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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  Everything you would ever want in a sedan and more - 2016 BMW 3-Series
  By mdrive - August 14 - 3:44 pm

  Not too sure what the nay sayers are speaking about as the new F30s are just a dream to drive. The base models are just that, basic, but they will still offer a great ride without all the advancements of premium packages. Having had a plethora of sedans over the years we can wholeheartedly say this is by far THE best one yet. The 340i is a joy to drive and is a driver oriented car. The engine is smooth as silk and makes puts out some serious low end torque. For the price, this sedan is far worth it!

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  Eat This Lexus - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By DRC Bavi - August 14 - 10:00 am

  The 330i is hands down the best sports sedan in that category. The 3-series solely define the whole category. For all you Lexus owners, go ahead, drive your Toyota Altrzza (renamed as Lexus IS300), but if you come upon me at a stoplight, prepare to be humiliated.

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  Even better - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By 2timer - August 13 - 3:10 pm

  Second BMW (first was 03 325xi), first was wonderful and this is much better. Engine in different league, even handling surprisingly better. Recent ice storms and heavy snow removed any doubts whether AWD again worth mileage penalty. BTW these cars get worse mileage in-town but better highway than EPA ratings, as did 325xi. Run-flats (Contis not Bridgestones) smoother than ratings led me to expect.

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  A Perfect 10 !!! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Buster - August 12 - 10:46 pm

  I have owned a 325i and a 528 before, but this is clearly the best BMW I have driven. BMW still has the best quality of any car I have seen, and the new design provides a bolder and sportier look. The structural and safety improvements are a step ahead of any comparable competitor. If you live in a colder area, the winter package is a great investment as well. You will not be diappointed with this car, worth every penny!

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  BMW fans unite - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By Constant Car Shopper - August 12 - 5:29 am

  Even before I got my drivers license I wondered why people payed a premium for BMWs. I openly criticized, but secretly wanted one. Now that I own one there is no doubt that the BMW 3 series is a car drivers dream. I test drove my current vehicle almost as a lark and wound up buying it on the spot. Much like other reviewers this car makes me glad to get up everyday to drive this car to work. So far the maintenance on this vehicle has been no more than other cars I have owned. I bought this car with almost 100,000 miles on it and would love to put 100,000 more on it.

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  King - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Organizedchaos - August 11 - 9:52 am

  The 530i is a stunning car. Great handling, a powerful v8 engine and great looks. This is the best car I ever owned. Plus its a classic now.

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  Ultimate driver - 2000 BMW M5
  By Mike Adamson - August 10 - 3:02 pm

  The only limitation with this car is the local inadequate road system and poor drivers who get in the way.

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  Buy it if you can afford the Maintanence - 2002 BMW M3
  By Phil - August 10 - 2:05 pm

  Such an awesome car, especially in Laguna Seca Blue. Handling is superb and for the performance a 19-22 overall MPG is pretty good. LOVE LOVE the car. It turns heads everywhere and gets compliments on the color at least once a week. However, the car has been to the shop more than 20X since I bought it. Everything has gone wrong with this car. The biggest problems were the CAT failed ($2000) and also the rear subframe cracked ($1700). The interior is also cheap and the tranny doesnt seem to fit the car, long strokes, clunky, and is not smooth. But that engine and stance makes it worth it... I think. :)

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  Awesome Mileage in Gas Crunch - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By GumDoc - August 10 - 10:22 am

  Bought this car used in 02 when I was in the market for a lux vehicle. A cousin suggested I go for a test drive. Dealer had just taken in car on trade 7500 mi demo service and 1 owner. Car was offered CPO and it is now out of warranty after about 1 year. Great Value! With recent gas crunch, I was concerned about a V-8 (same as 7-series) and was considering a new vehicle when I started tracking mileage. At 55 on hwy, car gets >30 mpg and at 65 car gets 28-29 mpg, both well over EPA estimates for the vehicle. This V-8 does better than many V-6s - a secret known only to owners.

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  I chose right! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By CarlB - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Researched three luxury cars over a couple months. The Mercededs E320 and Audi A6 couldnt compare to the comfort, luxury, power and handling of the BMW 525 with active steering. Much more spacious than the others, including the gigantic trunk. It has so much power I have to check the speedometer constantly. Great sleek design inside and out, love the headlight styling, bi-xenon is terrific and interior features cant be beat. Not enough space to describe the looks and positive comments this car gets on the road and even when parked! I definitely made the right choice!