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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  Love used convertible - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Bill - February 29 - 9:41 pm

  I bought it used with 75k miles and warranty until 100k. Have had only 1 minor problem with O2 sensor, covered by warranty. Very fun to drive, especially with top down. Didnt spend much on it, but everyone thinks Im loaded because I drive a Beamer. No neck snapping acceleration, but slowing down for curves is a thing of the past. People still ooh and ahh over my 8 year old BMW.

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  agree to disagree - 2017 BMW X1
  By alan - February 28 - 6:41 am

  previous owner of earlier bmws, mini cooper S, porsche and ferrari, as well as a slew of others, I am compelled to disagree with earlier gentleman statement about harsher ride, this X-1 we bought precisely because as a small cross-over this rides impeccably well, so much more than we ever anticipated, which is why we bought it! Keep it out of sport mode! Or not I use it for performance purposes, my spouse does not, the choice is ours to make. We looked at four door clubman, f-pace jags, MB slams & cs, none do what this car does especially for the price, none!

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  2007 BMW Z4 3.0si - 2007 BMW Z4
  By Jay - February 27 - 3:36 pm

  Wow, I compared this vehicle head-to- head with Porsche Boxter & new Audi TT. The classic design along with BMW safety and technology won me over hands down.

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  Re-connected to the Road - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Bill - February 27 - 2:43 am

  Driving this car is pure pleasure. The interior ergonomics are excellent, and very intuitive. The steering, braking and suspension are superb, putting me in very close contact with the road surface. I can feel this car the way a driver wants to, as an extension of my will.

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  I love my 330CiC - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By jspringstun - February 26 - 9:30 pm

  This car is amazing. It was what I wanted for my 16th birthday, and what I was able to purchase for myself for getting into graduate business school. I could not have made a better investment. Not only is the car responsive in its handling but also an eye catching beauty. BMW also strives to employ the best in customer service, so even when there is a minor adjustment to be made, its still an enjoyable experience.

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  Wagons are Back - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Kelly - February 25 - 10:35 pm

  Love driving the 525 wagon. It has the utility of an SUV with better gas mileage, lower insurance rates, and great handling & performance. Always have sufficient power when needed. Originally bought the wagon for our dog (in our 20s, no kids), but now wouldnt go without a BMW wagon! Would have never expected strangers to stop us on the street complimenting a wagon, but this happens frequently. Were already planning an upgrade to the 08 535xi Sports Wagon!

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  Great car under 70k mi - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Maddog - February 25 - 6:03 pm

  Awesome car right up to 75k miles, when the car started having many coolant sys problems. Long term reliability not acceptable for people like me who like to keep their cars.

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  Great Weekend Toy - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Kevin Campbell - February 25 - 3:51 am

  Great toy for the weekends. Never even a warranty item. Corners great. I have the SMG package which takes getting use to. Boxster S killer and Porsche owners always hate to loose! Drawbacks, cup holders are useless but necessary to have drinks in the Florida heat. This is a sports car and a bumpy sports car ride with stiff seats. Anything past a couple hours it hard on the butt.

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  Happy so far - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Denny4 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I compared the 330CI to the G-35-C and was 85% sold in the Infinity. That was before I test drove the 330. Basically the test drive blew me away and I could justify the $7000 price difference. Every day I drive the BMW I feel I made the right choice. The car is fully evolved. Cat quick, handles like a dream, great exterior and interior styling. The dealer has been terrific.

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  Wish they still made this style - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Discriminating Taste - February 24 - 9:13 pm

  I understand why this 530i was Consumer Reports highest rated car ever in 2001. I got a Mercedes after my first BMW, but after experiencing this 530i, I may be a BMW loyalist into my 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and if I need a personal driver by the time I reach 100 years old, he/she/(or it if robots can drive by then) will be behind the wheel of a BMW. BMW, keep up the good work!