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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  sporty suv - 2005 BMW X3
  By vic leb - October 2 - 11:44 pm

  I traded in my Trailblazer for a more fuel efficient car. I love the stiff handling. Almost as if I am in my own personal roller coaster. The leather seats hug the driver and the simple yet classy interior make the driver feel like he is in the cock pit of a sports car. Love my new ride and find the engine to be quite responsive with decent gas milage

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  The Best of The Cutting Edge - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Qais Hroub - October 2 - 10:00 am

  The Best of The Cutting Edge

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  MY first BMW - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Daniel Dimashkieh - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Well I got my 330ci coupe in febuary 2003, it is silver wil the 18 inch stock bmw rims, i also put a win on it to give it that sporty look , pluse i tinted the windows. . And it it is a big step up from a Toyata truck lol. Since this is my first BMW it has tacken a while to get used to. But all in all I love it. rides great , corners like a champ. I have had the bmw now for about 6 months and I like it more by the day. I kinda was getting a feel for it at first, now I am really starting to see whAt this car can do. And living in Los Angeles its always a plus to be seen in Beemer.

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  BMW Z4 - 2003 BMW Z4
  By PLW - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Just moved to the Z4 from the 740IL. Quite a change, but a wonderful one. Still feel the sturdiness and responsiveness of a BMW, but a lot more fun to drive.

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  Roadster God Z4!!! - 2005 BMW Z4
  By smiffsmack - October 2 - 8:55 am

  I bought a CPO z4 3.0 with the steptronic tranny heated seats, sports and premium package. This car is a god of the road. If you try it, I PROMISE you will buy it. It has breakneck speed, awesome sound system, nice engine sounds, looks beautiful (especially sterling grey) I get at least one compliment on this car every single day. I bought mine for 32.5K with 16K miles on it. Get an 03, since their is no real difference between 03 to 05!!!! Just drive it, trust me!!

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  BMW M3 - Hype from Reality - 2003 BMW M3
  By gravis8000 - October 1 - 5:16 pm

  I previously owned a 2000 M Roadster. Loved the car - a beast. Tight handling, throaty exhaust, a rocket launcher. My buddy owns a 2002 330Ci - refined car, snappy, loved the top. I thought the 2003 M3 w/SMG would marry the best of both. It does - in a way - but after owning it, I still find myself longing for the purity of the M Roadster. Its just as fast (01-02s would actually smoke the E46 M3), handles better, and its way lighter. The M3 outputs 333HP but it weighs 3780lb. The SMG trans screams at high RPM/track driving, but it takes getting used to around town. For an awesome daily driver for the fam, save the $ and get the 330Ci & buy the M Roadster for the weekend.

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  Horrible Gas Mileage- dont believe the stats from - 2016 BMW X5
  By charles - October 1 - 4:03 pm

  I have had the BMW X5 for 7 months. It rides comfortably. The voice commands are still iffy and make mistakes. I speak clearly with no accent and it still makes mistakes, especially on navigating and pulling up your phone contact list. I drive 50% in traffic in Atlanta and 50% highway driving on GA 400. The gas mileage on highway never gets above 18 to 19mpg. The gas mileage in traffic gets 15 to 17mpg. The average per the computer is 17.3 after 6 months. I took the car in and the technicians said this is normal and there are no settings to improve the gas mileage other than using eco-boost. I frequently use the eco-boost mode and it makes about .2mpg difference. Very little. I am light on the throttle and brakes about 80% of the time, so I dont think thats a big factor. The technician said the advertised mpg from BMW is shown under ideal conditions on a track and going 55 miles per hour. I wish BMW disclosed this when I first purchased the car. I end up filling my car twice a week now. My wifes Lexus RX 350 is a comparable SUV and gets about 24 miles per gallon, with similar driving habits and good acceleration. Its a much better deal. Corvette gets better gas mileage which is pretty sad. The only thing I like better about the BMW X5 over the Lexus RX350 is the entertainment system. Much more intuitive and easier to use in BMW. If thats not as important to you, then, save some money and get the Lexus.

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  What are they talking about - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By bimmerman375 - October 1 - 2:24 pm

  After driving this car for the last few weeks, I cant imagine what troubles critics initally had with it. First and foremost, this machine drives beautifully though it is large, the steering is incredibly light, especially at parking lot speeds. It has great interior and exterior designs and the comfort features (for example, ventilated seats and automatic closing trunk) are, though unnecessary, quite amazing. Idrive is also not very complicated - after 3 hours or so, I was able to master most features. Additionally, BMW still gives you the option of controlling most things (like the radio) from dedicated buttons on the wheel or center stack. This is a great car, indeed.

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  new 3 series a big step up - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By gerard.marciano - September 30 - 8:50 pm

  I was at the "coming out" party for the new 3 at Chelsea Piers in New York and fell in love immediately. I traded in my 2002 325 and just picked up my new 3 on May 10th. I got the sport package, and the only down side is the ride is a bit choppy on bad roads. Could be the run-flats. iDrive is greatly simplified; most controls are off the steering wheel. Great seats, much more refined than the previous 3. Much quieter with extraordinary feel and a real luxurious cabin that oozes sophistication. Stereo upgrade is just so so, but the iDrive gives the dash a second hump which looks much better than the regular interior. iDrive is a cinch...no big deal. What an engine; silky smooth, no growl.

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  The best new car experience ever - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By YL - September 30 - 7:07 pm

  Drives like a charm. Still somewhat of an eye catcher :-) Gas mileage just below that of my retired 328i.