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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  Just what Ive been looking for. - 2004 BMW X3
  By gjones1541 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Quicker and less expensive to drive than my 4Runner. It holds the road and handles better than my Miata. I bought the 6 speed and am very happy with the performance, in every respect. I have put 2400 miles on it in all types of driving and conditions (no snow yet), and have yet to be disappointed. I am averaging 20 mpg at an average speed of 34 mph. The cargo capacity is more than enough for the luggage of 4 adults (including 2 women) for a week, and passenger room is much more than I have been used to in other cars. Premium package is worth the cost.

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  Peris Review - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Peri - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Love this car. I had a 99 MB 300TD which I had bought new and loved but this is a more comfortable driving car. Fits nice.

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  Not a Long term Car - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By S Alllen - December 16 - 12:31 pm

  Bought this vehicle for travel. It looks great, but wow, for a high rated vehicle, i wouldnt buy another BMW. The windows fall into the doors (BMW dealer says thats normal) and cost to fix $$$$. Heater doesnt work well, air doesnt work well. The heated seats they work. Wouldnt recommend a used BMW or keep one past 3 years. Not worth the extra money!

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  Diesel Exhaust Tech not ready for prime time - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By John Ranalletta - December 16 - 5:01 am

  Ive driven this 11 335d for nearly 5 years and 100k miles. I love the car but not when the service engine soon light turns on. Usually, its a fault related to the SCR (diesel exhaust fluid) system issue. Having purchased the 100k BMW warranty, the repairs were covered, except for replacement of the catalytic converter which the dealer stated was not covered. I have to pay $500 labor and the dealer is providing the part. This is not an inexpensive car to own/maintain and Id likely not buy another BMW diesel even though theres a lot to like about driving one.

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  Euphoric feeling - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Brenda - December 15 - 12:03 pm

  My 525i has both sport and luxury packages. The seats are exceptional and auto set to either my husband or myself prior to entry. Both of us are extremely happy with the car in all ways. It truly is a "driving machine", and the same feeling is not available elsewhere.

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  Finally found the right vehicle - 2017 BMW X3
  By MRM - December 15 - 6:03 am

  I love this vehicle! I have the x3 v6 msport. Purchased in July last year and have about 6k miles. Its so quick, it hugs the road, corners extremely well, and is so fun to drive. The interior is comfortable and the technology was very easy to figure out. I have a 4 year 50k warranty bumper to bumper. The maintenance program went to 3 yr 36k for the 2017 model year, but ok with me. I test drove so many vehicles before deciding and couldnt be happier with my choice.

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  After having two X3s we now have an X5 - 2008 BMW X5
  By dfrith - December 14 - 8:24 pm

  While the X5 at first seems a little pricey its standard features make the price much easier to swallow. Xenon headlights, normally about $800 on some BMWs are standard as is a 205 watt sound system with 12 speakers including 2 sub-woofers. Also standard is an alarm system that cost as much as $500 on an X3. Add the fact that all X5s come with BMWs great ZF (German made) automatic transmission rather than the GM6 (French made) transmission found in the X3 and youve pretty much talked yourself into paying a little more. Ill admit that the mileage wont be quite as good as the X3 but the ride is wonderful with only a little roughness noted over the most bumpy of roads.

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  Best all around sports car - 2017 BMW M3
  By Anthony Nguyen - December 14 - 12:03 pm

  The M3 is the best all around sports car. It is the bench mark that all other sports car are compare to. The handling is great with very good power. It is comfortable enough for a daily car also.

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  I love my BMW!! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Donna Rose - December 14 - 8:46 am

  This is the first time I have purchased or driven a BMW. I have to say, that this vehicle is by far the best thing I have had in a long time. It handles like nothing I have ever driven. I wanted a car that would excite me from the second I got into it till the time I got out of it. Well, when I drove this, that was it. I have to check everything out, so I went to drive the jaguar, the mercedes, the cadillac cts, the mitsubishi spyder convertible (which by the way, was the vehicle i really wanted till I sat in the bmw.) I couldnt get the feel, the way it handled, the tightness of the car, the smoothness of the ride, etc., out of my mind. I love it!

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  My first BMW - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By Gsp1885 - December 12 - 12:33 am

  When I first got this car, I hated it because it was a manual and I had a hard time learning. However, once I learned it I loved it, and I became a car enthusiast. I also now love bmw, although it has given me some problems.