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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  Smooth - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By dano - April 12 - 11:18 am

  Its been over 12 years since my last bimmer. Theres lots of new technology, but most importantly the fun-to-drive factor is still there. Adequate power from the 215hp, very comfortable ride, solid feeling car. Only two disappointments are the Nav and interior storage. Severely outdated and lacking basic function of search-by-name. Who decided to leave this out? Interior storage is minimal. Space in center armrest is laughable. Those gripes aside this is a great car.

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  Ah-mazing! - 2001 BMW M5
  By MALEXGCAB - April 12 - 6:29 am

  2001 LeMans Blue with Dinan exhaust. This car is amazing with capabilities to accelerate like a Corvette. I smile from ear to ear everytime I drive it with light traffic. Have to be careful since it can reach 80 mph with little effort. Truly my dream car.

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  Lemon after 100K miles - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Tom - April 11 - 4:19 pm

  Great name except it is always in the shop. Car troubles include high pressure A/C hose, crankcase vent valve and accessories, hazard switch replaced, front window going down slowly,computer module needs replacement total repair costs of $1,585. I have burned oil from the moment it left the showroom. One quart every 1,000 to 2,000 miles. I will never buy a BMW again. I thought BMWs last 200K- 250K. It might cost me that in repair bills if I keep it that long.

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  Family Sedan Muscle Car!! - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By illinimax - April 10 - 11:24 pm

  After driving everything in the luxury sedan market in the $45-65K range this car won me over. Unlike the Lexus GS 350, this car has a real trunk, way more fun to drive than anything in its price range. The hushed cabin at high speed puts Lexus and Infinti to shame combined with incredible handling. Dont pass up the chance to try one of these cars. Thumbs way up!

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  BMW 540 - 2018 BMW 5-Series
  By Randy - April 10 - 8:17 am

  Excellent

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  Great Car - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By JoeJack97 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2003 Mercedes Benz E320, but no contest, this is a far superior car in every sense. Looks, performance and how it drives.

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  Great drive and ride - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Micahel - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Car is greatly improved from my previous 2000 528i. Handles and ride is one of the best I’ve driven, the design is nice but there are too many controls around the steering column

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  two weeks old - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Bogman - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I just got my new 03 325i 2 weeks ago. The dealer delivered it to my house from 200 miles away. Everything about the car is great. It could be faster, get better mileage, be more luxurious or handle more like a race car; but this car has the best balance of performance, economy and luxury of any car in its price range. Absolutely brilliant.

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  2013 550i - 2013 BMW 5-Series
  By William - April 10 - 1:29 am

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  Love my X3! - 2008 BMW X3
  By ECS - April 9 - 3:52 am

  I am the second owner of my X3...it is a local car purchased at the BMW dealership and had been serviced there. It now has 95,000 miles on it and I plan to keep for a long time. I have learned that it runs much smoother on 93 octane Shell gasoline. The only issue I have is the tire pressure light is on and numerous people have tried to make it go away with no success...BMW dealership does not recommend spending the money it would cost to clear it. My husband is 62" and he does have difficulty getting in the car but finds it roomy enough once he is in!