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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  Solid SUV, Great Hybrid Performance - 2017 BMW X5
  By Enthusiast Dad - August 30 - 1:09 pm

  This plugin hybrid is the future of European car makers product lines. The paired gas and electric engines with overnight charging make for an uncompromising vehicle. The standard X5 gets low 20s MPG with a normal mix of city and highway driving. With this X5 40e plugin hybird, we charge once per day and have been averaging 45 MPG per tank. The car is confident and handles great, possibly due to the lower center of gravity with the heavy battery. Charging overnight is easy with a standard 120V household plug. For $500-$1000 you can install a 3.8 KWh "level 2" charger at home to cut down the charge time from ~8hours down to about 2.5 hours. And there are lots of great parking perks at public lots when youre in an electric car, frequently with the option to charge for free. (Public charging is sometimes pay-for-charge and costs less than $2.00). Overall the vehicle is extremely comfortable, high performing, easy to drive, and well appointed with premium leather, metal trim, and real woods. Its an expensive vehicle, but not a bad value.

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  The Bubba Truck - 2002 BMW X5
  By ToneG - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Been a Ford Chevy man all my life but the wife liked the X5 and to repent for all my fishing and golf trips, and to keep taking them, I reluctantly agreed to buy har an X5. Mistake!!! Im married to a BMWer Junkie! She loves it and wouldnt have anything else! I too have come to like it more than Ill admit to her. The handling in terrible weather is awsome, and the power is unbelieveable. The brakes are the biggest and best Ive ever seen. The car has to be one of the safest ever made.

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  Thank you BMW!! - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By R. Davis - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I just love my BMW 760Li, Its a fun car to drive, sporty and luxurious!! But it does put a dent in your wallet. I got every option in my 760 and it all topped out at $119,800. My Wife has the Mercedes Benz S500AMG, and I must say the BMW is a whole lot better. It is a gass guzzler though< MERCIFUL!! Im already used to the iDrive, I dont know why everyone is complaining about it!! If your not ready for a techological challenge, then dont buy the damn car!! Oops sorry!! but its the truth! I have a silver on black 760Li, and I must say it gets alot of looks.

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  Shock - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Troy A. N. - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is dynamic it grips the road like no other Ive ever driven before. The engine reacts to the slightest touch of the pedal andits over all ride on a long trip second to none.

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  Drop top fun - 2004 BMW Z4
  By AJ Fons - August 30 - 2:00 am

  First convertible in 15 years. Car is everything anyone can want. Great looks, sporty, true roadster feel. Top is down in a NY minute and back up as quick when necessary. The power and handling do not lack, the interior design has all the comforts. When the top is up the car is quiet and tight. BMW really did it right.

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  Fun Car - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Z4roadstergirl - August 29 - 2:00 am

  If you want a really fun car that turns a lot of heads this is the one!

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  Love My Beamer 530i - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By C Juhl - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Drove this car out of the dealers and have never gone back except for nomal upkeep/manitenance and that has been only once since I got it. I simply have no complaints. Ive owned more than twenty cars and have never had a better one than this 530i. My dealer told me the in line 3.0 liter engine was made for car. After nearly 18 months of driving it, I believe it. Driving machine is really on target for this car.

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  Its a little/BIG SUV/SAV - 2016 BMW X1
  By KennethZ - August 28 - 2:12 pm

  I was cross shopping the Audi Q5, Mercedes GLC, BMW X3, and Volkswagen GTI. And then I saw this new X1. I was thinking to wait for the next gen Q5, but I decided to buy this car. It’s a handsome car inside out. The interior is very spacious. The headroom and legroom are comparable or even bigger than the current Q5, GLC, X3, and GTI. It’s even comparable to the larger X5. (X5 vs X1: F head 40, 41.9; R head 39.3, 39.4; F leg 40, 40.4; R leg 36.6, 37) I am 5’10, 165 lbs, I fit in the back seat comfortably even when the front seat is all the way back. And my car is not even with the sliding rear seat option. The trunk is also big, fits $200+ groceries from Costco easily. The engine is potent. The transmission is smooth. The handle is nimble. The acceleration is quick. It’s fuel efficient. Overall it’s a very practical car. I understand it’s being categorized as a subcompact SUV/SAV, but you really have to test drive and get inside of the car to understand what I’m talking about. It’s BIG!!! OK, now the bad. The front seat is too narrow. The gas pedal is too close to the side wall of the center console. The center console storage is relatively small. There is still noticeable turbo lag when stop and go. The suspension is too hard, you can feel every tinny hole and bump on the road. The LED headlight and taillight only come with the premium package, and the price is pretty premium for that.

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  New to SAV - 2004 BMW X3
  By HarrySTL - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I just recently purchased my SAV and like it very much. It takes a little getting used to to sit up higher than my previous sedan. This vehicle is very comfortable and the instrument panel is typical BMW. The driver is the main ingredient with their design. Mileage should improve with age and more prudent driving. The exterior is awesome in its design and the Silver Grey Metallic paint is flawless. This should be a keeper for some time.

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  Commuting is fun now!!!! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By PrimaDawna - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my new 525i. I was in the market for a E300 and I said, what the hell, lets stop at BMW..fully prepared to hate them. My car drives like a dream. It handles like its on rails and I have the confidence of knowing my car will do what I want. I now look forward to my 50 minute commute to work through the crowded So. California freeways. If I had known I enjoyed driving so much, I would have spent the extra $$ for the bigger engine.