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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  750 Li - 2007 BMW 7-Series
  By BM - May 23 - 11:38 pm

  This is my first BMW after a Lexus and MB. I tested the LS 460 and S 550. I fell in love with the 750. I love the car. It is loaded with amazing technology. The iDrive is easier than I expected (of course it took me two hours at the dealership to learn the basics and another two hours of exploring it at home). It is fun to drive especially when passing other cars. This is truly a luxury car with the heart of a race car. Best car to lease.

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  Good Enough - 2007 BMW X3
  By jasondina - May 23 - 1:42 pm

  We had a 325xi wagon for the past three years and really enjoyed it. We were not sure that we were going to get another BMW because we wanted to save some money on the payments. So we went and drove a ton of cars and decided that we liked what BMW had to offer in either a new 325 wagon or an X3. The X3 had the best pricing incentives for a lease so we went with it. The car is a base model with auto trans. It handles like a BMW. We like the leatherette for clean up and comfort. The radio could be better for the price. The DTC is miserable. We turn it off all the time. It makes the car hunt around in 1st and 2nd gear trying to avoid losing traction.

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  BMW M6 Convertible - 2007 BMW M6
  By M6 in AZ - May 22 - 12:45 pm

  This car is an amazing engineering feat. It is meant to be driven hard, not tamely. The entire vehicle responds well when pushed hard. Of course it is the ultimate eye catcher. So enjoy.

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  Buyer Beware - 2007 BMW M5
  By Luthien - May 22 - 8:58 am

  Buyer beware: There’s a reason for all those mediocre reviews out there in the automotive press. In truth, many of the reviews sound as though the writers think even less of the car than what they actually write, but are reluctant to bash a car with the reputation of the M5. Well that reputation was built from the first three US models. This one is fundamentally different. This is a Mercedes posing as a BMW. Its all about speed and comfort and lacks the handling of the earlier cars. Its very heavy and you feel every pound. It about cruising not about flogging down a twisty road in the countryside. You feel disconnected from the road, there is no sense of immediacy on turn in.

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  Remarkable Car - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Peter - May 22 - 5:34 am

  This is my 9th BMW and I am pleased that BMWs have not lost their edge. Great handling, adequate power (I miss the torque from the MB E500 I had), very good build quality. The car is a roomy 4 door sports car. The 255 BHP 6 is good but torque is a little low and you tend to be aware that the 6 speed auto is being used rather a lot. I get a little hesitation when I make a sudden demand for acceleration which can be a little disconcerting. Sports package worth the money for the contour seats alone. They are the most comfortable seats in the business. Fuel economy is excellent. Superb car worthy of the BMW name. Just annoyed that BMW introduced the 300 BHP engine just after I purchased my car.

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  Im on my second one - 2004 BMW X5
  By boop - May 22 - 2:00 am

  The first one I owned was better than this one. In the 3 years I cant imagine why there havent been any improvements....although it is hard to improve, there are some minor adjustments to be made. I think maybe the tranni is slipping or just isnt as responsive as it should be, may need bigger trani. And there are blind spots in the rear, if the mirrors arent just perfect.If you choose the navigation system... and a 6 changer cd... the cd cannot be put in the glove compartment.... but has to be in the rear.... most inconventent! The back up beeping drives me crazy, needs cut off switch thats not event related. I just seem disappointed with it a bit.

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  BMW M5 - World Class Fun - 2006 BMW M5
  By Jordan Lamm - May 21 - 10:16 pm

  I have owned 4 BMWs and several other cars. The 2006 M5 is the most fun, practical car on the market. The SMG transmission is a blast - very versatile, fun to shift, useful but not great in auto mode. I get comments all the time about what a great car it is. And I love the iDrive. Yes, I would do some things differently, but overall it is very easy to use. Only complaint about the car is that I would like to see the dashboard more driver oriented like the E39 was.

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  Bang for you buck - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By EJC - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I tested all of the entry level luxury vehicles. Looking for the best value, maintenance, insurance and resale. BMW came out on top. A great balance between sport and luxury. The TL was boring, the A4 lost touch with its sporty side, and IS300 was uncomfortable and the list goes on. Suggestion, if you love to drive, get the car! When you go to buy the car bring the Edmunds information with you. I did and the salesman recognized I did my homework and I got a better deal than the TMV. Thanks Edmunds!!

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  Excellent car with few flaws - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By lastmissouriexit - May 21 - 6:43 am

  As a driving machine, it is unparalleled in class. Styling is great. Power is biased toward higher RPM, but fits my driving style. Automatic transmission is smoothest I have experienced, superior to Japanese counterparts. Extra large sunroof opening is nice.

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  My Dream Car...is no longer a dream - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Missy - May 20 - 10:33 am

  Thus far, I absolutely love this car, previously I owned the X-3, and I find the Sedan much more powerful and with more features for the money. Great on gas, great new look, and great power