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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  X5 3.0i - 2002 BMW X5
  By andrew - May 12 - 8:06 pm

  This is a great vehicle.I bought it because it had awsome safety.It is worth paying up for. I think it is my favorite car in the whole world.

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  Fun Car - 2016 BMW 4-Series
  By George Golomb - May 11 - 1:18 am

  The convertible is fun to drive in good weather with the top down. What pleasantly surprised me is how comfortable the car is in cold weather. With heated seats, the hardtop convertible feels warm and delightful on cold days.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Mike - May 7 - 4:33 am

  The performance and overall handling of my 335i tops everything Ive ever owned. The broad torque band gives terrific power at most any speed and the car is incredibly nimble and easy to maneuver whether in town or on the highway. The car inspires confidence in the driver. The fit and finish are superb.

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  Very Nice... - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By morningsuncoin - May 6 - 10:00 am

  This car isnt the least expensive in its class, but is one of, if not, the best. A joy to drive because I feel integrated with the car in all driving environments. The time from order to delivery was 72 days - well worth the wait. The dealer provided the best customer service Ive had in 40 years of purchasing vehicles.

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  Beemer smiles per mile - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By kasha - May 6 - 10:00 am

  The BMW 325i--what a dream car! It has luxury, power, awesome handling, safety and quality finishing inside and exterior. One awesome feature is the programmable door key that allows the electric seats and mirrors to be configured separately for two different drivers. The car also has enough rear legroom for the mother-in-law.

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  00 323 Sedan - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Laborlitigator - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, fun to drive, fun to drive. After adding on 18" M3 style rims with Michelin Pilot Sports, it became even more fun to drive. Since I purchased it CPO, everything is covered until 100K miles which should be fine based on my driving.

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  Safe, fun, good looking - 2005 BMW X3
  By ed - May 4 - 9:30 pm

  With this car I have yet to have a backache. I have the basic X3. People think that the car cost 10k more than what i paid for it - even without leather seats. Turning corners is a rush especially feeling very secure with the vehicle. Cant rave enough about the steering. My 2.5i is enough.

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  BMW Does it Again!!! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By JoeinVA - May 1 - 10:30 pm

  Its been awhile since I have been behind the wheel of a BMW and the changes that have been made to the 325i since then have been dramatic. Honestly for the price, I dont see how anyone could honestly find fault. It clearly blows all comparable eqipping luxury mid-size sedans out the water (i.e. Audi A4 or Mercedes C Class). The fact that all maintenance is covered for 4 years/50,000 miles doesnt hurt either! Happy driving!!!!

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  Best Car I Ever Owned - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Greg - April 30 - 10:53 am

  Just picked up my new 328xi a week ago and cannot say enough good things about it. Would have gotten the 335 but it was not available in AWD yet. Engine is great and extremely fast. It came down to the Audi S4, Mercedes E350, Infiniti G35x and Infiniti M35x and by far the BMW drove the best and was the best value. I am leasing it for 24 months but very confident I will be buying it out at the end of the lease.

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  Awesome - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By alfrom Florida - April 30 - 2:46 am

  BMW has done a great job enhancing the 3 series. More rear seat space and trunk space, improved transmission, great stereo and of course great looks. Bought my 2006 325i last week and the dealer service was excellent. Performance, fuel economy and free scheduled maintenance were huge factors in my decision to buy this car.