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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  A grocery getter for those who love cars - 1993 BMW 5-Series
  By Midamrail - November 9 - 2:00 am

  This car has so far been a flawless performer. Its enjoyable to drive, and Im convinced its one of the best wagons ever made. The car is very well built and designed inside and out and has delivered on the BMW name and reputation.

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  Go Get a BMW today - You wont be sorry - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Rick - November 8 - 1:10 pm

  Is there a word greater than great? That is the word I would use. The sound system is the best I have ever heard. The reviews where drivers say they look for excuses to drive this car are true. Believe it when you read it. I love the power, the sound, the illuminated outside lighting when you unlock the car at night. My last car was a Crossfire. I thought is was impressive until I drove this car. I have had it more than a month and know that all of my future cars will be BMWs. I have an automatic and added the sports package. If you are reading this and considering getting a 328i sedan... well... dont walk but run to the local dealership. You wont be sorry. It is worth every penny.

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  great great car - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By nytwinsis - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my 2000 528ia w/sport premium pkg for 4 years and love it today as much as I did when I first got behind the wheel of this incredible car. I take full advantage of the steptronic tranni which makes this amazingly great handling luxury sport sedan a pure pleasure to own. Thought of trading in on a new VW, but backed out every time, because I am confident I will be hugely disappointed.

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  Its all good! - 2002 BMW M3
  By Achnonen - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Scare your wife. Scare your friends. Scare the guy next to you at the light in his C06. This car is frightfully fun to drive! My mother may never come to visit us again.

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  Da Bes - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Sexy Beast - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful,beautiful,great,reliable,dead sexy,impressive,nice leather seats,affordable,great mileage,great features,good car.

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  Great to drive, but some little problems - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By bls - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for eight months, and every mile is a pleasure. I look for excuses to get into it. However, in that time, the hissing/crackling radio was replaced (took three trips to dealer: diagnosis, amplifier, radio); the fuel door opener broke; and now the interior sunroof panel doesnt track straight and the gas gauge is wrong (ran out of gas with 1/8 tank indicated). Sounds like a lot of problems, but theyre all minor and none (except the hissing radio) detracted from the pleasure of driving, which is the main reason to have this car. Im glad I bought it.

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  Solid - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Patrick - November 7 - 2:53 am

  After considering almost any sports sedan in the segment, I was blown away by the complete package that I found in the BMW 330i. After 5,000 miles so far, I have no complaints. Great handling, great power, luxury on the inside, taut lines on the outside. Even better was that you can get it with a true manual transmission. My first BMW and definitely many more to come in the future hopefully. I have Sparkling Graphite with the Gray Interior with the Aluminum trim, and I think its a great color combo. Also got the Sports Package and Cold Weather Package, and Leather interior. Wasnt interested in BMW Assist or the Navigation.

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  2000 528i - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By bakmtpm - November 7 - 2:00 am

  After almost 4 years of driving experience with the 528, this car is by far the best automobile I have ever owned.

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  New to the BMW family - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Joy - November 6 - 1:26 pm

  My husband and I own a Lexus and a BMW. They both drive very good, but I look so forward to driving my BMW. This is my first BMW, I really cant say enough about it. The car really holds the road, and it is extremely comfortable. The interior space is very good, in both the front and the rear. The sleek look and design provides for outstanding apperance and the ultimate driving experience. It drives like a dream on the highway and on bumpy roads. While the car is supposed to be for me, I cant keep my husband out of it! I have only had it for 4 days, but I would highly recommend it!!

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Shaybah - November 6 - 9:03 am

  Upgraded from a 2003 Z4 to the 2008 328 Cabriolet. No regrets whatsoever. Wanted a bit more room than the Z4; and the hardtop convertible for more security, less maintenance, and better sound and cold insulation. For about $6k difference in price, couldnt see the justification for the 335; the 328 has plenty of power.