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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  1995 BMW M3 Review - 1995 BMW M3
  By Kenneth Aaron - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my M3 four years ago and currently have 111,000. miles on the odometer. The car has been trouble free and a pleasure to own and drive. I have driven many cars and this is certainly one of the best handling cars available at any price. Incredible stability and balance. The 1995 is definitely the best year to go for due to the OBD 1, non staggered wheels, more neutral suspension set up, and less complexity. I highly suggest that you buy the nicest, cleanest example you can find.The extra clean low mileage cars are getting harder and harder to find, and demand a premium price,however an abused or neglected one may very well cost you much more in expensive repairs.

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  Whiplash inducing head-turner - 1991 BMW 8-Series
  By M.Rad. - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle used with 110,000 miles on it, and proceeded to drive her from Utah to texas, without a single hickup. The drive through the mountains of Wyoming,Colorado ans New Mwxico was an exhilirating experience of a lifetime, in a vehicle born for that express purpous. With a combination of excelent handling, strong upper RPM power, and un-matched good looks, this car is trusted and treasured companion.

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  Super sports sedan - room to improve in luxury - 2016 BMW M3
  By lewkh - October 14 - 8:32 am

  Likes: Head-up display with road speed limit info; rev-matching downshift better than my heel-toe skills; LED headlamps (driving lamps would be a great bonus); full leather option worth it; classic BMW instrument panel; split screen for navigation/audio. Dislikes (room for improvement): cant reset default engine/suspension/steering settings--have to select M1 every time one starts up car; lacks rear middle armrest/cup holders; front air dam easily scrapes on sloped parking lot entries/exit; comfort access buttons only on two front doors (not available on rear doors like Audis); side lane change assist non-functional at slower speeds (unlike Mercedes-Benz); top view needs a front camera; no synchronization button for HVAC; when CD ejects, it always reverts back to AM/FM radio even if satellite radio was last station played. Despite all the areas of details that would improve the luxury quotient, the sport attributes would make me select the M3 if I had to buy again!

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  Great idea poor implementation - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Camner - October 14 - 2:00 am

  This is an exquisite car in form and powertrain but it is frstratingly poor in terms of enjoyment and ride quality. The throttle is too long in regular driving but too responsive while in sport mode. The iDrive is the single most foolhardy idea that BMW has ever incorperated. It distracts the drver, cannot be used during travel, and detracts from the driving experience, leaving you frustrated and unfulfilled. The driver is very isolated from the road again leaving me unhappy and frustrated with the car. I personally regret my purchase of this particular automobile and hope that BMW corrects the problems with this car before it ruins thier previously infallible comapny.

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  Gotta Have One - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Sircody - October 14 - 2:00 am

  THis has been the best new vehicle purchase I have made. The new style gets people stairing at me all day, and with the V8 engine - everyone ends up behind me.

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  IT IS THE BEST! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Nyker - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Should have the sport package. The handling and stability is out of this world. As a former Lexus owner, I was woorried about the navigation system. It is almost as good, no need to worry. I-drive is not difficult, folks. There are a few interior short falls like cup holder, storage, ash tray(why?). The looks is on the eye of the beholder, although I like it. Bottom line, you wont be able to drive other after driving the 5. But sport package is a must.

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  A must - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Judah - October 14 - 2:00 am

  It has been a fun experience. I love gadgets and the latest trends in technology, it has it all. It has been a blessing.

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  Z4 Zips!!!! - 2016 BMW Z4
  By Tom Wahl - October 13 - 11:46 pm

  As someone who has owned many BMWs I was curious as to how this stacked up vs. my 428I. I thoroughly enjoyed the car and wish I had purchased it vs. the 428!It rides and handles better and is a much more fun car vs. the 428.

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  BMW Evaluation - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Alan Louganis - October 13 - 10:00 am

  BMW is a car that you spend more money fixing it than your car payments. The BMW corp and specially Santa Monica dealership have stolen so much from me.

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  A dream to drive for 3 days - 2004 BMW Z4
  By dallasstarsgirl - October 13 - 10:00 am

  This was a loaner. I drove the heck out of it. It corners like on rails. Acceleration was smooth. Never oncehydroplaned in rain. The most ironic thing is that the car got hit on: at the gas station, at the grocery store, at the ofcie supply place. My only complaint as it got pushed around by the wind from Semis when you drive at above 80MPH. But it gets stared a and is a blast to drive.