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 my first Bimmer - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By jjdow - September 18 - 10:53 pm

  Ive had this car for 4 months and 6K miles, and it seems to drive better each day. The RFTs are no issue, and I have not taken it back to the shop for any reason. the handling with the steering and SP is awesome. It is a little bumpy on bad, patched up roads, but 90% of the time Im on decent roads and its a blast to drive, especially in manual.

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  The Finest Automobile Ive Ever Owned - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By rs6654 - September 18 - 10:16 pm

  Ive driven this car coast to coast on all kinds of roads, in all kinds of terrain and all kinds of weather. Ive been driving over 30 years and this car seems perfect in every way.

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  Way too much fun! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By MVF - September 18 - 5:12 pm

  I had always read about BMW- the "Ultimate driving machine" and thought what a bunch of $@&*- its a yuppy-mobile. A couple of quick test drives showed me just how wrong I was. I have the performance package and to say I am impressed with this car just wouldnt get the idea across. The suspension is an amazing blend of firm control and quality ride, the engine is great at nearly any rpm- so smooth I forget to shift & very gutsy. This is the most satisfying, fun car to drive (that is still practical) I could find. Owning it has been a pleasure- no problems of any kind, and it puts a smile on my face every day on my way to work- if you see a hole in traffic, its yours!

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  great car, bad tires - 2014 BMW Alpina B7
  By lbny - September 17 - 9:39 pm

  great car with excellent pick up & effortless driving. comfortable and luxurious. however horrible set of oem tires. they are high performance summer tires totally unsuitable for cold city roads. they will burst on any pot hole contact. pot holes are almost standard in new york city after any snow storm. the tires are not available at any bmw dealer or tire shop and have to be ordered. bmw does not give a spare tire. beware! this makes the car extremely unreliable as there is no solution or help available

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  Fun to Drive - 2002 BMW M5
  By Jim - September 16 - 4:34 pm

  I purchased the car with 22k miles on it. The previous owner had taken good care of it. The car handles well and has lots of power. Driving in rush hour traffic can be a pain with the 6- speed manual. Dealership has been execllent with service. This car is as powerful as the 1998 Corvette I owned, yet has seating for 5. Insurance is costly (even for a 59 year old with a good driving record). Gas mileage average is about 18 mpg around town, which is great for a car with this kind of power. Extremely quiet and tightly put together. Has a great looking understated appearence. Probably the best car I have ever owned.

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  Sexy X3 - 2004 BMW X3
  By Plummer - September 15 - 6:37 pm

  Purchased for European Delivery - family of 5 and luggage. BMW discounts about $2500, buy it from your local dealer. Also save rental exp. I found this site looking for a chip I might add to improve gas mileage. I get a horrible 13.8MPG in the city driving softly. Other issues: 1) at 75 MPH a high pitched noise is induced. Got to drive faster or slower to avoid it. 2) The rear hatch often doesnt shut completely. Interior light remains on. Need to really slam it. 3) Order the back-up warning system because the rear window is so high you cant see the hood of the car your backing into. 4) Stearing wheel blocks the speedometer. Regardless great car. Hope MPG can be fixed.

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  X-3 RIDES LIKE A TRUCK - 2005 BMW X3
  By BOB SEELOS - September 15 - 4:20 pm

  I now have 25,000 miles on my Bmw X-3 AWD with the 3.0 engine. The reliability is excellent and i have had no maintenance problems. The ride of the car is the big issue. I have this as a leased vehicle for 36 months and I can hardly wait for the 36th month. I have even tried to trade this car for a different BMW at the dealer but getting out of a lease is too expensive. The car rides like a truck-especially in the rear seat. I feel sorry for those who have to sit back there so I usually take a different car if anyone has to sit back there. The leather seats in the rear are uncomfortable too. The people in the rear are bumped up and down even on smooth roads.

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  awesome - 1992 BMW 5-Series
  By Casey Pickell - September 15 - 1:16 pm

  this BMW is a solid ride. i bought it with 114000 miles for 4000 dollars. it was the steal of the century. the engine is smooth as butter with effortless acceleration in the top end(it could use some more low end power) it gets great fuel economy for a 6cyl, 20 city 28-30 at 65 mph on highway. the seats are incredible and hold their age magnificently. the trunk is huge and the same for the sunroof.the computer is nifty as well, i didnt think they had that stuff in 1992. i have had no problems at all with the car in 6000 miles of driving.

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  Nice styling, the car is not flawless - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By amgolfin - September 15 - 10:00 am

  Sexy styling, nice exterior body lines. The car lives up to its heritage, having a very solid real and sporty performance. Hopefully in 2005, there will be some cosmetic changes and reliability improvements.

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  no negitives - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Edward Lewis - September 15 - 10:00 am

  This car, the 2004 BMW 530, has no negatives so far. It rides like a big car handles like a sports car and makes the statement "wow" all by it self. Some negative coments have been made about the I drive, comes from fear!!! The only negative comment I do have is that bmw and motorola have not got the integrated cell phone to work correctly yet.