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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  perfect crossover - 2014 BMW X1
  By Albert Wimmer - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Drives very nimbly. Steering is easy on arthritic hands; in fact, that was one of the reasons we replaced a perfect 330xi. The only complaint I have is that the trunk release is near the hood release and not easily reachable. Still love the car.

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  Wow! - 2007 BMW X3
  By Joyce Winter - April 5 - 9:25 am

  I drug my husband to test drive the Lexus Hybrid SUV, he drug me to test drive the X3. On paper I really thought we would like the Lexus better, but the X3 won hands down. Easier to turn into a parking space, felt roomier in the front, so much fun to drive. Im only 54" but felt I could see out of the X3 better and with more personal space. Now my husband and I are at odds over who gets to drive the SUV (its MINE). Who would have thought?

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  A foreign muscle car - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By luv it - April 4 - 11:39 pm

  It took a while to find, but my persistence yielded me a used 540i with aftermarket intake and exhaust upgrades. Stock HP is already 282, and with the upgrades mine is around 310. The 5 series is one of the best combinations of sport and luxury youll ever find. Dont hesitate to get one!

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  My ultimate driving machine - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By Stan - April 3 - 9:41 pm

  I purchased this car about a year ago and have really enjoyed every mile. I did have to replace the alternator, but other than that have had no major problems. The previous owner had problems mostly minor around 100,000. Everything is lovely now and now I just enjoy the ride.

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  Little disappointed - 2007 BMW M5
  By georgoi - April 3 - 3:43 pm

  This was one of the first 6 speed MT cars in the US and I have to admit I was pretty angry to find out the traction control could not be turned off no one told me this ahead of time. This is not in keeping with the M car concept. I dont know if this approach is an attempt to save the driveline or save drivers from themslves but either way, this should have been made clear BEFORE the car got to the US. I dont think I would have bought it if I had known. Otherwise the car is very well appointed and fun to drive. Handling even without EDC on is very good. Brakes are outstanding. Cant get over 12 mpg no matter how I drive, but what can you expect from a car like this?

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  BEST BMW EVER - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By J D - April 3 - 11:03 am

  My 06 330i just arrived after 7 weeks of waiting and it was worth the wait. The Bluetooth phone is incredible, navigation is great and iDrive is so easy to use. The courtesy door lights is an awesome feature and the brakes are the best in any car I have driven. Get the sports and premiums packages.

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  An Amazing Sedan from BMW - 2000 BMW M5
  By Robert Ritz - April 3 - 9:01 am

  I l ike everything about the M5. The car is stable, comfortable, and very fast. The M5 puts a smile on my face whenever I drive it.

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  great ride - 2004 BMW X3
  By chattguy - April 3 - 2:00 am

  2.5 auto,sports pkg,sunroof, xe,prem sound,winter pkg, prem. pkg. The sport pkg makes the car look agressive. stiffer suspension equals firmer ride. The car is awsome. takes curves at 60mph and sits flat. Car is nimble,adequate passenger & cargo space. x3 is a perfect blend. Adaptive Xe lights turn with the car. Milage is rated at 17/23 actual is 17.2/19.9 Lexus rx330 drove sloppy and not as fun to drive. 4 wheel drive handles great in rain. BMW hitch pkg is very nice. Incompatabilities in blutooth,sat radio,and BMW assist at this time. My 2004 prius had homelink,6disk changer,and my bluetooth connection worked. Germans could learn from asia.

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  Need more on the inside - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Shahzadee - April 3 - 2:00 am

  The car is small, not much more they could do for comfort. For that price more should have been included like Mercedes. We were told BMWs are such great cars they donÂ’t need to include the fluff. I strongly disagree. At that price, heated seats, CD changer, automatic softop, dimmer light, car mats should ALL BE INCLUDED. Customer service-lousy. The car is gone as soon as the fun wares off. My daughter drives a ercedes and we are having second thoughts. If you want fun, go for it. If you want comfort, class, fluff, and great customer service: Look elsewhere. Feel free to email me with any questions @ shahzadee@aol.com

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  Great car. - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By zeek1 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Too bad it couldnt be a little cheaper to buy.