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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  First BMW, and I LOVE THIS CAR! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Nathan Terrill - January 18 - 12:50 am

  I traded in my 2006 Lexus IS 250 AWD for the 2007 BMW 328i coupe. The driving dynamics between these two vehicles is incomparable. The BMW truly provides a sense of being connected to the road, endless tourqe curve, and responsive power and stabilty. The hum of the inline 6 on the BMW is music to any enthusiasts ears as soon as he/she pushes the ignition button. It begs the question, "Why pay more, considering the sophistication level of the cars overall design, standard equipment level, driving dynamics, and quality of materials?"

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  The thrill of the corners - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Lindsay - January 17 - 11:07 pm

  This car is so much fun to drive. For a small six cylinder, it really moves. There have been a few minor problems, but if you are handy enough, most can befixed without going to the dealership. There are a number of online forums that you can join and ask questions of other owners that are more than willing to help. Youll find there is almost always someone who has experienced your problem or something like it and they will go out of their way to help you because BMW owners love their cars and people who drive the same ones! The cars handling is legendary and doesnt really need to be elaborated on. Truly the ultimate driving machine.

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  2014 328D WAGON - M Sport Package - 2014 BMW 3-Series
  By James Norris - January 16 - 7:32 pm

  Great vehicle! Like riding on rails and still space for 2 dogs! Practicality mixed with a sexy fast car is the best duality money can buy!

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  Great car, classic styling - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By bob in houston - January 16 - 9:46 am

  I bought this car with 75k miles on it, I now have over 165,000! As youd expect, repairs are eventually required, Ive done most of the work myself: water pump, radiator, front & rear rotors, shocks/struts front and rear, steering linkage. Yes, some of these cars have an engine block that causes a somewhat rough idle (blocks were made of an aluminum with nickel, the Nikasil blocks), but the sulphur content in older blends of U.S gasoline is not an issue anymore. This car has served me well, and I STILL get compliments on it when I fillrup at the gas station.

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  Best I Ever Had - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By dben99 - January 15 - 9:13 pm

  My lease was close to up for the Lexus GS 300, and I decided to narrow it down to the newer GS 350, MB E350, or the 535i. I tried the E550, and it was ok. Nice inside appointments, but not a thrill to drive. I then tried the 535i, and that was it. The car is a rocket as others say. I was doing a modest 80 mph on the highway, and stepped about 1/2 way down on the gas, hit 3,500 RPM, and just took off. Dangerously fast. The 300 ft/lb of torque are in a wide range of RPMs, allowing the car to jump at lower ranges (1,500-5,500 RPM). Handling is insanely tight. Little to no play in the steering. Bluetooth connection through the radio is tops. Very fun to drive, and highly recommended.

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  Incredible! - 1997 BMW Z3
  By Jim - January 14 - 5:20 pm

  This car drives really well. Great suspension, great handling. Plenty of pep but not a high performance vehicle.It is without a doubt the nicest designed car that I have ever seen.

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  excellent and fun to drve - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Dr. Victor Hernandez - January 14 - 5:12 pm

  The most fun to drive roadster Ive ever had. Ive owned a Miata and a Mitsubishi 3000 And the Z4 is above those three in every aspect of performance and fun, not to mention reliability.

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  Luv It! - 2005 BMW X5
  By peter - January 13 - 9:37 pm

  Best handling and stable vehicle Ive ever owned. Excellent in panic stops and accident avoidence. Overall, ....... the safest Ive ever felt in a vehicle.

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  Excellence - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By owner - January 13 - 8:43 pm

  When this thing gets out in the road you cant even hear the engine but that power is directly under your foot. When you unleash this car on the highway you feel a sense of love. You would understand if youve even driven one. With the sport package on this car you get a great amount of features especially that suspension it makes you feel like your driving on a pillow. I love the way you can just drive without feeling uncomfortable. You can go on long trips without even feeling like you just have to get out the car and walk. The way the seats hug you when you drive is a thing of delight. It has the real BMW power in all ways. Its just great fun to drive. This car is the ultimate driving machine.

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  merlin - 2005 BMW M3
  By Carl Sigmann - January 13 - 3:27 pm

  This car is the best blend of performance and comfort that I have owned. There is a always a support of power available to the driver to maximize safety and handling. The braking capacity of the car is quick, precise and progressive. Driving this car in the U.S. at legal speed limits does not labor this vehicle at all. There is always a large surplus of acceleration and braking to maximize the driving performance, safety and comfort not only to the driver but also to the passengers. The interior design is clean and classic that offers excellent visibility, and all the features and ammenities that any passenger and driver would require. Instrumentation is direct, simple and not over bearing.