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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  Batmobile on steroids - 2016 BMW M4
  By Ray - April 7 - 11:59 am

  It is the perfect car. It is civil in everyday traffic, but is a lot of fun whenever you need (or want) to accelerate or shame a Mustang owner. The Launch Control function is so fast, it is scary. Anyone who complains about the instrumentation being too complicated should go back to the dealership and get a five- to 10-minute primer on the iDrive, etc., from a BMW "Genius." I have wanted an M3 for years, and finally made the plunge. I opted for the M4 coupe, and it has not disappointed.

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  Awesome! - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By RL - April 7 - 12:48 am

  I traded in my 2004 745i on a 2005 645ci. I had a negative equity of $5k on the 745i but it was worth every penny cause the 645ci is just simply awesome. Nowdays, it seems that everyone has a 745 or a 5 series. The 645ci is so unique. I get many looks on the road. In fact, it reminds me of the old 8 series than the 6 series. I got the sports package which I think gives it a totally different attitude. I love this car so much more than that big 745i.

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  2005 BMW M4 - 2005 BMW M3
  By The M3 Kid - April 6 - 8:20 pm

  This car is by far the best performance car for the money...333 HP and if put a Dinan kit, although why would you, then you have even more power. Corners great, ride is like riding on air and the power is exhilirating...nothing like an M car...The M3 is truly a thrilling car to drive!

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  Love the car, hate the problems - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By jlsocks - April 6 - 5:48 pm

  Ive wanted a BMW coupe for years and was excited to finally get one. I truly love the styling of the car and the way it drives. In less than 2 years of ownership, Ive had to bring in the car in for unscheduled maintenance/repairs 6 times. These issues included, replacing the door locking mechanism so I could get out of the car (problem has resurfaced), new transmission, dead battery, emissions issues, coolant system leak, and A/C recall. If the problems with the car had been relatively minor as can be expected in some German cars, I could understand, but I dont think Ill ever purchase another BMW again.

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  Totally Unreliable! - 2005 BMW X5
  By dr d. hill - April 5 - 8:34 pm

  Fun car to drive! No fun in the snow with 4.4i Sport package. Electrical nightmare! Check Fog lights continues to menace us after "fixing" the problem four times by Phil Winslow BMW, Colorado Springs. Ashtray rattles, armrests squeak, rear storage cover flimsy, on-board computer on the blink, door locks faulty, rear heated seats faulty, ghost in the rear view mirrors, steering wheel whines when turning, tailgate locks after opening then closing doors, small and very expensive. First and last BMW I will ever own! Just recently bought a Lexus GX470. What service. I should have never left Toyota/Lexus!

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  This is the worse car I have ever owned - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By mimi - April 5 - 7:15 pm

  Bought this coming off of lease and have spend major $$$ from day one. Everything from steering to air conditioning problems. I have needed new brake pads almost annually and there is a strange loud noise while driving. Most of my problems started on day one but got continually worse as 100K miles.

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  Best of the Best - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Shashi - April 5 - 12:58 pm

  This is my second one, handling is awesome. Especially on highways. Seating design is excellent. On other cars, I cant drive more then 3 hrs at a straight, with my back pain, but in my 540 I can drive more then 8 hrs straight. One of the most comfortable car to drive and you can leave your worries behind. Makes your presence on the road to others ... Sure there are lots of other cars on the road, but its BMW .. :)

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  Drive It and Weep - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By sanva - April 5 - 7:00 am

  Im fortunate to be one of the first in the DC Metro area to buy the new 328i. Though I have not yet had a chance to take it out and really enjoy it, initial reaction to everything, including performance, design, and comfort, is positive. Nothing drives like a BMW. And in this case, nothing looks like the 328i. The head-turning quotient is off the charts.

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  M3 after 15k miles! - 2005 BMW M3
  By Mike - April 5 - 2:15 am

  This car is SOLID, QUICK, and confidence inspiring. It is like the 3 series on steroids. Every aspect is substantially better!

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  Pricey to own - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Daddio - April 5 - 12:04 am

  Greetings fellow beamer owners to be. Well this is by far the nicest car I have ever owned. It has everything you will ever need speed, comfort, luxury. A few things to be aware. Servicing this monster is VERY expensive. Cup holders stink, and it could use a better radio for the money.