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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  Best Entry-level Sedan Available - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By CROYBOY - May 2 - 2:00 am

  One word describes my 2003 BMW 325i: Sweet. Although Ive only been driving this car for about a month and am still in the break-in period, this car is amazing. Cant wait until I can put it to the test. Whatever you do, dont let your car get low on gas--it messes up the sensors and you have to take it in to get it reset. Leave it to the Germans to make such a solid, well built vehicle. Its too bad passengers cant get the same excitement from riding as the driver.

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  YOU MUST GET THIS CAR - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Sam Yerushalmi - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I got my 330 i at age 18 and i dont think i am ever gonig to get rid of it. For anyone who wants car that is fast look great and had a good name get this car. Driving has never been this fun. Getting stuck in the 405 trafic will never ever be a drag if its done in thsi car.

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  no surpeises - 2014 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By jim34b - May 1 - 9:25 pm

  Edmunds review is accurate, and others must share their opinions, because 5 series GTs are hard to find, so I ordered a 2014 550i xdrive. I like it because it is a large, comfortable, powerful sedan, that converts into 60+ cubic feet of trunk space when needed. In my case, thats about six times per year, and I hope BMW keeps making them.

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  Unhappy - 2007 BMW X5
  By Dt Elliman - April 27 - 11:41 pm

  I was so excited to get one of the first 4.8is in production (November 2006) to the point that I never considered that the car would be anything but better than my old 2003 4.4. As of late April 2007 Id take back my old 4.4 in a second. The new X5 is a pig. Much slower, less comfortable (the sport edition seats are incredibly uncomfortable)things like my cell phone cant charge when the car is off,and that unbelievibly annoying seat belt alarm (you cant put groceries on the passenger front seat as an example) makes really angry at BMW. And yes I will sell it shortly.

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  Great Car - Love to Drive - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Satisfied Owner - 1 - April 27 - 10:00 am

  It was between the 325 and the Infinity G35. For the money, the G35 is probably a better value (bigger engine, more interior room, etc.) but, the 325 has much better/more unique styling and no one confuses it with the Altima. Ive owned the BMW for 6 months and I definately would by the BMW again. It is very quick, even the 4 wheel drive and the smaller engine. It holds the road well and is a pleasure to drive. I now understand the reason the magazines compare all the cars in the class to the BMW!

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  Z4 2.5i update - 2003 BMW Z4
  By visserdove - April 27 - 10:00 am

  This is one great Roadster. Highly recommend

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  Best car - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By minnnn - April 26 - 2:00 am

  First time, I thought that the steering wheel was too heavy, but after I got used to it, I love it! I love the sound of engine and the perfect handling of this car.

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  I love this car. - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Turtleman - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I love this car.

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  I love my 760 Li - when it runs properly - 2007 BMW 7-Series
  By dj - April 25 - 4:15 pm

  I just love my 760 (this is my 2nd, the first was a 2005). Unfortunately, it seems to have MAJOR engine/mech. problems. BMW has been unable to diagnose/repair the most recent problem which left me stranded on the side of the interstate in a major thunderstorm. The car has been taken away by a flat bed truck 2x now. Nothing more embarassing than waiting for a tow with your $150k car on the side of the road. My first 760 had minor issues-so I ordered a new one thinking I just got a bad car. I actually had it built with everything I wanted which took months & I finally get my new beautiful car & the day they delivered it there was an error light on in the dash board... its been downhill since.

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  BMW 535xi - Its a Keeper - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Steeler Fan - April 25 - 11:06 am

  After nearly a year and 12k miles, this car has proven to be even better than the initial write-ups. It is fast and fun to drive, gets around great in the snow and is wonderfully intuitive and responsive to the driver. This car is a keeper.