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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  The wait is over - 2011 BMW 1-Series
  By greysworld - July 17 - 8:20 am

  Just had this car for a week after a long time of research and test drives among German cars. I am gratified to have chosen this one, handling and dynamics at its best on this solid compact car! I am a daily commuter in the DC and NOVA area and it never fails to put a smile in my face regardless of what traffic I am in. The new version of i drive is so much better and easy to use. Finally, they caught up with the Japanese delivery of easy to use technology. This car is a testament to BMWs claim as the ultimate driving machine.

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  X5 Rules the fun-to-drive SUV Market - 2004 BMW X5
  By elstone - July 16 - 12:15 pm

  The X5 is a joy to drive! Fun, fast, agile, and driver-intuitive. All the reasons you buy a BMW to begin with. But, you also get the benefits of an SUV - more space (though its not a huge cargo area) and solid off-road capabilities. A perfect marriage, in my book. If you are looking for an SUV and dont want to compromise in the driving department, this is a great fit. Looks great too!

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  Love My 5-series Touring - 1993 BMW 5-Series
  By Maggio Slooter - July 14 - 5:16 pm

  This car was super-clean at the time of purchase, and had close to 80,000 miles on her. I was a bit apprehensive about purchasing a vehicle with that many miles, but this car has been the most reliable we have ever owned, and now has over 180,000 miles. I replaced the 15" wheels with M-series 17" of that era, replaced the springs with M springs, and added a performance chip. I never tire of driving her and continue to admire the styling, which to my eye, is timeless. For a car which is now 18 years old, it very much holds its own in looks and performance. Its also damn practical. Ive hauled all kinds of heavy stuff, and the self-leveling system works brilliantly. I give BMW an A+

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  2011 528i - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By fmc - July 14 - 1:56 pm

  Have had our new 2011 5 series about one week. Had a 2008 model & the 2011 is much improved. Many improvements. This is our third BMW & is a great car with outstanding handling, comfort, styling, performance & unbelievable gas mileage. Also our BMW dealership gives great service.

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  Simply Epic - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Chris - July 13 - 7:54 pm

  Just recently purchased this car for a replacement my 2007 Jetta, and all i have to say is "WOW" The power of the engine as you accelerate down the road is exhilarating. It car looks amazing and the looks it receives as you drive down the road is justified. The gas mileage is better in this then my Jetta, i am getting about 30 mpg. The 10 logic speaker system sounds outstanding and the bluetooth that is incorporated in works very well. Overall, the car is a finely tuned car that is put together and in in my opinion, the best car on the market.

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  Awesome 740LI - 2011 BMW 7-Series
  By TheTitan PI - July 12 - 3:42 pm

  My ownership experience was great at Riverside BMW. The Sales and Finance team were great in making the best deal happen. Driving the car is exciting. The 6 twin turbo puts out max power with lots of horsepower to give. Car is quiet and runs like a 7 series with the comfort and sport I expected with this type of car.

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  The Charro to heaven - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By BMW550iSport - July 12 - 2:25 pm

  This car is amazing, so different from previous one yet better overall. Now you no longer need to compromise the practicality for the performance of BMW 5 series. Test drove the M37, E350, XF and Cayenne S, this one standout as overall winner. Sport package is absolutely needed to complete the car.

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  I become more impressed each passing day - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Gene - July 12 - 6:56 am

  In order to validate BMWs trademark cliche, The Ultimate Driving Machine, you need to sit yourself behind the wheel. The BMW brand is a timeless vehicle that always seem to stay in style much longer than its competitors. I am impressed how easy the 3 series is to drive. The vehicle is so balanced and follows your commands so effortlessly. I have heard some negative remarks about the 3 series. Preventive maintenance is necessary for a vehicle that offers so much. If you do not take care of it than you cant expect excellent reliability. Take care of it and it will not let you down.

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  I love this car - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Destiny - July 12 - 6:27 am

  I was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee before this, so I am used to well made cars with power, but this car I must gives a driving experience far better than the rest. Take good care of it though because every time my boyfriend is rough on it, it seems like something need to be repaired. Cup holders piss me off!! But other then that I looooovvvvveee this car soooooo much!

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  First BMW - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Hugh - July 10 - 8:21 am

  Love this car after trading in runflats for AAA and can of flat fixer. Mixed driving get 25 mpg, at 72k miles still feels new, minimal problems after tires (ac needed work and peeling door handles replaced at 25 k) best mileage when averaging 80 mph. Need radar detector as I cant tell how fast Im going due to smooth ride. Will definitely buy another BMW in 2016.