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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  whats not to like? - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By robert silver - August 19 - 9:05 pm

  Excellent appointments, easy to use controls to raise and lower top. easy to use master control for windows. great pickup but cant outrun the gas station. also, gauge that shows the mileage per gallon is unnecessary, and very disconserting.

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  Good second car - 2015 BMW X1
  By Arthur Caughey - August 19 - 8:09 pm

  A fun little car with really good performance, responsive, ride is very stiff when on long hauls.

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  Drive a BMW and youll see why! - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By GearHeadPeter - August 19 - 3:05 pm

  I am a car guy as I have 60 & 70s muscle cars. I bought this car in Sept. of 2003 with only 35K on it. This is the best car to have fun in. It has great power for I6, the HK stereo and CD changer are awesome. The only problems I had was the taillight warning light telling me I had a burned out bulb. I found out by using Google that it is related to a faulty Stop light switch, which I replaced for under $20 and never had a problem since. I like one or two others have had a auto transmission problem when serviced but it was covered under the extended warranty, 4 years unlimited mileage, and only cost me $75 for a new transmission. Too Cool!

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  BMW 750i Best in Class! - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Dan P - August 18 - 2:39 pm

  I have this car for a week and its a unique experience. We have a Lexus LS430 but the Bimmer is way ahead of it in power, ride, technology and exterior quality. Very luxurious, very powerful, extraordinary ride and steering, a terrific Bluetooth. The design and quality of the interior and exterior are outstanding. It has tons of features and if you take the time, you will find them very useful and convenient (most of them). This Bimmer imposes respect and scream luxury and power.

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  Great car but high maintenance - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Kman - August 18 - 10:14 am

  I do like my BMW but after 5.5 years and 70K miles the car is not what it was 3 years ago. Everything is breaking down and am having the worse time with the car. After the first 3 years it’s been in the shop many times to fix all kinds of stuff. I agree that its fun to drive but with all the troubles I have been having it’s not worth buying the car. If you have lots of money to waist then go ahead and buy the car else do not purchase this car.

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  Beware Dreadful Seats - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Robert Ruiz - August 17 - 4:02 pm

  Bought the car at 38,000 miles and have put another 30,000 on it in 10 months of driving. Its been very reliable and only needed one sensor replaced. Post-50,000 mile servicing seemed pricey (quoted $800) but Im coming from an old Alfa Romeo. Very happy with the car overall except for things such as interior trim rattles (constant) and dreadful seats. My car came with the standard seats and they caused circulation problems and caused left foot problems (no support on left foot and overall it was like sitting on a beach ball with support at center and little on sides). I replaced them with the sports seats and they are much better but can be uncomfortable (very, very firm).

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  Im Hooked! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Mike Jayjock - August 17 - 2:04 pm

  Ever since I was 10 years old - I have found a least one aspect about any high priced purhased item that was disappointing. I am almost 60 and this BMW has not disappointed me in the least. It is so much fun to drive it is almost hard to describe. You can feel the obessive drive for quality embued into this vehicle by the German engineers.

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  Smooooooth - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By bmr girl - August 17 - 2:17 am

  Fun and easy. This is the most fun Ive ever had outside. Ill have to move south to get more months of enjoyment. Just enough power.

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  A BMW that should not be called BMW!! - 2005 BMW Z4
  By GQ - August 16 - 10:55 am

  I am leasing this car right now. I love it except for one thing .. The dealership had more than me for the past year. Why? The reliability has been very very poor to the point where I have to take it to dealership every month! Stereo going bad, top leaking, noise from door, trunk leaking. Sadly the quality I am used to from BMW is not present here. It is fun to drive if it was not for all things going wrong with it!

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  Faaaast and safe, corners at 100mp/h - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Rukman - August 16 - 3:00 am

  Amazing handling, I drove this car today at 135mph and still felt as if I could push it more! Magnificent handling, the feeling is amazing, you can practically feel the 4 feels grabbing the blacktop. Sports mode shifter is great, the automatic clutch is a bit slow but not distracting once used to it. Brakes are amazing too! Had to bring the car from 90 to 0 in a short distance but handled beutifully (still alive thanks to the brakes) :) Will never buy anything other than BMW after this :)