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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  The Finest Automobile Ive Ever Owned - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By rs6654 - September 18 - 10:16 pm

  Ive driven this car coast to coast on all kinds of roads, in all kinds of terrain and all kinds of weather. Ive been driving over 30 years and this car seems perfect in every way.

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  Fun to Drive - 2002 BMW M5
  By Jim - September 16 - 4:34 pm

  I purchased the car with 22k miles on it. The previous owner had taken good care of it. The car handles well and has lots of power. Driving in rush hour traffic can be a pain with the 6- speed manual. Dealership has been execllent with service. This car is as powerful as the 1998 Corvette I owned, yet has seating for 5. Insurance is costly (even for a 59 year old with a good driving record). Gas mileage average is about 18 mpg around town, which is great for a car with this kind of power. Extremely quiet and tightly put together. Has a great looking understated appearence. Probably the best car I have ever owned.

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  awesome - 1992 BMW 5-Series
  By Casey Pickell - September 15 - 1:16 pm

  this BMW is a solid ride. i bought it with 114000 miles for 4000 dollars. it was the steal of the century. the engine is smooth as butter with effortless acceleration in the top end(it could use some more low end power) it gets great fuel economy for a 6cyl, 20 city 28-30 at 65 mph on highway. the seats are incredible and hold their age magnificently. the trunk is huge and the same for the sunroof.the computer is nifty as well, i didnt think they had that stuff in 1992. i have had no problems at all with the car in 6000 miles of driving.

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  no negitives - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Edward Lewis - September 15 - 10:00 am

  This car, the 2004 BMW 530, has no negatives so far. It rides like a big car handles like a sports car and makes the statement "wow" all by it self. Some negative coments have been made about the I drive, comes from fear!!! The only negative comment I do have is that bmw and motorola have not got the integrated cell phone to work correctly yet.

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  Wow!!! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By BigMike33 - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I have no doubt that this is the best car I have ever been in. Overall, the performance and body style just blew me away.

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  Best car I ever owned - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Andrew - September 14 - 12:05 pm

  After seeing this car I loved it, after driving it, I was obsessed with it, after owning it, I will always have a BMW. I thought about trading it for a Mercedes when my lease was up, but there were none comparable so I bought it... even the dealers that wanted to sell me a car knew that my car was better. I honestly believe that it is the Ultimate Driving Machine.

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  Early Impressions - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By deleng - September 14 - 2:00 am

  No disappiontments. Great driving experience. iDrive has been criticized by many reviewers, but I find it much like a computer, once mastered, it is very logical.

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  Awesome Performance ! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By TurboCarrara - September 13 - 11:58 pm

  Great performance - braking, corners, pickup. Comfortable but stiff ride - but expected in a roadster. Actually gets better gas mileage than expected.

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  325xi - Solid for the Money - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By mike - September 13 - 8:50 am

  Had this car for a year - looked at Audi 2.0, Acura TL and Lexus IS and for the money and build quality I chose the BMW. One thing to remember is the 4 years 50K bumper to bumper. The car looks good and is fun to drive.

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  Best M3 - 2016 BMW M3
  By Imran Ahmed - September 13 - 1:26 am

  My 5th M car in last 12 years , by far the best . No turbo lag at all .