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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  I Love This Car! - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By ADRIANA - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I love my 745Li. Got rid of the Benz S430. Cant compare the two. The power, comfort and tons of features......Ill keep it.

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  This car is why Im a BMW fan - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By keymstr - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the car for 4 months now and have put 7,000 miles on it already, including a 3,000 mile cross country road trip. Ran flawlessly, in the flatlands, in the mountains and in 115 degree desert heat. Never changed the temp from 72 degrees and was comfortable no matter the outside temps. Ive had some work done since owning, but all under warranty. This is my second 7 series. My first was an 88 735i. It had 150,000 miles on it and I put another 85,000 on it. Never had drivetrain problems. Im a huge fan of these cars. Ill probably get another in about another 100,000 miles.

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  2004 Z4 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By IMMAJ - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Much better ride than I had expected. Drives like a race car!

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  Best ride Ive owned - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By Jeffy347 - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car knowing I would be driving a ton. Also, a bit of a rebound from previous marriage. It is an investment that has paid great dividends to my state of mind. No offense to my counselor - but for the same price, this vehicle offers similar solace :-) Bought with 99k,Trouble free to 107k in two months. I am concerned with a sluggish passenger window - auto up feature is sometimes sporadic - also passenger power lock has quit. I am sure it is a quick fix though. And smaller a price for sure than the 95 Audi 90 I owned this time last year. I am betting the Bimmer will not disappoint as much as that money pit! Long story short BMW Rocks!

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  BMW figured it out - 2016 BMW 3-Series
  By muguy83 - July 25 - 4:24 am

  For 2016, BMW has really improved the 3 series, particularly the 328i model. I was very impressed with the handling, and interior upgrades that make the car feel more expensive and more like a true BMW again. The steering still has an artificial feel, but it is very precise and they have fixed the handling issues of the early models of this generation. The car feels well composed and can take just about anything you throw at it. Acceleration is terrific, and I found braking response to be just okay. The Harmon Kardon stereo sounds great, and I wish it was standard as it is in the 340 - would definitely recommend it. LED lighting package is well worth the money as it looks great with LEDs all around including turn signals front and rear. Safety ratings are superb with five stars, and lots of available safety enhancing technology. I hesitated for years to trade my 2011 3 series in for one of the new models, but I feel great about getting this 2016 328i x drive, as BMW has finally figured out what we wanted. This car is fantastic.

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  Finally a cure for male menopause.... - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Menopausal Male - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had the vehicle only 72 hours and I am in LOVE with it already. It is fantastic.

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  Sports Car or Sedan? - 1998 BMW M3
  By QTip - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Sports Car or Sedan? BOTH! Who says having 4 doors means your car has to be sluggish and boring? BMW created a vehicle to shatter that misconception. I love the fact that I can go 0-60 in less than 6 seconds and still have groceries all in the same car. Thats not the half of it. The greatest feeling that comes from this beast of a machine is when you take 20 MPH turns at over triple the speed, yet youll still feel glued to the road. This car excedes all of my expecations. Whats can I say, this car keeps me coming back for more. Thats why its my second M3. Its the perfect family sports car.

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  Great SUV - 2004 BMW X5
  By jessica55 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV for around town and for out of town trips. The V-6 provides more than ample power. Fun to drive!

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  Pre-owned - satisfied to date! - 2002 BMW X5
  By Tsagg - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Shopped for an X5 for months. Didnt want to pay the $50,000 for a brand new so I found a 2002 X5 3.0 with only 17,000 miles on it. Extremely clean, hardly driven car. Have driven about 1,000 miles so far and have loved every minute. This is my second BMW (1997 328is) and they are by far the most amazing DRIVING cars in the world. The X5 lives for 80+ m.p.h. on the highway. 3.0 is plenty peppy off the start with plenty of torque but lacks some power at speed. No big deal though. Read all about the electrical problems in the 2001s which made me stay away from them. Paid $37,250 for a 2002 w/every option but NAVIGATION. (bought 7/10/04) w/17,000 miles

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  Z4 a blast to drive - 2004 BMW Z4
  By pfm1neely - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Loads of fun to drive and is a real head turner. Has great body styling and excellent response while driving.