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:

• 

  MY BMW - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By rafael bacares - September 1 - 10:00 am

  It is a fantastic car to drive.

• 

  BMW Rocks! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By sleepygemini - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I got everything I want from a car in my BMW 330i: the look, the speed/power, agility, and the passenger space. However, this is not the most ergonomically designed car in the world, especially when used for telecommuting through LA highways. The narrowing cockpit shape can be quite unfriendly to the right knee after frequent braking and accelerating.

• 

  BMW X3.25i Really is the Ultimate - 2004 BMW X3
  By MattSue - September 1 - 2:00 am

  The car drives like a dream. However, the cabin interior makes creaking noises at slow speeds (5-10 mph), and you can hear the wind blowing at higher speeds (40 mph +).

• 

  The best car in the world - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Tamra t - September 1 - 2:00 am

  This car has 200,000 miles on it and it runs like its brand new

• 

  Excellent SUV - 2004 BMW X3
  By Todd R. - August 31 - 2:00 am

  This is a great value for the money. It may not be as comfortable as my old Grand Cherokee, but it drives 100 % better. Its handling is what you would expect from a BMW. I am very happy. The lease price was much less than SUVs with far less ratings.

• 

  Fun to Drive - 2001 BMW Z3
  By chuwau - August 31 - 2:00 am

  If you are considering this vehicle, dont hesitate any longer. The Z3 is FUN and the quality and workmanship is outstanding.

• 

  5th BMW - 2017 BMW X3
  By Charles R - August 30 - 10:47 pm

  love the fact that a lease from BMW means no cost basic maintence

• 

  Solid SUV, Great Hybrid Performance - 2017 BMW X5
  By Enthusiast Dad - August 30 - 1:09 pm

  This plugin hybrid is the future of European car makers product lines. The paired gas and electric engines with overnight charging make for an uncompromising vehicle. The standard X5 gets low 20s MPG with a normal mix of city and highway driving. With this X5 40e plugin hybird, we charge once per day and have been averaging 45 MPG per tank. The car is confident and handles great, possibly due to the lower center of gravity with the heavy battery. Charging overnight is easy with a standard 120V household plug. For $500-$1000 you can install a 3.8 KWh "level 2" charger at home to cut down the charge time from ~8hours down to about 2.5 hours. And there are lots of great parking perks at public lots when youre in an electric car, frequently with the option to charge for free. (Public charging is sometimes pay-for-charge and costs less than $2.00). Overall the vehicle is extremely comfortable, high performing, easy to drive, and well appointed with premium leather, metal trim, and real woods. Its an expensive vehicle, but not a bad value.

• 

  The Bubba Truck - 2002 BMW X5
  By ToneG - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Been a Ford Chevy man all my life but the wife liked the X5 and to repent for all my fishing and golf trips, and to keep taking them, I reluctantly agreed to buy har an X5. Mistake!!! Im married to a BMWer Junkie! She loves it and wouldnt have anything else! I too have come to like it more than Ill admit to her. The handling in terrible weather is awsome, and the power is unbelieveable. The brakes are the biggest and best Ive ever seen. The car has to be one of the safest ever made.

• 

  Drop top fun - 2004 BMW Z4
  By AJ Fons - August 30 - 2:00 am

  First convertible in 15 years. Car is everything anyone can want. Great looks, sporty, true roadster feel. Top is down in a NY minute and back up as quick when necessary. The power and handling do not lack, the interior design has all the comforts. When the top is up the car is quiet and tight. BMW really did it right.