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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  BMW 760LI - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By potato sack - October 21 - 2:00 am

  It is a beutiful and refined car. I may be a gas guzzler but for anyone who can afford a $100,000 + car it should be no problem. It handles great, accelerates great and it has a V-12. The inside is spacious and comfortable. the outside it beutiful and sporty.

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  Fun to drive! - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By PAER - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Initially, I wanted to purchase a 7 series, but discovered that I could get the same V-8 in a 540. Plus! Why pay a few extra thousand dollars to have leg room for people to sit in the back who are not paying your car note! The 1997-2001 5 series look basically the same, so I used the “worst house in the best neighborhood” theory and purchased a 1997 in mid-Jan 2004 with only 52K miles on it. At the 61K mark, the cooling system died and I got that and all belts replaced at an independent BMW shop. I saved some pennies and went from riding a bike to getting this BMW! :-)

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  watch out for the factory defect. - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By bimmer guru - October 21 - 2:00 am

  intereting little car with lots of features. not a really fast ride but okay for a slow weekend drive.

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  What a car! - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By Jameseye - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my first BMW and it is a good introduction to the brand. I have owned other sports sedans in the past but none have had the performance with the size of engine that this car has. I feel like I am driving a v6 and often leave others at the light.

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  Significant improvement from the prev. generation! - 2016 BMW X1
  By Peter Ghosh - October 20 - 3:00 pm

  I had a 2014 X1 (prev generation) that was my favorite car ever, but was coming off lease. I expected this new generation of X1 to be fair since it was being molded to look like the rest of the X-line family (truth be told, I wanted the Tesla Model 3 but couldnt wait that long). I was wrong. Dead wrong. This is actually more fun than the last one. Slightly less horsepower, yet the 0-60 is quicker. The move to a front-wheel-emphasized 4WD is not noticeable. I sometimes miss the hydraulic steering (however, the 2016s adaptive steering makes parking and city driving much easier). I got every tech package except the ACC (cmon, an extra thousand, really?) and it seems worth it. By adding a few extra PSI to the tires (compared to the door sticker), I am getting 35+ MPG on the highway! Eco-mode is much more useful now without sacrifice (I especially didnt like the jolt on the 2014 when I needed to pass someone on the highway due to the shift timing change in this mode). The interior materials are a step up (interior lighting at night is especially top notch). The rear view is crowded compared to previous gen (due to smaller rear window and seat back obstructions), but not dangerous. The front seats are narrower than the last model and could use a little more cushioning as well - make sure you like them first vs. ordering the sports seats/package. I am 58 at 175 pounds so the base seats work for me. Overall, Its more luxurious, quieter and more fun than the previous generation (which was already great). I will have a hard time giving this up in 3 years.

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  chfinkelberg - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By chfinkelberg - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Is fan to drive and feels safe. Very good handling in the city and haigh way. My window got some how noice and I had to bring it to the dealer for repair.

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  2003 325ia - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Dmark - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Without a doubt, the most fun car to drive. It handles extremely well on all types of roads and traffic.Its built like a rock with no squeeks or rattles to be found anywhere.It takes curves without any sway or loss of control( at higher speeds ).I find it to be a perfect blend of balance,performance and road handling.

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  christian - 2003 BMW X5
  By chfinkelberg - October 20 - 10:00 am

  great SUV, fun, safe and sporty

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  Save your $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ - 2003 BMW X5
  By mchockey - October 20 - 10:00 am

  41000 Mile And had to put in a new transmission. The first year i got stuck in 3" of snow!!!!!The inside door handles are flaking!!

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  8th BMW since 1980 - 2003 BMW X5
  By AJSJR - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I have just over 2000 miles on my X5, and so far its everything I expected and a little more. The horsepower is ideal and makes it fun to drive. This is my eighth BMW and I am just as satisfied as my first.