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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  best bmw yet - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By alan cole - April 28 - 6:26 pm

  This is my fifth BMW since 1994. I have had 2 540s and three 3 series. I have also owned Lexus, Acura, Volvo... multiples of each, and still own a Porsche This new 330 is the best yet. It literally does it all... performs great, drives smoothly, quietly and gets GREAT gas mileage - 27mpg all around and over 32 on the highway. Would recommend the larger engine 330, but both are fine.

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  WOW! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By shuber - April 26 - 8:03 am

  Just got my first BMW - 07 335i sedan with auto/prem/sport/cold/paddles/sat. What an exhilarating driving experience! Very responsive; excellent acceleration; awesome exhaust sound; and great handling. Must drive in sport mode. Great curbside appeal. Once you test drive it, youll want one. Nothing close in its class. Man - what a car!

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  Terrific car! - 2016 BMW X1
  By Sondra Hamelin - April 26 - 3:58 am

  We had 3 2-seater cars and wanted something small but classy. After looking at several, saw this one and fell in love. It is everything that comes with the BMW name - great ride, wonderful exceleration, and just a pleasure to drive. Yes, its a bit pricey, but worth every penny. Since we already own 2 other BMWs, we were aware that the maintenance cost would be at the high end. But well still be driving this car when all the others are razor blades!

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  Super Fun Car - 2004 BMW Z4
  By mcchris - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive been extreamly happy with my purchase and would do it again in a heartbeat. The car is too much fun to drive. If youre seriously considering buying one, be warned of a few things: it has a stiff suspension, it only fits two people and a moderate amount of lugage, and some people hate the looks. If you say "thats the way its supposed to be", then you know this car is for you. If these things irritate you, consider another car. If you think the HP numbers are too low, give it a good test drive. 0-60 in 7, top speed 140 is pretty good for 184 ponies. Be warned: the car is addictive.

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  excellent - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By plothug - April 24 - 2:00 am

  it is a very good car that people should enjoy.

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  Top Notch - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By AirForceAuto - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Great ride, even on brick streets. Super handling, good quality inside and out. Draws admiring looks everywhere. Best new car Ive ever owned.

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  Pop-Top Nirvana - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Dotkidz - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Great lines, good power, superb sound and comfort. The BMW 330Ci is remarkable fun. Eye-catching and fun, this convertible is great to drive and great to look at across a parking lot. The options make this car good in winter and summer. Theres little to improve.

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  cars - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By zeelia - April 19 - 10:00 am

  this car is of the hook

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  IF ITS A SPORT CAR YOU WANT, GET IT! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By wireless1 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  This is an ultimate driving machine. 6- sp manual transmission is a must for driving enthusiasts. Not many manufacturers offer this. Car is extremely fast and handling is superb. New sport package hugs the road you always feel in control, at any speed. I invested in a new radar detector immediately. Inside comfort is great and new I-drive is easy to use, especially compared to original version. If you are a driving enthusiast, you will love this car. If you want a luxury sports car this is it, if you want a luxury boat go for the Mercedes.

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  Ultimate Driving - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Seabum - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I have a 525i/w sport package and I love it. Its a sports car with class and room for the whole family at the same time. From the outside it looks like you typical luxury sedan, on the inside, well move over granny, its all sport.