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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  Test drove only a short distance - 2017 BMW X1
  By Lloyd Handlos - July 4 - 1:02 pm

  Really enjoyed the handling, interior was nice and the cargo carrying ability was good. Uses premium gas which I dont care for however most of the nicer rigs use it to help up the performance.

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  4 door Porsche - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By donelonpc - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I got the 540i with the Sports package. Massive 18" rims are incredible. The car has an amazing ride over rough serfaces, yet feels like a stiff sports suspension when needed. It handles on a dime. This machine plain out halls a**. 0-60 in 6 seconds. You have to use the cruise control or get in trouble. I drove a new Boxster, and really believe this car out accelerates and handles the 2 seater.

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  NO MORE BMWS - 2003 BMW X5
  By DAPPER DON - July 4 - 10:00 am

  3,5, AND NOW X-5 GUESS I AM NOT BMW GUY. I LIKE A QUALITY PREMIUM AUTO WITH LITTLE HUB-BUB. NEXT SUV WILL BE VOLVO OR CADDY. WHERE IS THE 3RD SEAT.

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  Major Repairs @ 79,000 Miles - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By Madra Dubh - July 3 - 11:10 am

  I bought this well-cared-for car from a private owner in 2005. Car had 63,000 miles. After 3 years and 16,000 additional miles, both my alternator and water pump failed. Total bill, including hoses and thermostat was $2800 (labor, parts and 7% state sales tax!). Other minor problems over the past three years include peeled finish on the BMW hood emblem due to drive thru car wash brushes (about $15 to replace - a bargain!!) and I had broken clips on front plastic “kidney” grilles. Breakage may have been due to engine heat. Each grille costs about $60 to replace. Oh, yeah, just like so many other reviewers, my cup holder is broken too! Maybe its time to sell.

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  Second time around as good as the first! - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By rattlerjw - July 3 - 7:35 am

  This is my second BMW and let me tell you, BMW has made some huge upgrades. Three years ago I owned a 330i sedan w/ M inspired performance package. This car is way better on so many levels. For starters the 300 hp engine is very powerful. In third gear Im already at 100 mph. This car is FAST! Also, the color options are great. I choose sparkling graphite w/ coral red leather. The interior and exterior designs are very pleasing to the eye. Great options are available like the iPod connection, comfort access, and rear park distance alert. Another cool feature is the ability to retract the side mirrors automatically with a push of button. Overall, this is a great car that I highly recommend!

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  Fun, but no Honda - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Hector Rivera - July 3 - 5:10 am

  A very fun car with great power when the new software doesnt make the turbos lag. Not as much low end torque as the first 135i I test drove in March 08. Now needing a fuel pump makes me wish I bought an Acura or Infiniti. Lots of fun when its not in the shop. Run flat tires ride like bricks. The suspension is a little soft. I wish the cruise control was on the steering wheel. Getting into 2nd gear is slow and temperamental. Cant read the radio with sunglasses on. Headlights look like a crazy cat. Overall its a blast to drive, but the magazines must have tested one without the new 29.2 software that causes turbo lag. Would I buy it again? Not sure???

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  Dissapointing 524i - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Ben Bimmer - July 2 - 9:57 pm

  This car first and foremost is weak. It is a big car with no wow factor. Do not purchase premium package because youll get bored quickly. There is no exhilaration factor, nothing that stands out except good steering. The weird curves on this car make it somewhat confusing when backing up as it is very bloated. Electronic throttle makes the car seem not connected with the driver, there seems to be a delay. The looks are not impressive, I thought this was a car and not a spaceship. This car is a huge disappointment as I have compared it to my brothers 2001 BMW 525i which looks better and somehow feels more reliable and nicer to drive, has some more oomph to it. Do not be fooled.

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  Love it! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By tebong - July 2 - 6:03 pm

  This is my first BMW and I love it. Waited 10 years for it and it was worth it. Handling is great! Love the quite interior.

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  Buy it if you are thinking about it - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By dbmw - July 2 - 2:03 pm

  Best car Ive ever owned and it performs wonderfully both in town and on the open road.

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  Nice looking and fun to drive - 2008 BMW X5
  By CL - July 2 - 10:35 am

  This is my first BMW. I just broke the 1k break-in period. If you expected a race car-like feel for X5, you will be disappointed. The V6 3.0si is clearly not a M3. Maybe the 4.8 will be better. I picked 3.0 for the slightly better gas mileage. Overall, this is an excellent SUV. Drives better than my Mercedes E320. The transmission picks up swiftly and smoothly. Great brakes. The new space gray color matches well with the style. I dont have the active steering so my wife complains about the heavy steering in parking lots. The worst thing is battery. Since they loaded so many things on the car which consume power, the battery wouldnt last long if you dont drive it for a while.