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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  Wow!!! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By BigMike33 - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I have no doubt that this is the best car I have ever been in. Overall, the performance and body style just blew me away.

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  Best car I ever owned - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Andrew - September 14 - 12:05 pm

  After seeing this car I loved it, after driving it, I was obsessed with it, after owning it, I will always have a BMW. I thought about trading it for a Mercedes when my lease was up, but there were none comparable so I bought it... even the dealers that wanted to sell me a car knew that my car was better. I honestly believe that it is the Ultimate Driving Machine.

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  Great little SUV - 2005 BMW X3
  By BoiseBigKahuna - September 14 - 10:36 am

  This ute is a blast to drive. It handles great and is pretty darn fast. The interior is surprisingly roomy and the back seat is comfy for 3 adults.

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  2007 BMW 335xi - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By tact5225 - September 14 - 5:10 am

  You buy, you pay, and you pay some more. But you have a blast while your doing it. Also make the right choice and get the manual.

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  Early Impressions - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By deleng - September 14 - 2:00 am

  No disappiontments. Great driving experience. iDrive has been criticized by many reviewers, but I find it much like a computer, once mastered, it is very logical.

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  Awesome Performance ! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By TurboCarrara - September 13 - 11:58 pm

  Great performance - braking, corners, pickup. Comfortable but stiff ride - but expected in a roadster. Actually gets better gas mileage than expected.

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  Ultimate Driving Machine Requires Repair - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By AD - September 13 - 6:27 pm

  Without question, the finest vehicle I have ever driven or owned in terms of the driving experience. On the other hand, without question the most expensive vehicle to keep in top running condition. I purchased the car with 82k miles where the car was a single owner with all maintenance up to date. In the 15k miles I owned it, I replaced a radiator, rear brakes, oxygen sensor, air mass flow meter, belts, radiator cap and rear ball joints. Also, had multiple issues passing state inspection due to Check Engine Light (where mechanic could not fix) In comparing other Bimmer owners, my experience is consistent... Ultimate Driving Machine that is Expensive to Own

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  325xi - Solid for the Money - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By mike - September 13 - 8:50 am

  Had this car for a year - looked at Audi 2.0, Acura TL and Lexus IS and for the money and build quality I chose the BMW. One thing to remember is the 4 years 50K bumper to bumper. The car looks good and is fun to drive.

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  Best M3 - 2016 BMW M3
  By Imran Ahmed - September 13 - 1:26 am

  My 5th M car in last 12 years , by far the best . No turbo lag at all .

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  Ultimate Driving Machine!!! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By gary - September 12 - 10:33 pm

  Amazing vehicle! Consider the M Performance Pkg., extra horsepower, plus M3 handling pkg in a 4-door. BIG wheels and tires, firm sport suspension and HUGE brakes makes this a true drivers machine. Havent had this much fun in years!!! Also, the standard stereo is awful, so consider an upgrade (although the high-end stereo is standard in 2006). Yes, the new 2006 is a great car, but if you can find a "leftover" 2005 with the M Sport or M Performance package, dont miss it!!!