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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  318is will last forever - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By 318is - March 27 - 11:56 am

  I previously owned a 01 330i and Ive had more fun and enjoyment with my 91 318is. From its classic tight sports car ride on curvy roads to a high speed cruiser, I have a true gem. Ive owned Mercedes, Triumphs, FIATs, as well as all types of American cars too. My 318is is very solid and well built and should last me another 100k miles (I purchased it in May of 05 with only 91k on the odometer). I recommend this car to anyone (young and old).

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  Awesome vehicle! - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By rg - March 27 - 5:33 am

  I special ordered my 550i with exactly the options I wanted and it was worth the 2 month wait. This car is an absolute blast to drive. I love the throaty sound of the V8 and the smoothness of the engine. I test drove the 535i also and even though the 0-60 performance is close (according to the specs) the 550i feels much more powerful because of its substantial mid range torque. My car has the sports package so it is a little stiffer than my old car, a 1999 528i (non-sport), but the 550i is not too stiff at all and corners extremely well. The iDrive was not hard to learn and in fact I like it. My coworkers are fascinated by the iDrive and other electronics gadgets. NICE car BMW!

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  Love my X3 - 2004 BMW X3
  By DrJon65 - March 26 - 6:14 pm

  I have owned my BMW X3 3.0I for over a year and continue to love to drive it as I did when I first drove it off the lot. It is a "SAV" but performs like a sports sedan. The technology behind the ride quality, performance and safety is truly outstanding. I am very particular with my cars and I have found nothing wrong with the X3. In fact I keep finding out new things to love about it. The service I get at my BMW service center is the best I have ever gotten from any dealership. BMW knows how to design and build cars that are fun to own. This is truly one of them.

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  So far so good - 2017 BMW X1
  By Beth Rodriguez - March 26 - 12:28 pm

  I have had this car for a month. I am still not used to the quieting of the motor at stops and then kicking in when accelerating. Storage console is very small and I like to have things at hand. Where do I store my CDs? Compartment not big enough for this. Hairbrush doesnt fit. Turn signal is also something I am slow to get used to. The car is just the right size for me and so far so good.

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  Z4 - 2005 BMW Z4
  By jon - March 26 - 7:36 am

  the car is fun to drive with impressive performance and excellent fuel economy. Im 64" and 240lbs, and have all the room I could ask for. the car is comfortable for me on long trips, and I have no tendency to "kink up"

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  Best car Ever had - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By KIKI LAW - March 24 - 9:38 pm

  We test drove so many cars of its class and I thought it will will stop when I drove the E500 MB. Guess what not even close. After I drove the 550i. I just couldnt see myself in any other car but a BMW 550i

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  Perfect - 2001 BMW X5
  By First BMW - March 24 - 3:14 pm

  Ive owned this BMW for about 5 yrs. I have 71k on it and nothing has gone wrong so far thank GOD. A lot of people complain about many different things but I think the problem is on how fully loaded you get it. There is a saying " If you go German, then you go all the way". I believe this because Ive purchased only BMW my whole life and each time its been "FULLY LOADED" This means Sport, Premium, Winter package, and every other bell and whistle that goes with it. Try it, I did, and I love it....

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  Cant Beat It! - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By BEST CAR EVER - March 24 - 9:57 am

  Have owned Audi, Jag, and another BMW since about 97, and this in unequivocally the best driving vehicle I have been in. Smooth, solid power, handling is amazing. Snowstorm on 3rd day after buying and tried hard to get it to slip, couldnt do it. Interior is just the right amount of luxury, and the iDrive is easy for anyone who has touched a computer (what was all the fuss?).

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  great choice - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By joshin - March 23 - 11:39 pm

  After reading many reviews and waiting for all wheel drive in the five series we finally bought it last year. 14000 miles later I love it. The performance is perfect in chicago weather.

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  An excellent choice - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By Rajeev - March 23 - 6:11 pm

  Never will you regret buying this model of yr 1994 which was the only model that BMW did not reproduce due to driving force restrictions. You get the speed and power of a 6 cylinder!!!. A reliable car which has never put me into trouble even after I have driven about 35000 in the past 2 yrs