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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  World greatest car - 1999 BMW 7-Series
  By redskins23607 - September 4 - 8:46 pm

  Ive owned mercedes, lexus and bmws. This is the best. I will pick Bimmer over all others. The performance is amazing. This one is stock and runs with the best of vehicles. I am going to chip it out so I can get all I can out of her. I love this car!

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  1991 blk on blk 525i beamer - Luv it! - 1991 BMW 5-Series
  By Lovely Beverly - September 4 - 5:44 pm

  I finally decided to give the 1991 525i a review. I only drive BMWs and the 525i is my 3rd beamer (automatic), I prefer manuals but... My 525i has 243,878 miles on it and it still rides smooth, tight and stiff. I did put a transmission in it at around 210k because the 3rd gear went out. Above all the regular maintenance and small things that goes wrong, like the cig, lighter(s) not working, I love this machine. Its the bomb.

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  Impressive - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Ron W. - September 3 - 5:46 pm

  Exceeds my expectations! I do a lot of highway driving. Averaging over 29 MPG with about 20 on the local roads. This car is not only fast but comfortable as well. I focused on getting the colors I wanted (Monoco Blue and beige interior). I did not want nor bought all the extras just the winter package and navigation. This car can zoom when I need the speed to pass. Cruising is awesome with navigation and the standard sound system which is excellent. The dealer did a great job on the pre-sale and delivery and whats wrong with 4 years of free maintenance.

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  Ultimate revving machine - 2006 BMW M5
  By jas - September 3 - 2:35 pm

  This car absolutly owns. You will not find anyone that can put up much a race with you on the streets very often. Yet if you are talking about the comfort levels of this car, you can have 4 people soundly sleeping next to you while reaching 140 mph without feeling anything. However, still will take awhile before I get used to the smg and can fully manipulate this monster to its finest capacity.

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  My first X6! - 2016 BMW X6
  By Jim C. - September 2 - 11:25 pm

  Have owned 3 X5s, a 5 series and a 3 series over the years and have always wanted an X6. When I saw the new design I had to have one. Ordered the dark olive directly from South Carolina. Only took 3 weeks to get it after ordered. Love everything about it! Now, if you have kids and you need more space for traveling etc. then this isnt for you. I drive the car primarily and my wife and I have already taken trips. Its the perfect fun vehicle for a middle aged empty nester like me.

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  Not for real road driving - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Los Angles - September 2 - 12:12 pm

  Nice and fun car to drive, but not for real road driving apparently. Drove thru a puddle of water over a dip (deepest part 15 in), killed the whole engine by hydrolock (in a 2 years old car!) Air intake valve in this car is a lot lower than most of the cars (behind the front bumper). So it only looks good in the showroom and drives well in a closed course? Better wish it never rains in your area. Well never buy a BMW again.

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  2008 550i with zero problems so far - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Kush - September 2 - 4:24 am

  I have a 2008 BMW 550i with 40K miles on it. I have zero problems with it. I have only changed the oil and replaced the battery twice. Runs like a top. Will change radiator fluid soon. Runs as good as new.

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  marvelous - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By driver111 - September 2 - 2:40 am

  wife got one.....sheeee loves it

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  A relative review - 2001 BMW M5
  By Ludwigmies - September 1 - 2:35 pm

  To review a vehicle such as an M5, things must be placed into perspective. Its not just performance, fuel economy, fun etc., but what are these things from the perspective of what this car is. The car is a high performance sedan designed and implemented to the highest standard. This vehicle must be rated high in all categories. I get 17+ mpg in town unless Im in one of those moods and when I am in one of those moods the sheer thrill overrides all. I dont care about cup holders. If you like to drive high performance teutonic understatement this is it.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2006 BMW Z4
  By msaunders - September 1 - 7:09 am

  The faster I go the better it holds the road. The torque is awesome. I love the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The exhaust sound really makes you feel exhilarated.