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:

• 

  Best luxury car there is! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By YUPPIE - September 14 - 4:20 pm

  I just bought my 2006 325i in mid- August and I absolutely love it. As a woman, I can tell you how great it is to drive and the envy eyes you get riding around time. Its reliable, great on gas and thats coming from a ex- honda civic owner. I also have the navigation system and I feel like Im in heaven. Best damn car ever!

• 

  Perfectly Balanced - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By Johnnyboy7 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  My favorite car of all time. I even once owned a 95 M3, but the 328is returns about 92% of the performance of its more viral cousin. And the cost of ownership is considerably less. I have spent no more than $1,000 (including a new battery, and thats it. I have 52,000 trouble-free miles. Best of all, I am never board when Im driving this car! I always enjoy my drive to work. It is truly made for people who actually like to drive it is the anti- SUV!!!!

• 

  Nothing compares - 2016 BMW X5
  By Robert DiGiorgio - September 13 - 3:50 am

  Perfect Ride

• 

  2002 BMW X5 - A True Superstar! - 2002 BMW X5
  By mark fee - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This is the finest automibile that I have ever owned. In fact, it is the finest vehicle that I have ever driven. The X5 has an uncanny ability to predict what the driver wants (and needs) and does it for / with you. It is refined and comfortable. I would buy it again in a heartbeat and will continue to drive one unless the rumored X7 comes out and then I might try the X7. The safety and comfort offered by the X5 is second to none. It is comfortable on long trips and is a blast on windy roads! It truly is "The Ultimate Driving Machine!"

• 

  great car - 2002 BMW M5
  By bmw321 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  smooth as glass powerfull superb handeling a true driving machine

• 

  This is what a roadster should be. - 1996 BMW Z3
  By KennethH - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Pure top down, wind in your face, diving pleasure. There are other convertibles that offer more in the way of raw performance, but none that just work so perfectly together -- its much more than the sum of its parts. And you can drive the daylights out of the 1.9 liter motor without losing your license.

• 

  Perfect 4-door sedan - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Craig - September 12 - 1:40 am

  I have about 5000 miles on this car. It is a dream to drive, and the ideal practical yet fun to drive sedan. I previously owned a 98 328i and this car is leaps and bounds better in every category. I was a little nervous about opting for automatic transmission this time, but I neednt have worried. With manual, sport, and "D" modes to choose from, and quick shifting, it is exceptionally competent and fun. It doesnt hurt that the massive torque is available at almost any RPM, so acceleration is strong in any gear. The run flat tires are a mixed bag--I like the safety feature but dont care for the harsher ride and potential expense to replace.

• 

  BMW Rules - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By Solomon - September 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is just plain solid. I drive it in all conditions--yes snow too. Put some blizzaks on for winter and youd think you had 4-wheel drive. Buy a used one to save the money and be in double heaven!

• 

  New 525i - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By gms - September 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Bimmer and I am quickly finding out way consumer report has rated this vechile the best value in its price range. This machine is responsive and quick! The automatic steptronic transmission is probally by far the best way to feel the solid platform. Besides, the transmission makes this car extremely fun to drive. If I had any complaints, it would be that I expected more comfort when snuggled in the bucket seat. In this department the Volvo S80 has the Bimmer beat (we also own a 2001 S80.) Other than that, if you are looking for fantistic machine that is blast to drive, go for any model in the 5 series line up.

• 

  Best bang for buck - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Charlotte 745i - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Test drove S-420, QX-4, LS-430 and nothing comes close in style, performance, interior finish and comfort. 745 was recalled for computer and fuel pump issues, but we were given a 745 loaner. No complaints. This car is simply the most athletic car Ive ever owned. Power and refinement, what more could you want?