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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  VERY FUN TO DRIVE - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By charles20 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  this car is so smoooth and fast. I am often driving at 90mph on the freeway without knowing. it is amazing. best feeling to drive. BMW is definately the ultimate driving machine

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  poor customer support - 2004 BMW X5
  By nassershariati - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I have only 1200 miles on the car transmision is broken. BMW has offered to replace the tranmission with a refurbished one...wait list of 8 months. Dealership was not willing to help. Apparently this is a problem on this model.

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  BMWs finest vehicle! - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By TexasDriver - March 22 - 9:42 pm

  Not only the best looking BMW, all the legendary handling and driving dynamics are there. The interior has adequate room for four although the rear seating can be somewhat lacking for large adults. Wonderful safety features such as door anchors and BMW assist give you a break on insurance rates. This car feels absolutely rock solid! No creaking sounds, no rattles, as if its made of a single piece of metal. Its cute on the outside and plush on the inside. Get the premium package... worth it with beautiful leather/electric seats, cool compass mirror, and bluetooth. This car may outsell the 3-series someday!

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  Considerations when choosing - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Oscarcat - March 22 - 11:55 am

  The 530i is the most balanced of the 5 series meaning good performance & the ability to get good fuel economy. Sports suspension is a case where less is more. These cars already handle well, sports suspension makes the ride stiff. Bolsters on the sports seats makes entry and exit more difficult. (Sports suspension is distinguished by the black trim above the windows, 7 spoke wheels and contoured frt seat bolsters.) Early pdn 06 530s had traditional key start later models had push button start/stop. IDrive: basic music and HVAC functions can be handled by dash controls complex functions by iDrive. IDrive may not be good for occasional drivers who could be distracted by it. Fun car!

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  Anxiety - 2007 BMW X3
  By Furious - March 22 - 8:16 am

  I bought my x3 in 12/06. My first Bimmer! The third time I drove it, it quit on me. It was in the shop 9 days to re-program a computer problem. The hesitation problem others list is a perfect description of my x3. Sometimes, the hesitation has absolutely scared me. I have had a sidelight casing replaced due to moisture, have an obvious rattle from the sunroof cover and have had the lifters clacking since I bought the car. Today, I am headed to the dealer to attempt to negotiate my way out of this car into another. The only reason Im going back to BMW is because of the known problems and my chances of recouping some of the losses on it. Do not recommend this car to anyone.

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  Unequaled Luxury Rocket - 2000 BMW M5
  By Bob - March 21 - 11:38 pm

  I sold my E36 M3 after I bought this car. I loved the M3, but hauling a teenage daughter and her friends around, I needed a 4-door. This car not only is much faster than the M3 was, but actually handles better as well, in spite of the extra weight! Incredibly neutral and smooth. Just aim and turn, no fuss, no drama. The acceleration is not to be believed! Fantastic! The car is already a classic and Ive been followed to my destination and complimented/quizzed several times by those in the know. I was lucky to find a one-owner with just under 31K on the clock. But then, Id been looking for 6 months. Youd think it was right off the showroom floor by its condition. Absolutely love it!

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  Disappointing - 2008 BMW X5
  By unhappy Jess - March 21 - 11:14 pm

  Start with my X5 has only 3500 miles in it, at 2000 miles engine light came, per mechanic something wrong with catalytic converter, failed fan just recently while traveling in freeway a small rock or pebble hit my front panel creating a quarter sized hole, side panel just behind headlight is made with composite or some kind of plastic.

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  I LOVE MY Z4 - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Robert Dugan - March 21 - 4:07 pm

  This car hugs the road so nicely it just give me goose bumps when I drive it. My mother thinks the car is the coolest and loves driving in it with the top down.

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  530i - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By runna252 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The car! Drove High perfomance police vehicles, Acuras etc, nothing on the road compares to the the 5 ( my 2nd one)

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  Im loving this car - 2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By greggbrent - March 21 - 8:56 am

  Im coming from a 328i Convertible which was fun but no so much in winter (live in NJ). It looked great but not too practical. Hard to get an adult in back seat and no trunk space. Was a drag driving on these terrible roads in and around NYC. The car was a VERY rough ride. So went for something completely different with Gran Turismo 335xi, loaded up and what a difference! Much smoother ride (missed the old steering though) and like slightly higher seat position. The back seat is like a mini stretch and adults fit VERY comfortably. Tech on it is great and its FAST. Not sure why some think its so fugly. Most everyone who has seen it has LOVED the look. Not perfect but LOVING IT