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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  very good car - 2003 BMW Z4
  By yvees - January 18 - 10:00 am

  its fun 2 drive its pleasure 2 be driven in and best of all its fast its just the best car Ive ever driven

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  Finally runs well - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Bigd - January 18 - 2:21 am

  Have 35000 miles on the car and it finally runs like it should. The car was so noisy (I was told it was the new plastic air intakes) it sounded like a garbage truck in low gear. Told nothing could be done. Said it would quiet down with mileage. Amazingly it has and now it runs fine. No problems at all mechanically. Still best looking car on the road. It is top of the line and I may just keep it. The 2005 are not much different.

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  First BMW, and I LOVE THIS CAR! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Nathan Terrill - January 18 - 12:50 am

  I traded in my 2006 Lexus IS 250 AWD for the 2007 BMW 328i coupe. The driving dynamics between these two vehicles is incomparable. The BMW truly provides a sense of being connected to the road, endless tourqe curve, and responsive power and stabilty. The hum of the inline 6 on the BMW is music to any enthusiasts ears as soon as he/she pushes the ignition button. It begs the question, "Why pay more, considering the sophistication level of the cars overall design, standard equipment level, driving dynamics, and quality of materials?"

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  The thrill of the corners - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Lindsay - January 17 - 11:07 pm

  This car is so much fun to drive. For a small six cylinder, it really moves. There have been a few minor problems, but if you are handy enough, most can befixed without going to the dealership. There are a number of online forums that you can join and ask questions of other owners that are more than willing to help. Youll find there is almost always someone who has experienced your problem or something like it and they will go out of their way to help you because BMW owners love their cars and people who drive the same ones! The cars handling is legendary and doesnt really need to be elaborated on. Truly the ultimate driving machine.

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  2004 530 is OK but not like previous 5s - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By RiceOwls - January 17 - 7:20 pm

  This is my second 5 series, and is lacking compated to the 2002 model. The active steering is OK, as is i-drive, zip is good as is braking. I-drive is overkill (e.g. buttons for radio would be better), interior feels like a Camry or Avalon instead of a BMW, its got more squeaks and rattles than an 80s vintage GM car, it "floats" when hit by strong winds, problem with the gas tank such that it thinks its full after being filled with 1-2 gallons (even if it needs a full tank), had to have i- drive fixed by dealer within first few months, inferior storage and cup holders (OK so thats standard BMW and not specific to 2004 5 series), and in general does not stack up to the previous 530.

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  Bye bye Z3 Im gonna miss you. - 2001 BMW Z3
  By Mike - January 16 - 8:31 pm

  Ive had the Z since 5/02 and have put 10K miles on it, driving in good weather only. It is drafty, noisy and uncomfortable. The sound system is boomy with the top up and muddy with it down. Buying a rear windscreen helped a lot. The M3 leather seats are too hot and too tight and its hard to find a comfortable position. The plastic window is impossible to clean as are the premium wheels. Its hard to get in and out of. But... The paint quality is great it really shines up. The torque is incredible downshifts arent required for highway passing. The 5 speed is smooth the steering precise. The DSC helped me a few times. The car is just getting broken in. Im gonna miss it.

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  2014 328D WAGON - M Sport Package - 2014 BMW 3-Series
  By James Norris - January 16 - 7:32 pm

  Great vehicle! Like riding on rails and still space for 2 dogs! Practicality mixed with a sexy fast car is the best duality money can buy!

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  Great car, classic styling - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By bob in houston - January 16 - 9:46 am

  I bought this car with 75k miles on it, I now have over 165,000! As youd expect, repairs are eventually required, Ive done most of the work myself: water pump, radiator, front & rear rotors, shocks/struts front and rear, steering linkage. Yes, some of these cars have an engine block that causes a somewhat rough idle (blocks were made of an aluminum with nickel, the Nikasil blocks), but the sulphur content in older blends of U.S gasoline is not an issue anymore. This car has served me well, and I STILL get compliments on it when I fillrup at the gas station.

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  Best I Ever Had - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By dben99 - January 15 - 9:13 pm

  My lease was close to up for the Lexus GS 300, and I decided to narrow it down to the newer GS 350, MB E350, or the 535i. I tried the E550, and it was ok. Nice inside appointments, but not a thrill to drive. I then tried the 535i, and that was it. The car is a rocket as others say. I was doing a modest 80 mph on the highway, and stepped about 1/2 way down on the gas, hit 3,500 RPM, and just took off. Dangerously fast. The 300 ft/lb of torque are in a wide range of RPMs, allowing the car to jump at lower ranges (1,500-5,500 RPM). Handling is insanely tight. Little to no play in the steering. Bluetooth connection through the radio is tops. Very fun to drive, and highly recommended.

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  Incredible! - 1997 BMW Z3
  By Jim - January 14 - 5:20 pm

  This car drives really well. Great suspension, great handling. Plenty of pep but not a high performance vehicle.It is without a doubt the nicest designed car that I have ever seen.