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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  My X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By Spikeyhairboy12 - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Great car! Best car I ever had

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  A thrill to drive - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By joemorris - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Friends told me if I test drove this car, I would buy it--they were right. It feel like a small luxury sedan that handles like a sports car. This makes typical driving fun. It provides a firm ride, but it soaks up the bumps-- best balance between handling and comfort.

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  330! Premium Package - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Br6685 - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Bad Ass car! Fun to drive!

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  A Lifesaver - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Judy - September 13 - 11:44 pm

  I commute 50 miles round trip to work by way of a winding, mountainous road and this car made me look forward to going to work each day. It was easy to add an iPod cable, and the telescopic/tilt wheel and adjustable seats personalized the car to my body size. I had had the car for almost five years when a deer came out of nowhere and ran into my car, breaking the windows and spraying deer matter all over me and the inside of the car. I survived the accident, only receiving many small glass cuts, some bruising, and a few stitches. The bodyshop people were sure the car saved my life. I cried more for my cars death than for my injuries. What a great, reliable, fun car.

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  Best pound for pound - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Rob A. - September 13 - 7:43 pm

  The funnest, safest and biggest smile any car has given me. Handles turns at ninety that most cars can handle at only fifty. And feels like fifty instead of ninety. The head lights that follow the curves and the cockpit lighting that enhances rather than distracts are absolutely smart and aesthetically pleasing.

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  BMW 2006 325i, "the best all around car" - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By William - September 13 - 11:16 am

  BMW 325i is a great fun to drive car that has plenty of power, economy amd safety. The BMW full Maintenance plan is excellent and really aids in making the car a great pleasure to drive.

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  BMW 330 Convertible - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By marvin Harris - September 12 - 11:49 pm

  Had a 2004 330 Convertible, with only 43k miles, which got totaled after accident with a pack of deer on 05/01/2015. Immediately started searching for a replacement car, 2004-2006 BMW Convertible. Due to airbag fiasco, also looked & drove 1 Series, 2007-2015 3 Series & other convertibles nothing beat my 2004 330, so looked across entire country & found a 2006 330 with 36k miles. I AM VERY,VERY HAPPY with car. In my opinion nothing beats the the 2002-2006 Bimmers, especially when it comes to convertibles.

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  6 series convertible - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By bobp - September 12 - 11:29 pm

  This car MUST be driven to be appreciated. Once test driven, I had to purchase it. Acceleration is awsome. Dynamic stability control keeps the car perfectly level in corners, as they say, like riding on rails! And BMW quality speaks for itself! Now thinking about the M6, but that may be too much power. This car is the perfect performance luxury vehicle!

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  Great car but a few complaints - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By ray - September 12 - 4:26 pm

  Great car and performance. Gas milage on NY Thruway is averaging 36 mpg with manual transmission. Do not like 1. no body side moulding at all 2. Cigarette lighter power does not work unless motor is running. 3. No alarm system and dealer wants $700 to install one.

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  The thrill of a Bimmer - 2005 BMW M3
  By JZ - September 11 - 12:13 pm

  I am a person who believes a car no matter what make or model is meant to be driven not showcased. So Ill give you the drivers point of view. The car is a pleasure to drive. It is fast, it is smooth, and it can handle with the best of them. Its a mean looking car with a mean spirited personality. The tunnel vision you get at the higher RPMs is an amazing feeling. The security in the drive while pushing your car is unprecedented. Knowing a car can handle the high RPMs and the ability to stick to the road can make anyone feel like they are professional drivers. I own a manual, and Sports mode feels like youre driving a new ridiculously faster car. What a car to suit any occasion.