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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  BMW X3 - 2006 BMW X3
  By Bimmer Doc - November 18 - 10:44 am

  One heck of great car to drive. Solid and very responsive. Not like the usual SUVs. No problems at all so far.

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  Excellent performance and build quality - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Ayyubov - November 17 - 5:56 pm

  Im so happy that I got this car. I owned famous brands like Lexus, Toyota, Honda, Nissan before and nothing can compare to this vehicle. The drive is stable and performance is great.

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  Quick fun little car. - 2016 BMW 3-Series
  By Joe H - November 17 - 1:50 pm

  I drove the 320, 328, and 335. I liked the 320 best for driving in town, and it has plenty of power on the highway. It is my first BMW. It is comfortable, quick, and very smooth. I wanted a compact car, but I also wanted a solid car that is safe, and fun to drive. I look for reasons to drive the car into town. I just really enjoy driving this car. I also like that the design is so pleasing to the eye -- the 3 series is a very nice looking car, I think maybe the best looking on the road in terms of proportions and lines. My 320xi is all-wheel drive which I like due to frequent adverse weather conditions up here in the north country. The engine sounds cool too. I only have 1000 miles on it so far. The back seats are cozy. What a fun car.

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  On top as usual - 2006 BMW X3
  By BMW.Nick - November 16 - 6:31 pm

  Well, its no surprise that the X3 has not let me down. It is, as with every BMW offered, the best in its class. No other SUV can touch the X3 mainly because its an SAV... theres a huge difference. Homerun! The only other small SUV Id own is an 07 X3!!

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  Beautiful Car - The ULTIMATE SLEIGH - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By 530xi - Exceptional - November 16 - 5:03 pm

  Wow - what a car. took delivery on 11/05. It was the first one on the showroom floor. I had a 330xi before and this just blows it away. The ride is super smooth and much more powerful than you would guess. Plenty there to get you in trouble with the State Patrol. I live in the Rocky Mountain high country and this car can go anywhere and do anything in any sort of weather. You dont even notice the X- Drive handling the car its balanced so well. Put a good set of snow tires on - Blizzaks- and youre good to go. IDrive is a breeze for the computer literate set. Set it and forget it.

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  The First Four Months - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By TreDurden - November 15 - 10:33 pm

  Remarkably fun to drive (5 speed manual). Responsive steering and handling. Interior comforts are amazing. I had a Jeep before, they are fun to drive, but in a different way. The Jeep is amazing fun in an off-road way as where the 5-Series is just as much fun in an Autobahn kinda way.

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  Enjoyable Ride - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By tommoss - November 15 - 7:01 pm

  This has been a most enjoyable car to own, albeit expensive to maintain. Road manners are great this car is not nippy but nonethless has plenty of power when you need it. I had great fun driving through the mountains in the west and out performed every other car on the road through the twisting gradients. Loved the seating and the luxurious interior and the great sound system. The absence of a built in compass and no automatic headlight cut-off was disappointing. Just after having spent money on new electronic displays, cupholder, etc. have now had damage created by being hit by a flying deer. A new hood will cost me $1700. How much more money do I want to put into an 11-year old car?

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  PERFECT - 2004 BMW X3
  By FPURKEY - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED ALOT OF VEHICLES BUT THIS ONE IS BY FAR THE BEST IN PERFORMANCE, COMFORT AND LOOKS. BMW HAS A GREAT ONE IN THIS SUV. THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LOOK IS EXCELLENT. I LOVE THIS ONE!

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  Interesting package - 2004 BMW X3
  By Volkot - November 15 - 10:00 am

  My X3 2.5 got all options but premium sound, 10-way seats and heated steering. After reading reviews, I was afraid of the build problems, but my car got almost none. Reflex LCD Nav unit and sunroof are great. Interior material quality is fine (same as Z4). Engine is ok for everyday drive, would feel better w/manual. So 3.0 is not really needed, unless you think you can race an SUV. I mostly miss alarm, premium sound and lumbar support. Also do not expect much in electronics dept, as Austria is far behind Japan for things like MP3 and bluetooth. Also, typical to BMW, most necessities (i.e. all-weather mats) are not standard.

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  Great car when it works - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By karenw - November 15 - 10:00 am

  If I could keep this car out of the shop, I think it would be a fun car to drive. Radio - what radio, cant get AM stations and FM teases you by coming in once in a while- dealer cant fix. Air bag - sometimes it engages, sometimes not - dealer cant fix. Engine, sometimes car will run, sometimes warning signs come on and tell you to go directly to the dealership - kind of like Monopoly with go directly to jail and do not pass go - dealer has no clue whats wrong.