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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  2006 BMW X5 - 2006 BMW X5
  By fikas - January 20 - 1:04 am

  A perfect car! Awesome. If you need a big sports car, you will never find a better one than this 4.8is. Its acceleration is shocking, brakes, steering and everything. Dont hesitate to get one.

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  BMW > Infiniti - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Adam - January 19 - 6:26 pm

  I was debating between the BMW 3- Series and Infiniti G35 Journey. The G35 would cost the same price with navigation and 300+ HP. I went for the BMW because of the luxurious cabin and sporty exterior. Reliability has been spot-on since day one. Build quality is best I have seen in years. Even with the sport package, the Grey Leather Seats seem to be supportive and comfortable. The Monaco Blue is a great color and it goes well with the Grey Leather. Sport package is definitely worth the extra money. I did not buy the navigation because of iDrive. Xenon is great. This car grips to the road amazing too.

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  It is truly sporty with utility. - 2007 BMW X3
  By Frank - January 19 - 2:08 pm

  Its hard to find fault with this one. Its stylish, has unique bells and whistles and performs while providing utility and comfort. BMW truly is the ultimate driving experience. It far surpasses the Mercedes sports sedan I traded for it. The only other vehicle Ive owned that compares to it is the BMW 5 series I once had.

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  BMW 530i Im Loving it! - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Kenneth Taylor - January 19 - 9:56 am

  I have owned 2 Maximas and 1 Pathfinder since I have been purchasing vehicles. Now that I finally earned enough money to purchase a BMW I cannot ever drive any other vehicle. The 530i is the most pleasurable vehicle I have ever driven. The interior and exterior quality far exceed any other vehicle Ive ever driven. The new 530i design will withstand the test of time as far as style. Loving it, with no regrets on the money spent.

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  Electronically troubled - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By 530i owner - January 19 - 7:12 am

  Now in the shop for the fourth time to fix the (apparently) unfixable Sirius satellite radio entire radio failed once engine valve clatter and transmission "clunk" is annoying, but not yet troublesome. Great car otherwise, but clearly not up to manufacturing and reliability standards of Lexus, Acura and the other "Pacific Rim" manufacturers whose cars I have owned in the past. Even more troubelsome than the two Mercedes we recently owned.

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 1999 BMW M3
  By Mike - January 18 - 11:59 am

  I love this car. Its the best car I have ever owned. Its an exciting vehicle. The acceleration is superb. Taking a trip is a pleasure. Just a great car!

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  BMW is the choice just need a warranty - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By keanuration - January 17 - 5:02 pm

  Have been driving this car now for two years and have had my ups and downs. First, I had to replace sensors that amounted to over $1000. Oil level problem, p. driver seat inop, dr. rear window inop, stitching on top back seat began to split, engine service malfunction, p. roof cover broken, paint on hood oxidizing. On the positive side its a superb road hugger. Great off a dead stop, can really go! Smooth and solid ride without much noise. NO body lean or roll. Relatively small sedan, but still have room in back for two adults. Love the auto up/down windows on all doors. Okay mileage, avg 22 mpg. Bulletproof engine and tranny. Retention of value is great.

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  Sporty yet practical. - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By Dr. Karl - January 17 - 4:18 pm

  Just invested in a used 2004 645Ci convertible, Sapphire black on cream leather with a 6-speed manual transmission, with only 16000 miles... great vehicle!! Combining performance, fun-to-drive factor and practicality (can take some friends in comfort in back seat). Although the design is now nearly 3 years old, the 645s beauty will never age. Would recommend the car to anyone with car-fever.

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  Great SUV... could get a little better mpg - 2006 BMW X3
  By BostonB6 - January 17 - 3:01 pm

  Fantasic automobile. No problems in first 6 months/8k miles of ownership.

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  My first BMW Experience - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Drew Garguilo - January 17 - 11:39 am