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 Value as Used Car - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By GV3 - May 18 - 3:06 pm

  For the last 20 years, Ive bought used (2-3 yr old) luxury cars with great success. My "new" 03 BMW continues that string. This particular car is a one-owner lease turn-in, BMW certified, fully loaded, 39,000 miles. For $23 thou, its a great value: fun to drive, looks better than the new 3-series, somebody else has worked out all the kinks, and I got the 100m BMW certified warranty. Life is too short to drive a car with no soul! This car just brings a smile to my face everytime I drive it.

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  If it had wings, it would fly - 2001 BMW M3
  By 03055gi - May 18 - 12:21 pm

  Picked up this car in Fort Lauderdale and drove back to New Hampshire. What a rush. Have had many cars and this is the best by far. Look forward to driving like never before. Had a number of people pull up to me on the highway and want to play and felt no urge to embarrass them, just kept driving with the top down and the tunes playing.

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  Fun to Drive - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Jim Peacock - May 18 - 9:08 am

  Its a great car. The tops comes down in only 8 sec. Very fast. Good gas mileage. Fun to drive.

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  For the price nothing come close, except - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By tony - May 18 - 12:23 am

  The only car the come close to the 645ci is a 545i. The design is excellent, ride quality is great, handling out of this world - whats to say more. Go out and drive one

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  Gonna Love It - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By Juan - May 17 - 9:18 am

  This a sporty car, very confortable for 2 passengers. Lots of power, Stupendous handling. Sound system its great.

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  325i great handling, lite on power - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By jking - May 17 - 7:10 am

  Overall a good car, but the 325i could use more hp! Get the 330i if you can afford it.

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  Great mult-purpose vehicle - 2016 BMW X1
  By JimH - May 17 - 4:26 am

  I looked at the Mercedes GLA, Audi Q3, and BMW X1. The 2016 BMX X1 was by far the best. A very practical vehicle, with excellent cargo and passenger room for a compact SUV. Excellent performance and gas mileage from the 4 cyl turbo engine. BMW handling and overall driving experience is an added bonus. I have owned two BMW 3 series sedans. The handling is not as good a these, but the handling is better than any other compact SUV I have driven. The most value for the money compared to other luxury compact SUVs.

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  2000 328Ci - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By LondonJim - May 14 - 10:00 am

  The car is an excellent mixture of performance and comfort. Build quality is quite high and any problems - only minor - have been addressed without question by any of the dealerships we have used. Despite the rear wheel drive, this car has never had issues with snow or rain driving no matter how icy or snowy our alley side garage has become. The interior is smart and functional while the exterior is still one of the best looking around with elements appearing in many other cars.

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  Great car - a few niggling issues - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Mark - May 14 - 1:30 am

  I previously owned a 2002 325i - the new model is significantly upgraded and updated - more of a "Lexus-ized" version of the 3-series than ever before. Only concerns: Satellite radio cannot be added to the car radio by the dealer unless pre-wired by the factory (?) - cupholders are a bit flimsy; the headliner is decidedly cheap and rough; no spare tire - apparently BMW thinks the $350/per/tire run-flats are another great innovation - all I see is an unnecessary cost for me should a tire blow prior to wearing out thru normal wear and tear. Ah, yes - but I DO so love driving this car! Terrific driving dynamics, wonderful to throw into corners.....just wish they would allow the use of regular!

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  Almost perfect electric vehicle - 2017 BMW i3
  By SEAN MARTIN - May 12 - 11:59 pm

  Fun too drive. Supet quiet. Zero emissions. After this great experience with first electric car, I dont think I could go back to another internal combustion vehicle. Electric range of 200+ miles and a 5th seat would make it perfect.