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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  The best car ever made - 2007 BMW X5
  By 2kids - November 27 - 1:45 pm

  Other SUVs cant come close to the safety and drive of the X5. The X5 drives like a dream, handles like a car and, simply put, hugs the road! If you needed to swerve to miss something you feel very much in control in this vehicle. I would recommend this car to all. The 3rd row is just generic but the adjustable 2nd row makes up for it!!

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  Nice job - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Check it out - November 27 - 3:46 am

  Interior is much better then the previouse BMW designs, very solid when driving, good HP and handling, its something I recommend every family to put their kids in, safe from inside.

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  What a car should be - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By grovesd - November 26 - 1:56 pm

  I have owned my BMW 528i since June, 2000. It has 85,000 miles and I have had only one significant repair - an electronic component affecting the transmissions performance. Other than that, this car has been a dream to own and drive. It has loads of safety features and drives like a car should drive. Its a solid, responsive, road- hugging blast. The inline 6 is throaty and powerful although you wont be pinned to your seat like the V8 540i. Two gripes for me - the bucket seats are not comfortable in long drives and the environmental controls require too much button mashing. What the heck is wrong with a knob? Still very happy and Ill own this car for at least another 50,000 miles.

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  VW TDI Sport-Wagon Replacement - 2015 BMW X1
  By Tony C - November 26 - 1:07 pm

  Good VW TDI Sport-Wagon Replacement

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  Love My Z4 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Z4 Blond - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I had the Z3 and thought that was a great car but no comparison to my Z4. Its awesome.

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  525i 2004 - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By richard takahashi - November 26 - 2:00 am

  completely enjoy the ride and handling for the new 2004 5 series. sport package adds to the "fun" factor of driving with active steering. interior, high qaulity I find the exterior design attractive and unique. My compliments to Chris Bangle... bold new BMW styling.

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  Saints review - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Saint - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Had corrosion on underside of trunk lid after only 20K miles. Had a brake issue also. Both issues resolved by Dealer under warranty. Dealer was very helpful, providing loaner, washing the car during service, and actually rubbed out a rubber mark on the front fender. Car drives like a champ, has long leg room in front seats and has a 400 mile range. Fun to drive.

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  Superb Vehicle: Complaints unfounded - 2004 BMW X3
  By glenberk - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic car to drive. Critics say the interior not up to BMW standards. But I find it very similar to the Z4 sportscar, and no one says the Z4 aint good enough!

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  One week old - 2007 BMW 6-Series
  By lannyger - November 25 - 9:03 pm

  I purchased a 2007 650i convertible one week ago and here are my initial comments. The iDrive was easier to learn then I expected and, though working, the radio is certainly more complicated then having a couple of buttons, still the iDrive gives you access to many sophisticated features. That said, my wife, who owns a 2002 BMW 535, will not replace that car with another BMW if it has an iDrive which is too complex for her to operate.

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  Love my car - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Donald Thorn - November 25 - 1:52 pm

  This is the first bimmer I have owned and it will not be the last, unless I keep this one forever. The car drives and handles great and is a pleasure to operate. I also feel very safe in my bimmer. The car is very well insulated and outside noise is almost unheard. I purchased the premium sound system and love it. The iDrive was a little daunting to begin with, but I have mastered it and if I can do it, anybody can. I would highly recommend this car to anyone.