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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  Fun with style and quility - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By alvaro correa - May 11 - 2:30 pm

  Handling, reliability are excellent. The iDrive is very easy to use.

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  BMW 535iGT - 2011 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By wittyj - May 11 - 11:46 am

  This may be the perfect vehicle. Extremely comfortable with very easy entry and exit. The rear seat is huge. Stow the parcel shelf, lower the seat backs and you have loads of cargo space. The ride and handling are superb. Performance is very good and the economy is above the EPA numbers. 31.5 mpg on the highway is easy to get. The 8 speed is an excellent transmission and the engine is very smooth and powerful enough for all situations. It is not an "M" but will cruise at whatever speed you wish. BMW quality is excellent and the multi-function seats are worth every penny. The seat height is about 4 inches higher than the seven series and about 3.5 inches lower than the X5. EASY entry and exit

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  Amazing Car though not for everyone - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By russ - May 10 - 3:45 am

  Great car, love it but know what you are getting. Reliability: car will require some maintenance. Also reliability will vary with treatment more than some other cars, consider this when buying used. You will get electrical problems like brake light/check engine, do me a favor and dont buy/complain about this as it is not a "real" problem. Performance: depends on what you are comparing it to. Great compared to average cars: civic, grand am, saturn, etc. good driving experience corners well, accelerates, rear wheel drive which is completely under appreciated. Good blend of comfort and sport handling. But it is not a really fast car you will wish you had an M3 at times though you can mod.

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  Great Car - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Marc - May 9 - 11:30 pm

  Fun, extremely fast, and sticks to road as if its on rails. I love driving this every day. I recommend it to anyone who loves to drive. I had the K40 installed also.

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  BMW 3 Series with tons of useful space - 2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By Jack Oakley - May 9 - 2:26 pm

  My previous 4 cars have been BMW 3 Series. All certified preowned with under 40K miles. All were lease returns. I enjoy driving the 3 series, but I wanted more trunk space and a larger back seat. I drive between 35k and 45k miles per year. Daily commute is 142 miles. My last 3 series had reached 150K miles, the time I start looking for a replacement. A friend purchased a 328 Grand Truismo - I was immediately impressed by the space. 3 adults fit very comfortably in the back seat and the cargo area is big, hatch makes loading very easy. I have owned the GT for one month. Very comfortable, its based on the 3 series BMW makes for the China Market - I was told, wealthy individuals in China prefer to have a driver, so BMW needed to make the 3 series longer and wider to provide a larger back seat. This setup works perfectly in the GT. I am 61", perfectly comfortable in the driver seat. The longer wheelbase lends itself to a smoother ride. I really enjoy driving this car, I have the SPORT edition: Blacked out trim, black leather interior, red stitching, brushed aluminum replaces wood on the interior, gray-smoke 18" wheels, sport wheel with paddle shifters. Great highway ride, above average power, 32MPG HWY. Only complaint - larger blind spot. GT has a lower resale than 3 series sedan. So first owner takes the initial loss - Vehicle was $53,800 in 2014 - My purchase with 36K miles and certified preowned from BMW was $29,150. If you like the 3 series, but want more useful cargo space and a larger back seat then take a look at the GT.

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  Best car Ive owned, Period !!!!!! - 2001 BMW M3
  By YoQueroTacoBell - May 9 - 2:16 pm

  It was like falling in love at first sight. I owned a 1998 M3 coupe, tell ya what, the 6th gear really does the job plus the telescoping wheel is a big plus. I love to street race, and there is not much out there that could match my M3... In addition to all the power and luxury, I get a lot of head turning each time I drive it. I love it !!! I will keep this car forever and pass the torch over to my son when I no longer can drive it. The Navigation and the park distance control work excellent.

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  my review - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By ken wheeler - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Love the car ,,,wish it were quicker ,,love the handeling

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  Bimmer Rating 05 for 1998 540i - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Myles Fields - May 9 - 1:54 am

  This is a excellent vehicle to drive. The V8 packs quite a punch. The interior is wonderful and spacious. the only thing that I thought was a negative was it has some electrical problems. Such as the sunroof. Although I would buy this car any day for its unmatched performance and quality.

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  Our First Bimmer - 2005 BMW X3
  By eg - May 8 - 5:37 am

  Our car is new, so my review is based on first impressions. The BMW X3 3.0l, is a great SUV that offers many standard option. I find the vehicle easy to drive and handle, this coming from someone who has always driven small sedans. I love the moonroof (very big) and the car key memory feature. I only have to open the car with my personal key, and the car readjusts the seat and the mirrors to my personal settings. My one con would be that the interior would look better with more wood trim then what is available.

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  Fun, Headturning Convertible - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By bmrluv - May 7 - 8:20 pm

  Ive been an Infiniti driver for the past 5 years, G35 coupe and FX35. Whenever its time to buy, Ive considered BMW but never could get past the sticker shock and brake dust problem. It was all over with one look at the BMW 335i hardtop convertible. Then I made a bigger mistake and test drove it... wow! I had to have it. This is the most awesome ride ever! I get tons of compliments from people and opening/closing the top stops traffic! Definitely a keeper if I can get the technical issues fixed.