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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  ABSOLUTELY THRILLED!!! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By SonLenn - April 12 - 12:56 pm

  Ive owned my 06 330i (White with Beige interior, premium package with extras) for approximately 1 week and I absolutely love it! Quality, quality, quality... that is the best way I can describe the 330i. I cant believe it took me so long to pay attention to the Bimmers. My family thinks Im nuts because all I talk about is my 330i and all of its features. Wow!!!!

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  Very impressive - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Stardog - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I just traded in my 97 328iC and 93 Integra (summer and winter cars) for a 325xi. With the huge moonroof open its practically a convertible and with the AWD rainy and snowy days wont be so bad now. Especially when you consider reliability, it easily beat out the Audi A4 Quattro and Mercedes C240 4MATIC and any SUV. All comparisons aside, I love this car for what it is. I thought Id miss the convertible - no way (even if its 70F today). My 120mi/day commute will now be a near- pleasure. If youve got $35K to spend this is the only car to consider.

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  Beauty is only skin deep - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By swany - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Truly one of the best performance sedans on the market. Clean design with a solid feeling of reliable performance. You ride in quiet luxurious surroundings and at the same time have a real "feel" for the road and the exhilaration of strong performance.

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  First time BMW Owner - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By critacco - April 8 - 10:00 am

  According to the automotive press, this car is the standard for performance sedans and I would have to agree. The car drives like its on rails and there is constant power throughout the pedel. The leatherette is good enough that I dont even tell people that its fake. I like the smooth shifts and feedback from the engine. This is a true drivers care.

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  Pretty fenomenal - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By EnthusiastDriver - April 4 - 2:00 am

  This is the second 540i 6spd I own, replacing a 98. Performance, reliability, workmanship are incredible. I did Euro delivery for both cars, and it added to the experience. Overall, the price/performance ratio is incredible. Best car I ever owned.

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  A true "Driving Machine" - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By rickmckee - March 31 - 11:43 am

  This is my second 325 in the last 4 years and this is quite the improvement over my 2003 325xi! I didnt think that was possible! The only thing I have a problem with at times is that the voice activation doesnt always pick up my commands on the first try, And the iDrive is a bit slow to respond at times as well. Overall, this car has great acceleration from a dead stop and lots of power to spare while cruising down the highway. It takes a 35 MPH exit ramp at 60 MPH with a squeal in the tires. Handling and cornering are perfect. MPG with my car is 19 mpg/city and 30 mpg/hwy (a bit worse when I get aggressive with the gas). It is a beautiful vehicle and is a true "Driving Machine"!

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  First full year of enjoyment completed! - 2016 BMW X5
  By Jim Campbell - March 31 - 11:05 am

  This is my third X5 and they just keep getting better. This 2016 with the 5.0 V-8 is a rocket and handles like a dream. This is my Dailey driver and business car that rides like the 5 series and will pull my fishing boat on the weekends. This is a performance machine so dont expect exceptional mileage. When I drive the interstate at 70- 75 the mileage is 23 but around town 16-17 with all the starting and stops- heavy machine so you should expect it. My last 2012 was the diesel an I got 20 in town and 26 Highway. Amazingly got 12.5 pulling a boat 950 miles to Florida! I like the diesel but wanted a change. Im a gear head and have a Corvette, so I enjoy performance and handling. You really cannot compare this to another V6 SUV, this V-8 with 440 hp can run with the Porsch SUV for 25k less.

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  Fun First Sport Coupe - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Jeff Mortberg - March 31 - 4:21 am

  Bought this car about a year ago. It is the first and only BMW Ive ever owned. It is my favorite car of all that Ive owned. With the top down on a sunny day, zinging through the twists and turns of an undulating country road, this car is a ton of fun. My first thought on a beautiful day when I am free from obligations is "...Go for a drive..."! The 2.5 liter in-line six is smooth and responsive. With just 184 hp and similar number torque, it wont win a drag race with a Mustang, but it is surprisingly peppy. Id estimate 0-60 comes in around 7 seconds, which is comparable to my 2011 Fusion Sport AWD (which has 263 hp). But the miles per gallon is much better. Im seeing around 28-30 highway, and 21-23 city. This car also just looks great. It cannot be considered practical, seeing the owners manual strongly suggests using premium gas, and it only carries four people (and their handbags) with just a modicum of back-seat comfort. But who ever buys a convertible with practicality as their first consideration? This is one fun, reliable, and pretty car. I cant recommend it highly enough to the right buyer. This one has definitely made me a BMW fan!

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  Not what you would expect. - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Wynne - March 29 - 11:13 pm

  The new 2006 BMW 325i is not what you would expect from a 4-door sedan! The comfort level is superb (Even for someone who is 63", as I am). The new 3 liter engine really does the trick. The automatic transmition allows for a comfortable ride in "D" mode, however, when you find yourself on an empty road filled with curves, put it in Sport mode or the semi-manual mode and the car truely comes alive. The sports package adds quite a nice touch. The larger rims and adjustable sport seats are easily worth the money. Also, I have been averaging a great 34 mpg on the highway. Hard to beat! The car is truly a joy to drive, and I find myself taking a rural, winding route home in the evenings.

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  Great Car! - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By John B - March 26 - 9:06 pm

  I recently traded in my 2006 325i sedan for the 2008 328i coupe. The difference between the 2 cars is night and day. With the addition of the sport package (upgrade) and the newly upgraded runflat tires for 08 models, the car drives 100% better than my 06 sedan. This car is truly fun to drive and I cant really see the need to spend the extra $8,000 for the 335i. You wont be disappointed!