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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  Best overall Sports Sedan - 2016 BMW 5-Series
  By Robert In OPKS - May 19 - 2:44 am

  This is my third 2012, 2014, and 2016 BMW 550 Xdrive. It ranks tops in more segments against other GS, the Audi A6, the MB E550. It had power to spare with all wheel drive system that manages all conditions well. Previous vehicle was a 2006 Mercedes E-55. I have two kids both on car seats which makes the rear a tight space.

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  1995 BMW 325i - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By riskytakr - May 19 - 2:00 am

  An outstanding vehicle for the price (<10K). A good way to experience the ultimate driving machine at less than half the cost. Due diligence is necessary though as our vehicle was previously damaged and undisclosed/ignorance claimed by the dealership about the trunk and right rear quarter-panel. Despite this, the vehicle proved to be mechanically top notch with replacements necessary only for track use. This is our daily driver and it is solid. It averages around 21 MPG which is approx. the norm despite the occasional spirited driving.

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  When you have to drive the best - 2001 BMW X5
  By MrTeeinSB - May 19 - 2:00 am

  The best SUV on the market and the fastest. German engineering all the way. all my freinds that have driven mine, have bought one (five). The biggestbang for the bucks, nothing compares to it.....nothing. In a league of ite own. try it and youll see. warning..you have to be smart enough to know the difference.

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  BMW 525 - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By navyman - May 15 - 2:00 am

  I have found the 525 to be a great value in the luxury car class. It does lack some performance, but as a daily driver it is hard to beat.

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  Satisfied - 2003 BMW M3
  By Flip - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car for less than a week but I am amazed by its handling and acceleration.The SMG transmission is a nice option (my wife drives it as well) it offers automatic trans. convenience and F-1 style shifting depending on any number of things.It doesnt have the torque or top end of a Viper but it gets you going very fast very quickly.It is everything I want in a car and then some.

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  Satisfied - 2003 BMW M3
  By flip - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car for less than a week but I am amazed by its handling and acceleration.The SMG transmission is a nice option (my wife drives it as well) it offers automatic trans. convenience and F-1 style shifting depending on any number of things.It doesnt have the torque or top end of a Viper but it gets you going very fast very quickly.It is everything I want in a car and then some.

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  Great car - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Peterbmw - May 14 - 1:10 am

  The transmission gave me a lot of problems when I hit 4k miles. I was not able to go reverse. It took me about 4 weeks to get a service date. The service was good, but it was another week for them to repalce the transmissoin. Now, I can go into reverse, but i think the guy who did my car must have had a little alignment problem because its difficult to get into 3rd and 4th gear now.

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  As good as it gets ! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By itwizard - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car after test driving several competing cars from Mercs, Lexus and Audi. I needed something with 4 doors. This 540 is an absolute beauty. It has speed, power and superb handling. Above all it feels real solid and safe while driving. Kids love it and so does the wife.

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  Owner of X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By mju - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Not sold as a pure off road vehicle but it will do all most average drivers want.

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  well worth the money - 2001 BMW X5
  By edmunds user - May 13 - 2:00 am

  The best car i have ever had ,such a fun car to drive , safe , comfortable, chic,the best suv of all