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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  Awesome. A kick to drive every day. - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Pebble Beach cruzin - August 26 - 11:50 am

  The car is smooth as silk at idle, has a muscular power curve. It has power from the word go and handles like a dream, the AC works far superior than BMW units have in the past. The sport package is a must, the front seats are a dream. The iPod (aux input) adapter works great. Gets 25 mpg on the highway. It feels and drives like a sports car, there are still no substitutions for a BMW.

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  Fun! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By tigeryox - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for 8 months now, and its just so much fun to drive (5 speed, sports package), with the top down, of course. I often find myself taking the long route or making extra trips for errands. Design and build quality is top-notch. The horse power is nothing to write home about, but its quite quick, especially with the DSC turned off. It took me a little while to get used to the low first gear.

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  Best car in its market, hands down! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By GregN41 - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 325i in May 2002. I have no regrets only praises. I have put lots of miles on this car, over 7000, with zero problems. It gets much better gas mileage than listed in the brochures. Were talking 450 to 500 miles per tank! its a pleasure to drive. And people give the same reaction when I tell them what I drive. A little nod and they say "Nice." You dont get that reaction with an Audi or a Jetta or most others. The reputation is warranted with this vehicle again. Best money I ever spent on a car. And I drove every car within a few thousand of its price range.

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  Awesome car - 2016 BMW 3-Series
  By Basant Ray - August 26 - 4:50 am

  I have it just for a week and this is awesome. Especially so since I upgraded from a Toyota Yaris. Handling and drive is awesome.

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  Unsatisfied Customer - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By BMW - August 25 - 8:46 pm

  Excellent engine, plenty of powers. IDrive - terrible mistake. Had so many problems with it. Mechanical support from the dealer is terrible. They do not know how to fix it. I left the car for 15 days last month to fix the air conditioner fan. Took in three times for the same problem about the seat belt warning sign within the first 6 months afrer the purchase of the car. My patients think think that I am working at BMW dealer because I drove so many different BMWs (loaners from the dealer) to work. The 7 series was a mistake and I will never buy BMW near future even though I have two as of now. I am a bit afraid to drive this car.

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  Only a Step Away - 2006 BMW Z4
  By joe - August 24 - 9:15 pm

  I like its looks thats why I bought it. But the gas mileage! Try 14-18 mpg. Interior really small. You sit too low. Love the power top, but why not hard top like the SLK? Noisy, too. The ride is a lot more bumpy than it should be for a luxury roadster. The 3.0i is slower for sure, I wish I had bought the M class after all. Come on BMW, you cheap bums, for the money we pay, give us free DVD Nav, Sat radio, more goodies and less rear blind spots. Lose the paddles, who needs them? They look stupid, anyway. Give us better looking wheels and a leather wrapped better looking steering wheel.

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  2003 X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By Ed Price - August 24 - 9:03 pm

  After driving this car for 3 years, I was very happy with the dependability of the car. No electrical problems and except for service, never needed repairs. Only disappointment is lack of changes in style and interior from year to year.

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  An awesome car! - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Pedro - August 24 - 8:59 pm

  Just traded in a two-year old 3-series for the new 530i. I love it. Am really enjoying the car.

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  3.0 si is the best BMW ever - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Michael - August 23 - 1:12 am

  The new BMW Z4 3.0si is a huge improvement over the last Z4. I just traded my 2003 3.0i. The Sport suspension and 18 inch wheels are fantastic, as is the new engine. Absolutely fantastic- I am driving with a grin, finding excuses to drive. Great car.

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  First impressions - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Illini_Fan - August 22 - 1:35 pm

  Bought a 3.0i after comparing it to the Nissan Z, the Volvo C7, and a few others. This car is very fun - the interior (beige leather) looks great. The 6-speed manual is smooth. Havent encountered any negative items in the 2 weeks Ive had it. Some minor things I think BMW should change, but those are convenience items and dont detract from the overall rating of this car. I really like it.