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:

• 

  Jet Black/Imola Red Convertable - 2005 BMW M3
  By Bannerzap - May 17 - 9:15 pm

  Awesome! We just picked it up last week and it is better than expected. Traded an 04 Z4 3.0 and the new M3 just smokes it! Great car, performance overload, and BMW quality and service.

• 

  A nice all-in-one package - 2005 BMW X3
  By Robin B - May 17 - 6:28 pm

  She wanted the height and the all-wheel drive of an SUV and I wanted the fun and spirited drive of a convertible sports sedan. The BMW X3 exceeds all of those desires. The driving qualities are second only to that of the BMW and Audi sports sedans, far better than any of the other SUVs we tried. Plus, it has the added versatility of a deceivingly large cargo space and an excellent all-wheel drive system. To top it all off, the panoramic sunroof makes it feel like a convertible. Youd be hard pressed to find a more versitile vehicle. Having seen the 2004 and 2005 models, the issue of interior build quality appears to have been dealt with. The X3 provides good value.

• 

  Z3 - 2002 3.0L - 2002 BMW Z3
  By AnnieZ3 - May 17 - 3:03 pm

  This is the most legal fun you can have! The only complaint I have is about the HORRIBLE Harman-Kardon speakers... I have heard better in a VW Beetle. There is no excuse for BMW to use this poor quality. It is one of those things you understand that you will just HAVE to replace.

• 

  Great Quality and Fun to Drive - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Ed - May 17 - 2:59 pm

  I bought this car after having looked at and researched many BMWs. My expenses have been minor. The previous owner had installed the optional 17" tires along with Eibach springs. This gave a great first impression (M5), but he didnt replace the OEM struts which werent able to control the shorter more aggressive springs. I replaced the struts (myself) with Bilstein Sport units and the ride control was much improved. (Albeit a little harsh on rough roads.) Ive put nearly 55,000 miles on the car since Oct 2003 and it going strong!

• 

  Bimmer - 2005 BMW X3
  By Joel - May 17 - 1:37 pm

  Great car, owned 5 months now, typical bimmer quirks-power locks have acted up, passenger side rear view stopped working when putting car in reverse. And, of course, I could care less since this is the best performing car for its size i have ever driven. I love it. Of course I want more power, but this puppy is ample for sure.

• 

  I give it a ten - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Bradley J - May 17 - 12:13 pm

  Simpily Exalent

• 

  Perfect for a businessman - 2013 BMW 3-Series
  By P Arrington - May 16 - 4:35 am

  Sedan is designed to place everything you need close to you. Car sits lower to the ground. The turbo makes acceleration exilerating. They is no storage, no cup holders, a minute space in the glove box and arm rest.

• 

  Best small SUV currently available - 2016 BMW X1
  By Bret Jensen - May 16 - 12:52 am

  Every car is a series of compromises. In the areas that are priorities to me - safety, quality, performance - the X1 scores well. Its chief limitations are modest cargo capacity and a somewhat cramped (for adults at least) rear seat. However, given that the X1 has a footprint barely bigger than a Prius, it is roomy by the standards of small vehicles. If you need substantial cargo capacity you should look at the X3 or X5. If you need to seat adults in the rear seats on a regular basis look at the X3 or ensure that you get an X1 with the sliding/reclining rear seat option. But for my family only small children sit in the back, and the standard X1 is just about ideal. We have a second car which is a good deal larger than the X1. Parking tends to be difficult where we live, and it is significantly easier to find a parking place for the X1 than it is to find a parking place for the larger vehicle. Fuel economy is noteworthy, I did not believe the stated 32mpg on the highway was really achievable, but we took a road trip with the X1 and I can report that figure is absolutely attainable. Overall great small SUV.

• 

  One of the Worlds Best Cars - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By R.G.H. - ENGINEER - May 15 - 9:20 pm

  This 335i is my third BMW and includes two prior X-3s. Because its a BMW I didnt test drive the 335i before it arrived - just ordered it - got in and drove home. BUT WOW!! - will this car accelerate, handle and cause stares wherever I go. Its Sparkling Graphite Metallic with a Cream Beige Dakota Leather interior with Light Poplar Natural Wood interior trim. I added the Premium Pkg, Active Steering (teriffic addition), Metallic Paint, Steptronic Auto. Transmission (a really great six speed thats smooth, very quick and efficient) and finally the Sport Pkg. Between the Premium Pkg. and the Sport Pkg. BMW adds a lot of extras in them so there wasnt any others I wanted.

• 

  Fun in the Sun - 2005 BMW X3
  By Old&Restless - May 15 - 3:30 am

  Very good experience. Excellent handling and a safe drive in snow & ice. I have about 5000 miles on the car and had no problems whatsoever. This machine is finely engineered and does not remind me that I am in an SUV, except through its amazing x-drive and a high seating position. In addition, with the high residual value and low leasing rates, this car is a steal, especially compared to similarly priced cars.