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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  "OH MY GOD" - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By LARRY PHILLIPS - October 17 - 10:19 pm

  What a great car Handling and power are incredible. Came out of a 530, never going back. what a ride.

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  Still The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2006 BMW X5
  By auctioneer - October 17 - 1:12 pm

  Even though this vehicle is an SUV, it is still a great driving and great handling vehicle. Like all German made cars, this one is no different, over-engineered in every aspect mechanically. That being said however, some driver conveniences are overlooked in the process. Many cabin and driver functions are overly complex. The panoramic moon roof is awesome, but it does not close automatically when you turn off the ignition. The windshield washer always washes the headlights as well. Many controls are hard to find while driving, which causes you to take your eyes off the road. Brake dust is a BMW trait, and the wheels are very hard to keep clean. Its still a BMW and gets lots of oohs and ahhs

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  A whole different level - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Jim W. - October 17 - 12:08 am

  This car is a real pleasure to drive. Dead quiet without a bit of mush. The 525i wont throw your head back into the powered headrest but it does get you onto the interstate just fine. Once there you can cruise at 70mph/2400rpm and watch your mpg gauge hover above the 30mpg mark. I often find myself seeking out corners to carve. If I was forced to complain... it takes a little bit more time to zip between radio bands and stations or ejecting and inserting CDs. IDrive would be rough on the techno challenged among us. Im not used to a car without a dipstick either. Dont let any of this stop you from experiencing the craftsmanship and engineering excellence of this car. Even if its a test drive

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  Yikes, that steering - 2017 BMW 3-Series
  By David Parks - October 16 - 12:13 am

  Within twenty seconds of pulling out from the dealership I said, "Whats wrong w/ this car?" It is the steering. Id read about the steering in the car magazines but I had no idea what it would feel like. Its as though someone at the factory forgot some part when putting the steering assembly together. Its just weird. Maybe I might get used to it if I bought the car but I dont want to get used this this. Ive never felt steering like this in any other car Ive owned/driven.

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  Sweeet Riide - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Bigonbimmer - October 14 - 10:16 pm

  This is the first BMW and foreign car that I have owned. Coming from the V8 American muscle car scene, Vettes, T/As and Camaros, I am very impressed with this car overall. My biggest disappointment is low end torque. Neither the 325 or the 330 have sufficient low end torque. The car revs like a bat out of hell all the way to 7000 RPM and that makes it sweet but in order to keep the power up, you have to keep it revved. Other than that, there is not a bad thing I can say about this vehicle. The handling is out of this world and I recommend the sport package. The workmanship is better than the best of the American vehicles as the Germans think of things that GM and Ford dont for some reason.

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  Comfort, performance, & style - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By m wong - October 14 - 4:53 pm

  My 550I is fun to drive, especially on the open road. Gas mileage in city driving is on the low side, freeway driving is excellent. Vehicle comfort and handling is excellent. Performance is excellent. The "heads up" display needs improvement (my 2001 Corvettes C5, heads up display is by far superior). Styling...always gets head turning!

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  2004 BMW 5 Series - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By yaddanyc - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for two months and its great!

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  330i with mp package - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By rayc - October 13 - 9:50 pm

  This car is a dream come true! Excellent power, excellent handling, outstanding braking power. I love this vehicle.

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  Cheap but fun. - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By Hooked on Bimmers - October 12 - 9:01 pm

  With 170,000 miles on the clock, the car needs a few items replaced like the timing chain/gears. However, the engine is known to last beyond 300K miles if taken care of. This is my daily driver and the third bimmer in the household. It maybe cheap at under $3000, but it is more fun than the other two that cost over $30K. 2600lb chassis is unbelieveably nimble in corners and 16 year old 4 cyl engine is peppy enough to pull the car fast on the freeway entrances. Look for one with good maintenance record and pay below $3000. You wont be disappointed.

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  Just what I was looking for! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Tina - October 12 - 1:31 pm

  Hi, I am full time mom, have a "minivan" because I have 3 kids + few friends to lug around. But buying Z4 was exactly what I was looking for. It is reliable, handles beautifully and looks very hot. Gas mileage is excellent and I can take one of the kids at a time to have a good conversation going... weekends to enjoy with my husband. He has porsche for his weekend car but somehow we always end up driving mine (wonder why? :-)). The size of the trunk is perfect for one good food store shopping or to fit all my stuff for cool weekend. As I said,"Its all I was looking for!"