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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  1200 miles in 3 weeks - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By sabdy - October 22 - 2:36 pm

  First BMW and I love it - it is a drivers car - hands on - its so much fun I dont even want to use cruise control.

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  Meets a Lot of Needs - 2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By carolinabmer - October 21 - 2:05 am

  I had a demanding set of criteria for this car. Im mid-50s, single, no kids at home. I enjoyed having multiple cars for my different moods and purposes - a 740iL for traveling, a Subaru Forester for bad weather and hauling, and two C6 Corvettes for pure, unadulterated fun. I also wanted to get better fuel economy than my old vehicles (harder than you might think as my V-8 vehicles all got 26 - 30 MPG Hwy, Subaru rarely >20). I wanted to get as much of these into one car as possible. Mission accomplished in the 335i Xdrive Gran Tourissimo.

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  First BMW...AWESOME!!! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Paul Shavatt - October 18 - 2:00 am

  This is our first BMW and we were concerned about the price.... Now, we are glad we spent the extra money for the sport package. What a Great Car! After initially resisting this purchase my wife loves it and now understands what the "Ultimate driving machine" means.

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  All-Wheel Driving pleasure - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Marc Weston - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought a new 2003 325Xi AWD touring wagon to replace the 328 converible I had owned for four years. Although it doesnt have the drop top, it is as much a pleasure to drive and drives like a sports car rather than a wagon. As expected, the BMW acceleration, braking,fit and finish are absolutely first rate. And having already driven one full nasty Canadian winter with the AWD system, I can firmly say that this is the most versatile and comfortable car I have ever owned. Yes, a bit more pricey than many....but WELL WORTH IT!

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  luv for bimmer - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Victoria Chavez - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I really love my bimmer, and will never trade it in for any other car.

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  A stag in the forrest of wanabes - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Paulo at Whitehouse - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Hunterdon BMW (Whitehouse, NJ) provided a lone stag namely, 530i 2004 fully loaded Titanium 4 dr sedan drives like a dream. Corners like a NASCAR winner. Acceleration is awsome. Comfort and class is better than LEXUS. Worth every dollar at $44,600. Styling is five years ahead of its time while the driving pleasure unbelievable. Hold 4 golf bags with ease, back seat passengers think they are in a big SUV with internal quietness at 80 mph as if you are sitting in their living room. BMW engineers (BMW production)should be proud & very pleased with this design, execution and delivery of a near luxury driving machine-Next decade performance and comfort.

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  early impression - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By dieter - October 18 - 2:00 am

  have driven the car only 1500 miles (sport package/premium/auto). love it overall. the steering and suspension in particular. much better than my last car, a 2000 3 series which i also enjoyed. engine is very responsive with very good power-surprising considring the numbers.

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  3rd BMW - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By tjm atl - October 14 - 8:43 pm

  Traded in my 05 545 for an 08 535i. BMW is obviously mis-representing the 300hp rating on this car. It is faster than the 08 550 off the line and is only .1 secs slower to 60mph. Why pay the extra 10K? The torque and shift sequencing is incredible, especially in Sport mode (dont be cheap, get the sport package). Loaded up on all the extras, Major improvements on the nav, iDrive and iPod interface. Thought I was possibly downgrading moving from 325hp down to 300hp, believe me... the 535 hands down out performs the 545, gets better gas mi. than the 550, and from my experience, is equally as fast.

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  Blast to Drive - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Robert Baker - October 9 - 10:23 pm

  This is my first BMW but it wont be my last. My wife and I have had so much fun driving this automobile, I used to think that a car always needed power to have fun but the way the car handles is remarkable. I have not had the car long enough to gauge the reliability but so far so good.

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  M3 look-a-like - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By beamerkid - October 9 - 4:16 pm

  I just got this car last month, and I already fell in love with the car. My dream car is an M3, and this car is really the closet thing you can get to it, especially with the performance package, m wheels and body kit. Some people cant even tell the difference. The car sounds great, everyone that gets in it, mentions the sound of the car. The car take corners and turns better then any other car ive driven. I would highly recommend this car to any interested. or not interested.lol. I would suggest the 330 over the 325 as well because my sister has a 325, and I beat her in any race lol. If you can afford, go for the 330. Its an all around fun car to drive.