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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  Great 2016 BMW X1 - 2016 BMW X1
  By w62vette - February 23 - 6:24 pm

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  Great Ride, once you replace the tires - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Kevin - February 23 - 5:19 pm

  First BMW, bought after much research, to replace a faithful Nissan Maxima, which I loved. Best car Ive ever owned or driven. I had reservations from the start about the Run Flat tires. Nobody will repair them, they ride harsh and loud, tramlining is horrible, they only last 12k miles, and are very expensive to replace. Replaced with regular "go flat" tires, and its like a different car amazing what a difference regular tires makes. Now I just carry a couple cans of fix-a-flat and my triple A card. 2 problems: drivers side mirror and steering wheel lock had to be replaced.

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  What can you say - 2000 BMW M5
  By David Edwards - February 23 - 8:40 am

  Awesome acceleration and braking. Matchless handling and space for a saloon/sedan. Its reputation goes before it and people still ask to see the engine, after all this time.

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  Nice car but - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Nice care but - February 23 - 2:13 am

  I truly like my 325i but there are few quirks that come to mind. Sometimes when I insert the key, theres a weird semi-grinding sort of noise behind the steering wheel and I have to reinsert the key, lock the steering wheel (sometimes 2 or three times) to get the engine to start. Runflats were a bad decision. Besides, if you have to put a key in the dash anyway, whats the point of the push button? I have the light grey interior and 2 weeks after I bought the car, the drivers side door handle started to peel.

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  Awesome Car! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By James - February 22 - 8:43 pm

  This is one of the best cars I have ever had. I now have 36000 miles on mine, a 545i, and it is just as good, if not better, than when it was new. The build quality is impeccable and the performance beyond reproach.

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  What a blast - 2008 BMW X3
  By Scotty - February 22 - 1:11 pm

  What an absolute blast this little SUV has been from day one, It still brings a smile to my face every time I get to climb behind the wheel. It sticks to the road like glue, accelerates bullet like away from lights (or as bullet like as youll get in an SUV) and its very comfortable. We bought Alpine White with sport package and loaded it up with options. Be prepared for sticker shock - big time !

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  Dont buy something unless you can afford it twice - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Concepcion - February 22 - 11:00 am

  This car is an over priced lemon to say the least. Looks great, speed is there. But, reliability is the last thing i would say this car is good for. Had it for only 6 months ands put over 1k in repairs already. Everything on this car breaks and will cost an arm and leg to repair. I had a infiniti m35x before this car and i wish that car wouldve never gotten totaled because i was much much happier with her than i will ever be with this car. I wish i was able to trade her in but unfortunately bmws depreciation is far to great and am 7k upside down on this lemon of a car.

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  Bad Transmission - 2007 BMW X3
  By Dad - February 22 - 10:24 am

  I bought this vehicle to be both fun and utility vehicle. The transmission behaves so erratically it is downright dangerous. On more than several occasions its lack of response has cause near fatal accidents. It typically hesitates between 2-3 gear which is where you are at when entering a turn-about or merging into traffic quickly. The sports drive mode down shifts so hard that you swear you have been "rear-ended" by another driver. BMWNA has tried to pass this off as part of the "adaptive" or learning features of this car.

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  I think I am in love! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Mrs. White - February 22 - 10:00 am

  This is the most wonderful driving expeirence I have ever had. I have had this car for almost 2 weeks and I just love to drive it. It handles like you would not believe and looks good doing it. My husband brought it as a Christmas gift and had driven it more than me. We are having a ball! Thanks BMW. I think that we will stay in the family.

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  I love my Beemer - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Hunter - February 21 - 1:23 pm

  This is one of the best cars I have ever owned. It is comfortable but sporty and the I-drive is very useful once you get used to it. It has more features than I have figured out yet. I like the exterior styling and note that many of the more popularly priced cars are staring to imitate it in 2005. The 3 liter in-line six is very powerful but quiet and the automatic transmission shifts very smoothly. Its a great car. My only gripe was I had a few glitches to correct at the dealer after delivery but it was handled quickly and efficiently.