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:

• 

  Loaded 330 Ci - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By jgp - March 25 - 10:00 am

  First car I bought (all SUVs) and Im very impressed. Has all the power along with the beauty one can handle. The acceleration and handling are so very impressive.

• 

  BMWs - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Char - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This car has excellent performance. I would like to tell others to really buy this car. It is excellent and I love my car.

• 

  X5 3.0 - 2003 BMW X5
  By alexroys - March 25 - 10:00 am

  It is hard to imagine how 225 HP pulls a 4,500 lb vehicle so sprightly. Handling is absolutely car-like, and certainly that of a very well-designed car. Interior comfort is excellent for four adults, and the various systems seem to mesh well together. NO off road experience yet, but if you, like most of us, seldom venture off the pavement, this has to be the SUV for you!

• 

  Best of Both Worlds - 2012 BMW X5
  By TJ Lewis - March 20 - 11:30 pm

  Looking for the perfect vehicle to replace a luxury car and Sport Utility Vehicle without sacrificing fuel economy or power and I hit the jackpot.

• 

  BMW 5 Series Review - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Vinny - March 20 - 6:33 am

  The BMW 5 Series is an awesome ride. The front passager side is a little small if your 59" or taller, but its with a few adjustments is ok. The car does gets a lot of attention. The carholders could have been a make so the cup can sit a little deeper in the holder. I would purchase it again, but only in the 7 Series for more leg room.

• 

  BMW 330i - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By John - March 19 - 1:33 pm

  Fantastic car and really meets the adage that it is a drivers car. It is a pleasure to drive and handles extremely well. BMW must improve their Navigation system and the iDrive interface is not user friendly even after 9 months of using daily.

• 

  BMW 535xi - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By JeffM - March 18 - 11:00 pm

  I previously owned a Lexus GS which was a rattle trap. I was originally concerned that the BMW would ride too rough for me since I have some pretty severe back problems. The 535 far exceeds my hopes and expectations. Not only are the comfort seats the most comfortable Ive ever owned, but the ride is superb. It is a bit firmer than the Lexus, but the support the seats provide make the BMW a much more comfortable car for me. And this thing is rock solid - no rattles. Plus the fun factor is out of this world.This car is a rocket on rails. My wife always disliked the looks of BMW, but I cant get her out of this car. The iDrive is a piece of cake, nav system is great, and the prem stereo rocks.

• 

  Excellent - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By tennisgrl3291 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  excellent quality. great performance. over all, GREAT CAR!

• 

  Great Car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By jennico - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I got this car for my birthday and I LOVE IT! However, as I expected, it has lots of little problems (speakers acting funny, rattling in the passenger chair, shocks make noises.. etc etc) but I am hoping the dealer will be able to fix that again. Its like a love/hate thing. I love the car, but it has its flaws.

• 

  I love my 330i - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By joefriday - March 18 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the best car I have ever owned. It is very well engineered and a joy to drive. I have a manual transmission and the sport package, which includes staggered wheels and low profile tires. It is the equal of any sports car I have driven. The best word I can think of to describe the car is "balance". Besides its 50/50 weight distribution, it has a great balance of engine power -- not a lot, but fine for this car. The suspension is a good balance between between handling and a comfortable ride. The car is a good balance between sport and luxury. The only negative is that the car has a rattle. I dont mind it, but Im sure it would annoy some.