325i - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Armen - November 1 - 6:46 am

  My 325i have sport,winter & premium packages. I have owned this car for about 8 months, and drove it about 10000 miles. Its been a great car with pleasure to drive specially in handling. Minor problems only once in while check light goes on for back tail light, but its easy fix. So far, thank god no major problem after driving a lot. Im very satisfied with this car.

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  2008 750Li Amazing! - 2008 BMW 7-Series
  By Shain - October 31 - 11:13 pm

  This is an amazing car. Considered the Lexus and Infiniti top models, but they did not stack up against the 750. Stereo is phenomenal drive and comfort - WOW!! IDrive is completely intuitive, controls are easy, and interior finish is immaculate. The best I have ever driven!

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  Happy So Far - 2007 BMW X3
  By Bimmer Fan - October 31 - 7:43 pm

  Second BMW (first being M3). Purchased pre-owned. Love almost everything about it. Has just about every possible option and package. Love the 19" wheels. Did have to adjust driving some to accommodate for brake assist and trans system. Once I have done that, it is fine and very enjoyable to drive. Do not have problems others have mentioned. Just took a judicious right foot. Very comfy sport seats and great thick M-sport steering wheel. Now that we have a baby, it is perfect. Not my M3, but a good compromise for the time being.

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  Solid, Sporty, Elegant! - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By John - October 31 - 7:10 am

  This car is truly amazing! I only have 300 miles on it, but it is a dream. Accelerates effortlessly, rides smoothly with sport package compared to Infiniti. The iDrive is absolutely amazing. It is very intuitive. HD radio clarity is superior, way better than the sirius satellite radio that is installed. The bluetooth system displays all of my contact information from my iPhone, including missed calls. Seats are very comfortable. As long as the car remains reliable, I see no reason to ever buy another brand. Premium, Sport, Comfort Access, Navi, Automatic.

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  One of the best - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By I love the 330i - October 30 - 1:50 am

  I recently purchased a 2006 BMW 330i with the sport and premium packages as well as an automatic transmission. I love this car. My only disappointment is the initial acceleration. This could be due to the automatic however once the engine is at a high RPM, the car flies!. I floored it to 100mph and it was amazing. I strongly recommend this car. The build quality is great and the comfort level is top-notch. The fuel economy could have been better but overall this car will not disappoint! Firm steering, excellent handling, BLUETOOTH!!! Excellent brakes, adaptive headlights, "will not roll backwards on a hill" feature. This car is amazing.

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  Sharp Car! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Frank Pugh - October 30 - 12:59 am

  My 2003 BMW Z4 looks great, and drives great, I get compliments every where I go. Most people think that its newer than an 03. I think its the smartest style in its class!

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  Great Value. Great Performance Part 2 - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By So. Cal. D. - October 29 - 10:19 pm

  Through the break-in period and after a few weeks of having the car in So. California I thought it worthwhile to confirm that the car is terrific day in and day out. Two additional notes: It is very difficult to stay within the speed limit. Id say the car has the character of a jet-fighter. So capable that youre crossing over 100 mph just merging into traffic from the on-ramp (and you didnt hear or feel any noticeable change, except for the acceleration, along the way). Also, its a bit difficult to have fun and achieve more than 20 mpg. And thats where speed limits and busy roadways help out - - they keep you from riding the afterburners all day. :)

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  First BMW and my last - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Jim - October 29 - 7:57 pm

  I wanted to try the BMW and was impressed with the 335i advertised horsepower and torque. But I didnt really notice the turbo lag on the test drive when I bought the car. Now 2 years later I cant wait to turn this vehicle in. It has been back to the dealer 3 times for performance and I am always told this is normal. It is extremely irritating and dangerous. Try to pull out in traffic or try to go when it is your turn at a 4 way stop and you will have a one second delay from the time you hit the gas until it goes. Then it jerks as the traction control goes on and off. I have had the brake sensors replaced and the steering column. Stay away from this car. Poor quality and performance.

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  Programming - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Grace Phillips - October 29 - 7:27 pm

  I find this car very hard to program. I received very little help from the dealership. The owners manual stated the dealership would help with programming the vehicle to your specifications. This has not happened. This takes away all the fun of driving the car. I wish someone could put me in touch with a service center that can help me.