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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  PERFECT - 2004 BMW X3
  By FPURKEY - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED ALOT OF VEHICLES BUT THIS ONE IS BY FAR THE BEST IN PERFORMANCE, COMFORT AND LOOKS. BMW HAS A GREAT ONE IN THIS SUV. THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LOOK IS EXCELLENT. I LOVE THIS ONE!

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  The ultimate driving machine - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Bill - November 14 - 7:49 am

  The Z4 drives and handles as excellent as it looks. The controls and cockpit are well appointed, roomy, comfortable, and everything at your finger tips. The cargo area will hold a 22" travel bag with room for two small duffles or two small golf bags. All in all the Z4 is the Ultimate Driving Machine.

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  Great Car! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By JOHN - November 12 - 5:40 pm

  The Z4 is the most enjoyable car I have ever owned. It has exceeded my expectations and I am constantly looking for an excuse to go anyware so I can get behind the wheel and drive. In one word, it is simply FUN!

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  Bang for the Buck - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By NFS13 - November 12 - 5:20 am

  Having owned an M3 and a 330 coupe I can say that this car is as close to the perfect combination of both as you can get. A comfy every day driver like the 330, with an engine that rivals the outgoing M3.

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  I LOVE MY BIMMER - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Kahuna - November 11 - 12:14 pm

  Its a very family/business oriented car, yet it has that very mystic characteristic about it. You can feel the power when you need it at a moments notice, yet it does it with finesse. Gas mileage is excellent and so are the handling characteristics. Everything about this automobile is done in a very superb fashion and I LOVE IT. The only thing is you have to keep your eye on the speedometer, because that is the only way youll know how fast youre going. Thats how fast this grand lady is. If I had to purchase another vehicle right now, it would be a BMW 7 Series, no questions asked.

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  First BMW - Fantastic! - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Andy - November 11 - 10:30 am

  My first BMW. Its true-it is a fantastically fun car to drive. Handles so well, especially cornering, and you do have a real sense of the road and being in command of the vehicle. And unlike many reviews from existing BMW owners, I find the new styling very attractive and much more muscular and sporty looking than the last two style versions. Nice to get all the compliments from friends admiring the 530is sleek and dynamic lines. Very impressed with the maintainance features. I-Drive was confusing for the first 20-30 minutes, but sitting in the driveway with the owners manual and going through a few things makes it simple enough. Only 3 months into my new BMW and very satisfied.

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  The Ultimate DRIVING Machine, YES! - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Automaniac - November 9 - 1:34 pm

  Already the happy owner of bulletproof-reliable Accord coupe 5-sp 1990 (still drive it daily!), 44 mpg Civic hatch, wanted to buy large luxo car w. great styling/performance. If DRIVING PLEASURE is a top priority, BMW 7 = the ONLY option. Got a great price due to the high gas prices at the time Bought it Oct 05, $10.5 k after the owner fixed and detailed the car. It gets 24+ MPG long highway high speed trips, 13-15 spirited city. What a bargain! And $10.5k is less than the 1st yr depreciation if you buy the fat, ugly new 7! Id drive this car forever!

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  2014 BMW 328i - 2014 BMW 3-Series
  By Tim - November 9 - 5:42 am

  Wow what a car!!!! For the first time in my life I was in the market for a car for myself after having hauled around kids for 20 plus years in mini-vans. I had narrowed it down to 3 cars: Audi A4, Mercedes C250 ad the BMW 3 series. My son and I test drove the A4 and C250, and liked the performance of the A4, but werent crazy about the interior. The Mercedes in my opinion failed on all levels, too cramped, quality of materials were poor, performance, and overall ride quality. After that my son was suggesting a Dodge Charger or Chrysler 300, I just wasnt in the market for something that big, and I had test driven a 320 a couple of months back, I liked the 320, but overall performance was below my expectations, so we took the drive to go test drive a CPO BMW 328i. Within 30 seconds of driving the 328, we knew this was no 320, and this was the car I had been looking for. It is a rocket!!! The ride, handling and performance exceeded my expectations. What I love about it the most is the 3 driving styles you can select from: Eco, for maxing out your fuel economy, Comfort, good fuel economy plus some performance, or sport, max speed and fun, itll get to 80 in no time, hard to believe this is a 4 cylinder, the turbo is great, its a single turbo, but tuned for low and high speeds, so you can take off quick, or if your on the highway have plenty of get up to pass. I also really like the fuel economy you can get out of the car, Im getting 40 MPG at 70mph, granted flat surface in FL, but that is some serious MPG. Oh yeah, the car looks great too. Roomy as well, Im 61" and fit comfortably. So if you in the market for a smaller German sedan I highly recommend the 328. Not sure about the reliability as Ive only had it for a few weeks, but under warranty until 2020. CPO is the way to go.

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  Great drive - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By dg - November 8 - 5:55 pm

  Car drives great. smoother and quieter than 2003 530. Switched to automatic. sport mode takes a while to get used to but pretty good. Suspension best Ive ever driven. Absorbs most bumps but stays tight in turns. Havent driven in snow yet.

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  I still love it - 2006 BMW X3
  By Scott - November 8 - 1:48 pm

  I purchased this car in Germany and have had it up to 120 mph on the autobahn. even at that speed it handled like a dream. it seems to get its best mileage at around 70 mph on the highway. My last vehicle was a Nissan Pathfinder and I thought I would miss the extra space that it provided. I have had no issues with the cargo room with this car, even with two small children.