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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  I call it my little zippy for a reason! - 2008 BMW Z4
  By smd - May 15 - 5:29 pm

  I just recently purchased this car. And oh what a car it is. The handling on the Z4 is amazing, not to mention its one sexy car. Options that are musts are the leather for easier clean-up with a convertible, the premium package with the auto top, as well as the heated seats so that you can take advantage of the top down on cooler nights. Dont waste your money on the upgraded speaker system. The one it has is amazing! My husband is 63" and has plenty of headroom. However it is a little cumbersome to get out of compared to a normal car. But hey, you are driving a sports machine who cares right!

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  The ULTIMATE Ultimate Driving Machine - 2000 BMW M5
  By Jason - May 15 - 1:29 am

  BMW has for years been known as "The Ultimate Driving Machine" and the M5 is without doubt "The ULTIMATE Ultimate Driving Machine!" The E39 BMW M5 is an iconic vehicle, and deservedly so. A true wolf in sheeps clothing, with a tastefully understated exterior that only hints at the vehicles performance capabilities and BMW Motorsport bloodline. The interior is designed with equal taste and the vehicle has ample room for rear seat passengers if required. The manual six speed transmission is a joy to manipulate, and thankfully this vehicle is equipped no other way. In essence, where other vehicles are manufactured for practicality, this vehicle is made purely for enjoyment of the drive.

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  The best ever - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Tamer - May 14 - 10:00 pm

  I was interested in the 5-series but wanted to get the 3-series feeling which I think was lacking in the past 5-series. With the new 2008 twin turbo 300 HP, I am now having the luxury and enjoyment of the 5-series with the road feeling of the 3-series. This in addition to the 4WD that only kicks in when needed.

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  2008 BMW X5 3.0 - 2008 BMW X5
  By KP - May 14 - 5:50 pm

  This SUV handles the road best, compared to all the SUVs I have ever driven. Remarkable attention to detail, best looking interior immediately caught my attention. When I test drove, its handle on road made me feel like I am driving my convertible. Front and rear heated car seats, USB interface-play music from your flash drive or iPhone/iPod, panoramic moon-roof, just amazing. Comfort Access-never take out your car key from your pocket, I didn’t know I would love it so much. . Real time traffic info and rerouting feature from navigation is just amazing.

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  Beautiful and classy, but temperamental - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Zack - May 14 - 4:24 pm

  This is a car that is rewarding to drive and own, but it wont be cheap. My sport package 5-speed 2.8 I6 is a beautiful, well-handling, sporty and overall solid machine. I love it, but when something breaks, it is expensive to fix. Very expensive. Potential owners: be wary of the cooling system around 90k+ miles. Replace it before it goes. It will go bad and thats bad times.

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  Had my E92 M3 for about 2 months now - 2008 BMW M3
  By bmwawm3 - May 14 - 3:07 pm

  I owned E46 E36 E30 M3s and this is by far the quickest and best M3. I love the engine/exhaust noise when you hit above 5000rpm. You cant go wrong with this car.

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  Beware of the hype... - 2002 BMW M3
  By Playdrv4me - May 14 - 1:28 am

  In my mid 20s I have owned about 30 cars, many of them BMWs, and BMWs are my favorite by far. Some of them also with higher miles and never a problem. This includes a 2003 Range Rover (highly modified X5 essentially) with over 90k and a 1995 750iL with 114k. My M3 convertible SMG CPO only has 78k and already feels like its falling apart, has been to the dealer numerous times for an engine tap they insist is normal, and is unacceptably loud and harsh for the performance you actually get.

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  Im In Love - 2001 BMW X5
  By mom68 - May 13 - 2:52 pm

  We just bought this BMW, which is our first jump from Volvo into any other vehicle in over 15 years. We were blown away by the performance of the engine, the luxury of the interior and how an SUV (dont care if BMW calls it an SAV or not, its still an SUV) actually handles like a car. God willing, were going to remain BMW owners for a long time. We bought an extended warranty at the dealer, as weve read here at Edmunds that repairs can become an issue. If you find a good used one like we did our pristine "new" x5, buy it. Im blown away each time I get in the car at how well its made. Even down to the alarm key. We loved BMW so much, we ran out and bought a 740i for the husband the next weekend.

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  X5 Beats Cayenne!!! - 2008 BMW X5
  By Mike - May 13 - 1:19 pm

  Much smoother than the 2006 Cayenne S I had. Definitely more technologically advanced. Owned for about 2 weeks now, and waiting to break-in to about 1k miles, then Ill drive more like a speed demon.

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  A fun vehicle to drive - 2008 BMW X6
  By hog4oc - May 13 - 1:14 pm

  I just trade in the 2006 530Xi wagon, love this vehicle, fun to drive, have the SUV high command feeling, but with good road performance. Now I hate my 07 Escalade.