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 good car!!! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By steve jun - January 9 - 10:00 am

  little 7 series!!! best value!!

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  outstanding performance - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By radman - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Excellent build and finish. 330xi is glued to the road. Much better than Audi A4, Jag X type. You must drive this machine...tight, agile. Worth the money? You live once folks, go for it. And I have children who fit in the back Edmunds does not list 330 xi as a style

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  A Head Turner - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By kygirl - January 9 - 10:00 am

  This car has it all--style, performance, and quality-built features apparent even at a casual glance. It has real "get up and go" even though I wimped out and got the steptronic automatic transmission. In steptronic manual gear you can pretend youre driving a five-speed and merging into interstate traffic on a short ramp gets fun in sport gear! My only gripe with the 325i is the relatively cramped passenger room in the backseat. Youd better be close friends or family to ride three in the back. But, hey, this isnt a mini-van. If you want a performance car, get a BMW.

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  My first BMW - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By SC Guy - January 8 - 7:11 pm

  This is the first BMW that Ive owned. My most recent cars were Jaguar and Infinity. Overall, I am pleased with my choice. The styling and handling are excellent.

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  2014 328D Xdrive - 2014 BMW 3-Series
  By SteveO - January 8 - 6:49 pm

  IMHO the recommended intervals for fluid changes are too long. I will change in-between. Also lifetime fluids dont exist once again IMHO. This is a ploy by BMW to reduce their warranty costs for maintenance and gives the false impression that ownership is not so costly. This might be fine for someone who trades often but those used ones that followed BWMs schedule will not hold up as well. This is a fine car. It does everything well and offers great mileage without any sacrifice. We totally love the car. Costs are high all the way around but then again Id expect them to be from such a fine auto. Im on my 4th one now without one regret. Loved them all. The 328D offers it all. Dont buy any BMW and expect low costs for anything. If you make the purchase knowing this and maintain them well you will be a very happy BMW owner. We also currently own a 2014 335i and a cheap to maintain 2016 Toyota Tacoma limited for boat and stuff hauling.

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  Sports Car In SUV Clothing!! - 2016 BMW X5
  By Chris - January 7 - 6:48 pm

  This vehicle is amazing! I have the 50i M-Sport w/ 20inch staggered wheels. My previous vehicle was an 2011 BMW 550xi M-Sport. All I have to say with comparing the two is the X5 feels quicker and handles better then the sedan. If you enjoy driving your vehicle like a sports car then you have to option the Dynamic Handling Package. This package makes this vehicle feel like its a 3series. Makes this huge suv very nimble in the corners its worth every penny. I also love the quality in the interior BMW has come along way with there interiors. Especially with the Mocha Nappa Interior gives the vehicle a very rich feel. I love this SUV in my opinion I dont think there is anything else out there for the price that compares to the X5 for performance, comfort, handling, & safety. I would recommend this SUV everybody!

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  Not surprised! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Alaloom - January 6 - 8:56 am

  This is my 2nd one, I own a 1987 325is which I love. I test drove Infinity, Acura and Lexus before I bought, definately the 215 horses in the 325i must be thoroughbreds. It just feels much more responsive than 215 HP would suggest. Driving experience is unbeatable. It feels like some invisible magnetic force actually keeps it glued to the road. And up to now I got 28.5 MPG combined city/hwy. I got the brushed aluminum trim and I love the way it looks. Gives a sporty yet distinguished look. Many seemed to dislike the cup holders, I actually love them, this is the first car that I experienced that placing a drink in the cupholder has 0 inteference with driving and/or ac/audio controls

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  Big Disappointment - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Paul - January 5 - 4:29 pm

  The 95 540i is among the last understated, genuinely beautiful cars from BMW. It is tremendously powerful and the routine maintenance consists of little more than oil changes and brake jobs. The downfall is the transmission. It is a sealed unit with "lifetime" fluid (complete nonsense). It _will_ fail at 100k mi. and cost $5k to replace. The car is worth $4k. My trans has disgorged its fluid on the driveway fully 4 different times. Each episode requires a limping trip to the shop and a bill of $300. On the road, the car is heavy and ponderous and not in the least bit fun to drive. Brakes have only two modes: off and full lock up. Zero finesse. Big disappointment.

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  2008 BMW X5 - 2008 BMW X5
  By Dick P - January 5 - 1:58 pm

  This is the first BMW weve owned. Have had many SUVs prior. This is a keeper. It was supposed to be my car but my wife keeps using it. Great car. Local driving gets 14 MPG but it gets 23 on the longer trips. We love it.

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  335i -THE Ultimate Driving Machine Indeed - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By straightnochaser - January 5 - 9:20 am

  At the first time I test drove a 335i sedan car at a dealer, it really blew me away in ways I couldnt describe. Since then, I knew I had to have one for myself, so I ended up ordering one w/ premium pkg/sport pkg/split rear seat/auto with paddles. Being a very careful consumer, before the order I test drove similar cars from its competitors,but none really got me excited as much as this while some of them had looked really good on paper. You should give it a try to know what Im talking about.