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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  Great Car - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Military Buyer - August 13 - 9:06 am

  Bought the car on military sales overseas, nice price with a 3k rebate (just under 53K fully optioned, no HUD/auto cruise but NVD, etc). No glitches, drives wonderfully.

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  335 GT xdrive -- Love it. - 2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By skukta - August 13 - 7:29 am

  If you could just have one car, this would be the one to have. Its terrifically fast, fun to drive, comfortable, incredibly spacious (we can fit two bikes, luggage and three people inside this car), gets reasonably good gas mileage (about 23mpg, mixed use) and looks great to my eye.

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  Still a car of aspiration - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By kishore - August 13 - 2:00 am

  I was going to buy a Passat- my wife liked the Bimmer. Guess what happened? It still turns heads. A cardiologist we know complimented us on our choice. It drives like the premium car it is. The exterior and interior appearance and finish are great (of course), the in-line six is sweet, responsive and torquey, and the steering, handling, suspension and brakes are outstanding. A full roster of luxury amenities are available. Back seat and trunk space are adequate, not generous. Fuel economy is decent. Sticker shock gave way to a warm glow. Isnt that what a car of aspiration should do?

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  Electrical - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By McLain Garrett - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Excellent driving car. Had car for 4 1/2 months and it was in the shop for over 40 days on five visits. Car was declared a lemon. Will replace or get money back.

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  The ultimate driving nightmare - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By kekae22 - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new in august 2002. At first 901 miles, left me stranded 200+miles away from home. The dealership said it was the throttle valve and replaced it. Happened again at 1987 mi. Dealer replaced the throttle valve again. Happened again around the 3000 mile mark. This time it was determined it was wiring and connections to the throttle valve that was causing trouble. New problem, car loves to accelerate on its own. Happened twice making for a dangerous situation. Want my money back and dealer wont budge. Also took BMW forever to refund my rental car expenses associated with the breakdowns. I will NEVER buy another BMW again!!

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  Ultimate Sport Sedan - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By David - August 12 - 1:31 pm

  Awesome power and ride with the sport package option suspension and Dunlop run flat tires. Very smooth even on rough roads. Comfort seats are amazing! Premium sound is a must due to amazing logic 7 system. No problems at all, nothing to even adjust. The iDrive is no problem once you get used to it.

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  Good Commuter and Vacation SAV - 2001 BMW X5
  By bmw3.0sport - August 12 - 2:20 am

  Got rid of a Jeep Liberty and couldnt be happier. Offers more interior room, vastly improved handling, and far better gas mileage - I get 25 on highway going 75-80. Only problems encountered were bad rear brake light sockets and a bad sensor which were replaced under factory warranty. Big pluses are safety features and ratings, interior room for 5 passengers (comfortably!), engine and braking performance, its exterior looks, and the legendary BMW driving experience (my 3rd BMW). I found it a great compromise for both commuting to work and for family vacations. (I use a 20x60 trailer cargo box in the rear for extra luggage if needed, and it does not affect aerodynamics.)

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  very good sport looking and comfort car - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By ahmed - August 11 - 11:59 pm

  The power is not bad evin though its missing the turbo, but if you were not a type of person who race cars it is the best choice for looking cool in a sport car!

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  My second 325xi wagon! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Cessna67304 - August 11 - 2:36 pm

  This is my second 325xi wagon. I love them. Versatile, fun, looks great. Ill drive them until they die.

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  330i - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By ultraman - August 11 - 4:56 am

  not enough bang for the buck. price/power ratio not favorable. underpowered for the price. still a nice car.