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:

• 

  Ultimate Driving Experience? - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Simonizer - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Certainly a fun car to drive. Problem has been leaky door seal - 6 times to fix and still leaking; snap in steering wheel on abrupt braking; sunroof shade derailing; bad clutch; vibrating brakes...given these things it takes the polish off the driving luster. Does BMW really expect to compete with these type of problems?

• 

  Awesome 330i - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By jdardengreene - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a serious piece of machinery that makes one forget about the financial resources. My only regret....I delayed the purchase!!! Additionally, I took European delivery of this vehicle. I highly recommend!!!

• 

  sexy and complicated - 2017 BMW X1
  By Charles Connoy - July 31 - 8:37 am

  confusing controls --- complicated! not much visibility at the back

• 

  The Best of the Best - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By Doc Bee - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Just great to drive and be seen in.... Fast luxury and beauty!

• 

  Great Car - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Anthony H Jessen Jr - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Was able to get in on the factory incentives at the last minute and find the model I wanted. This car is esentially eveything I wanted in a sprots sedan.

• 

  No Real Complaints - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By 4 Time Owner - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This is the third 5 Series Ive owned, and they keep on getting better. The extra low end torque compared to the previous 528 version is noticable. It still handles like no other mid-size sedan, and Ive test driven all of them. If you enjoy precise road feel, steering, braking and cornering, this is the car to own.

• 

  Sport Pkg. - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By Steve Augusta - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned hundreds of vehicles and by far BMW got it right on the money! If you like fast, quiet, smooth, rock solid rides, this ones for you. The ulitimate road trip machine!

• 

  Disappointed in Certain systems - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Disappointed_in_BMW - July 29 - 2:00 am

  The BMWs I have owned have specific weekness that should be corrected by BMW rather that by consumers post- warranty. Condensation in tail lights, electronic readout cluster, cup holders are junk that should be upgraded by BMW due to poorly engineered and produced parts.

• 

  Best of the New BMWs - 2004 BMW M3
  By wkend - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I find reasons to drive this car! Only 600 miles so far, so still in the "break in" period. Typical BMW quality, but this thing is a rocket. The car is simply made to be driven fast. Only complaint is why on earth BMW would build a $60,000 car and make the alarm system, garage door opener and 6 disc CD changer an "option....??" But thats a small price to pay for a great handling, truly fun car.

• 

  bimmer for me! - 2004 BMW M3
  By cslvmi - July 29 - 2:00 am

  An excellent car! Totally fun to drive. Confidence and agillity are superb. Love sport mode. I make excuses to take it for a spin all the time.