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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  First 8 months - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Aaron - August 7 - 12:33 am

  I drove a 99 Ford Contour SVT before the 325i, and I am so satisfied that I bought a rear-wheel drive car. Ive had two problems when I first bought it. The alternator and reverse-activated rear-view mirror were replaced free of charge, but considering that my last car was about to die on me, they were minor inconveniences. The 190 or so hp (BMW says 184, I dont think so) is used to its fullest extent and doesnt struggle, but if you can afford the near 4-5 grand premium over the 325i for the 330i, get the 330i. The tires are wearing even and the steering, is, Im lost for words. Its awesome. I will have an update around the 14-16 month period.

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  BMW 330i Sedan - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Mike Gentry - August 5 - 9:30 pm

  This is the best BMW I have ever owned. The last trip I went on (most inter-state driving), I averaged 33.6 mpg. The car is very quiet and handles great. I totally enjoy it.

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  Easy Rider - 2016 BMW 5-Series
  By Charlie Lawrence - August 5 - 8:21 pm

  Very happy with car after one month...quality, ride, performance, features all as expected so far!

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  Bought it for wife! - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Gary Moeller - August 5 - 3:05 pm

  Purchased pre-owned 1 year ago - wife really likes car and sometimes lets me drive it - a little nicer than my Element - great looking and has performed well on very long road trips to midwest - 75K when purchased - have been told by non-BMW owners that maintenance costs will be high - so far so good - will replace run flats when they wear out - I think it will ride better - could use some better cupholders too, but no big deal

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  Impressive 330i Sport - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Richard - August 5 - 12:50 pm

  I have owned this car for seven months and it still never fails to impress me with its performance and economy. My car has the Sport package and adaptive steering and hugs the road better than my Porsche 911. On a recent trip to DC I averaged 32+ MPG. It is my first BMW, but will be a family member for many years to come !!

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  what a car - 2004 BMW X3
  By Luciano - August 4 - 10:00 am

  Bmw hit it big this time with a fun to drive, responsive felling SAV. The X3 is beautifully designed and has all the toys car buyers love this days.Its technology,although many times invisible (Xdrive,Dynamic stability control)gives the driver a sense of security and control. A great alternative to monster sized SUVs. This is a size conscious,performance driven family car.

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  Got Much more than what I expected - 2004 BMW X3
  By Caballeros - August 4 - 10:00 am

  I Recently purchased an X3 2.5i not nowing exactly if I bought it because it was a BMW or because it was a car that made sense for me. After a month driving it I relize that I got a lot more than what I expected. I was scared of criticism of a very stiff suspension but is not an issue at all. It is not soft but if thats what you want you dont want a BMW. The standar features make sure that your driving experience is pleasant, fun and safe including all kind of airbags, ABS, DSC, etc. Yeah if you want leather and other gimmicks are extra. But your basic driving needs are covered.

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  530i/Totally Unreliable - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Kevin P. Kelly - August 4 - 10:00 am

  Purchased in 10/03...software on "i" drive replaced., LCD screen would not work in cold weather ..had to be repaired/replaced..radio stopped working., and has been replaced., towed to the dealer 3 times...engine justed died while driving., i drive toggle stopped working and had to be replaced., car creeked and rattled... In all this vechicle had been in the dealers shop for more than 20 days.My wife has an 03.... no problems at all. Wait for Bmw to work the bugs... and rattles out before you plunk down 50k

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  Even Better Than Its Predecessor - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Padre J - August 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd BMW and my favorite to date. After I drove the first one, I was hooked. My last 5-Series was a wonderful car, and I like the 2004 even more. The increased passenger room and storage in the cabin are welcome. Although a bit of a challenge at first, the i-drive isnt really that hard to learn. The Sports Suspension and Active Steering are terrific. People constantly approach me and want to talk about the car.

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  Lady in Red - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Scoob - August 4 - 10:00 am

  Fun, responsive, smooth, precise. ultimate driving machin indeed. dislikes- goofy radio on/off volume knob- cheap. also, instrument cluster vibrates - whole thing pushes in when I reset the odo- weak. also, goofy right-side rear-view mirror looking down every time in reverse. otherwise, clean, simple, quick, smooth and precise. The convertible retracting Top is flawless so far! great!