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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  Just a Great Car by BreHouse - 2005 BMW M3
  By Stojilkovic - September 22 - 8:37 am

  I got the competition package and it is great. Even though it is an old model it gives it a new look. The car has incredible performance. 12K miles and no problems on the horrible roads of NYC. I would not trade this car for anything. Even gas consumption I get is great for 333 hp.

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  My 2007 530i - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By tmwoody - September 21 - 11:13 pm

  I traded my 2003 745Li for the new 2007 530i. I wanted and got a sedan that is sporty and fun to drive, with great overall performance/road feel. Both exterior and interior design stand out against everything in its price range. IDrive is simplified vs my trade-in and not a problem to use. Driving this car is what sells it and makes my daily 50 mile commute something to look forward to.

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  Love my X - 2001 BMW X5
  By Brad - September 21 - 3:41 pm

  Had for almost two years, its been a great car. Sporty and fun to drive, practical enough for trips to the home depot, yet comfortable and luxurious enough to take on long trips. Exterior looks great interior is luxurious and comfortable. The car has one problem it will ruin most all other cars for you. You will get used to many of the bells and whistles found in this car that others don’t offer, for example the heated steering wheel, how did I ever live in Minnesota without it. Traction control and the all wheel drive make this a wonderful winter vehicle. MPG 18 city 23 highway.

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  Truly the ultimate driving machine - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Weldon L Kuretsch - September 20 - 10:16 pm

  This is the third 3 Series BMW I have owned and each car has gotten better than the the previous one. On my first BMW maintenance was rather often and expensive. It is totally different now. Oil changes are at 15,000 mile intervals and I have had no major repairs on the car at 75,000 miles. It truly is the ultimate driving machine and I will continue to own them as long as it is possible for me to do so.

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  30days and 3000 miles - 2014 BMW X1
  By Gone247 - September 20 - 9:22 pm

  This is a great lil X1 and at a great price point for a 2014 used BMW. I downsized from my 2005 X5 which I loved and miss very much (had 160k miles and never a major repair or problem). Ive always been happy with BMWs. Ive owned 7, 5, 3 and X series throughout the last 20 or so years. The reason I down sized is because Im a commuter and was looking for something that can give me 30mpg on the hwy. It was the BMW or Subaru. Ive also enjoyed Subarus and nowadays these are my only two choices of go to vehicles for cars as a daily driver. Im a car enthusiast and have owned Ferrari, Mercedes, Lexus and plenty other luxury and sports cars. Im not posting to brag Im posting so the reader knows I have choices and know about many cars from first hand driving experience. This X1 is great in handling around town. I got this due to its looks, compact size for ease of downtown parking, cargo area for placing travel bags, groceries and 60/40 split that I can slide in my surfboard. The only reason I didnt choose the Subaru is I really dont visit the snow that much. But if you get the X1 in the xDrive itll be a very close match. I got the sDrive because it feels more like driving a sports car with that real wheel power and cutting in tight corners when I punch it around the twisties and I like that feeling. Go for the Ultimate Package as itll include many features like Navigation, Rear Camera and Parking Distance Control. What I miss is having that extra space or elbow room when I have passengers and sitting much higher up (comparing with my old X5). What I love better is the newer electronics and fuel efficiency and having the Ultimate Package amenities. If youre looking into a used X1 then go with 2014 or 2015 model years. 2013 was the first year this model hit the US and the 2016 has been completely redesigned in and out. The deals are on the 2014 for all the lease returns that hit and chances are youll still get the 4 year/50k miles free maintenance plan thats remaining and Certified Pre-Owned near bumper to bumper warranty if you buy it from a BMW dealer. All the BMW dealerships I checked out actually had better deals compared to other car lots.

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  AMAZING!! - 2003 BMW M3
  By marsh - September 20 - 3:11 pm

  We have only had the car for about 5 months (we bought it used) and we already love it! it is such a great car. It is sturdy and very quick. And during the summer the convertable is great. I would reccomend this car to anybody.

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  Love this car - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Wilfredo - September 20 - 3:05 pm

  My 1997 540i is 163,000 miles-old and it still feels & drives like a brand- new-year-model. With a powerful V8 thats not designed to pull you back into your seat when taking a ride, but instead, gives you the smooth enjoyable feeling which makes you just want to keep driving. At first it all had to do with just experiencing what was to have a BMW, but once I had it, it all changed. I thought I had tried it all, I was very wrong. This is the Ultimate Driving Machine. Quality Interior design & components, powerfull awesome engine,... There are new cars coming out every year (Lexus, Infiniti, etc) and most of them dont even come with the gadgets that came in my BMW 540i 1997 model.

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  Wow - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By dave beroisa - September 20 - 1:36 pm

  Awesome vehicle, expensive but worth every penny. Will look forward to buying another when it comes time to turn this one in.

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  Not your average soccer mom ride - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Banditt - September 20 - 10:44 am

  I bought this 525i wagon because the purchase price of the wagons were lower than the sedans, and I have two kids. I have yet to be disappointed. The low center of gravity (I stand taller than the car) and wide wheelbase give it a solid, performance feel very similiar to the sedan. Also, interior room rivals my Chrysler pacifica. It is amazing how much clear space there is for hauling with the seats down. The level control system compensates the suspension beautifully with a full load of family and stuff. It is a beautiful orient blue with honeycomb BMW rims, low profile tires and tinted windows. I love it.

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  I LOVE IT! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Tahorican - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Every time I drive my topaz blue baby I say "I love you!" out loud to it. Its so much fun to drive, so pretty to look at. Handles like a dream on twisty mountain roads and cruises smoothly and quietly on interstates. A true drivers car.