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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  A real luxury performance vehicle - 2016 BMW X5
  By RA - January 11 - 3:48 am

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  A dangerous LEMON - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By RRand - January 10 - 6:28 pm

  I obtained this, my third BMW, with enthusiasm. Unfortunately, the car was a lemon from an electrical standpoint with multiple problems from the start. The worst were that the heated seat burned through the seat leather and burned through my clothes and into my wallet which was all that saved me. Now the seat is under recall. Next the assisted steering system failed on the freeway. I have returned the car most unsatisfied!!

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  What Fun - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Jim - January 10 - 9:57 am

  This is a super vehicle.We just purchased the car and have absolutely loved driving it.The power, braking, steering of this car are awesome. Its like riding a high tech roller coaster, smooth and on a rail.The iDrive is cool. It IS very easy to use once you navigate thru it a few times. We got this car w/out the sport package and were told it did not come w/run flat tires.This was not the case, as tires marked with the letters RSC circled are run flats. (No spare tires in this vehicle.) Also, the convertible has more head room in the rear seat than the coupe. I am 6 and 210 & I can sit straight up w/some leg room. Coupe I have to tilt my head.Trunk has more room w/top down,then any other in its class.

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  Best handling SUV - 2005 BMW X5
  By asl - January 10 - 1:52 am

  This is my 4th BMW and by far the best. Great handling and acceleration. Ride is quiet but firm with 19" wheels and sport package. The great reason for buying a BMW. Interior looks clean and classy. I recommend the comfort seat option for the softer leather feel and support. Its expensive but so are other SUVs in this class.

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  ultimate thrill - 1994 BMW 8-Series
  By matt - January 9 - 9:19 pm

  Ive owned 2 850cis. The CSi is what the 850 should have been. It still looks great on the road and I get asked all the time "is that the new one?" Timeless styling, superb handling, seat of the pants acceleration. This is my third E31 and Ive already bought another one. Pricing guides are way off as I wouldnt sell this one for almost double what it is rated on here and KBB. Two thumbs up for this amazing car!

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  Great car, overall - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Charlie - January 9 - 6:46 pm

  This is a great car but definitely a product of a different design philosophy from past BMWs that we knew and loved. Thankfully, it has not been as Bangle-ized as 5s and 7s have. I agree with the reviews that some of the original purity has given way to more of a luxury driving experience. Engine, steering, suspension, and braking are typical BMW - great - as are seating and general interior ergonomics, and the sound system is superb. There are a few cheap interior bits and pieces, but the big miss is the total lack of any engine temperature reading other than an idiot light and no real dipstick in the engine compartment.

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  What a Car! - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Bruce - January 8 - 9:02 pm

  After almost a year, I am still awed by this car. It strikes such a cord of delight that there are such talented designers and engineers at BMW. It nothing less than a masterpiece...

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  All Good - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Thomas - January 8 - 7:03 pm

  Just picked up the 335i Friday and Ive been having a blast driving it. There isnt much to complain about with this car it is what I expected with a little bit more. Great car!

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  New to the BMW - 2002 BMW X5
  By arichard - January 7 - 8:37 am

  I recently bought a used 02 X5 4.4, I wished Id read these articles first. One person said he had problems with the mirror and seat memory -- ditto here. I have wasted time on several trips to the dealer to be told "We cant find a problem." No code found. I cant get a trailer hitch because theyre on back order. I cannot get an aftermarket rear entertainment system because no one has any positive experience getting them put in. However, it is a mechanical beast. It is a jack-up sports car and it moves. Some days I think about getting rid of it but when I clean it up, I like it, and other do too.

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  BMW M3 - 2003 BMW M3
  By Paul - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I was on the wait list for the Porsche 997 and decided to get the M3 instead. I would love to own both but do not regret my decision to get the M3. I have been in or owned and/or driven Audi S4, Ferrari 550, Porsche 911T, Corvette Z06. All are outstanding in their own way. Bottom line is that there is no comprable car for the money. Corvette Z06 is a fantastic performance machine but still in essence a Chevy. The C6 may be different. The S4 (2001) was a great car and easier to modify for more horsepower but had severe understeer and turbo lag. I would rather have the 911 turbo or Ferrari but obviously both are in a different price class.