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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  Follow-up review after 2K miles - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Michael - May 22 - 10:46 am

  Driving in about 4 inches of unpaved snow, slush and ice: In straight lines it accelerates and stops under complete control. To test out the traction around corners, I took a couple turns at relatively unsafe speeds, close to 15 MPH. The DTS flickered and appeared to do something, but it definitely felt like I drifted out of my lane. During sensible speeds, drifting was not an issue. Slight hesitance may be confused with skidding, but its actually DTS doing its thing to keep you on your intended path. X-drive is very capable. However, I honestly feel Subaru sets the bar when it comes to AWD technology. Basically if youre looking for a luxury AWD coupé, look no further.

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  An awesome sports car! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By user728941 - May 21 - 12:30 pm

  This car drives phenomenally. Going 100 mph feels like you are doing 40 mph. Its hugs the road around turns and sucks up all the bumps so you dont feel it. The inside is super quiet when driving. If I had known that BMWs were so much fun to drive, I would have bought one years ago.

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  Wow - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By K - May 19 - 7:20 am

  An awesome car. Very fast and fun to drive! I traded my Volvo S60R AWD for this, it makes the Volvo seem like a bus!

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  BMW convert - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By QwazyWabbit - May 11 - 9:30 am

  I have always owned Japanese import cars, and had never driven a BMW. Now I know what I was missing. This car is simply one word--JOY. The technological prowess the BMW engineers is exceptional-nothing can touch the performance of this "ultimate driving machine". Although Japanese electronics seen to be more reliable over the long run, BMW has far exceeded any other manufacturer in terms of safety (including Volvo) and performance. After all, the safest airbag is the one that doesnt have to go off.

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  Love my car! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By sloan - May 11 - 2:00 am

  My 325i is fantastic. However, I have moved to CO from TX and now I find I need an AWD vehicle. I am completely spoiled by being a BMW owner and now cannot contemplate driving any other car. So, its either wait for the X3 to come in or get a 325 XiT (the wagon). Either way, I know Ill be satisfied. The best car out there for the money (if you want a fun driving experience!). You must get the manual transmission!

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  Great Car for the Money!! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Deon - May 10 - 9:36 pm

  We found our 330xi to be a great car. Its comfortable, has BMW build quality and reliability. We found the run flat tires to be annoying, so we replaced them. Now our ride is much smoother. Great snow traction, and handles the road very well. Cheers!

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  Amazing - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By John - May 7 - 10:30 pm

  This is my first BMW and will not be the last. I love cars and I can honestly say I have never driven a car like this one before. I feel like I am always in control, even in the rain. I test drove all the cars in its class and nothing comes close to it. Yes, it is a little more of an expense, but it really is worth every cent. I get so much satisfaction from this automobile that I never want to leave it. It really does live up to its rep. Job well done!

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  Great Car! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Ella - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I love my car, although I would prefer a more user-friendly electronic/audio system. The car is extremely comfortable to drive and ride in.

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  Great value, and ROOMY! Beautiful vehicle! - 2016 BMW X1
  By Gary - May 4 - 7:56 pm

  This is the new "Handsome car" I tell my mother. She just purchased this vehicle and took the title of "handsome car" from my fathers Mercedes. I dont even really know what to say about this car. Everything is perfect, and when I drove it the thing felt sportier than my RSX-S. Quicker too!

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  Compare to my Lexus RX300 - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By 330 lover - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Love my Bimmer, great performance 225- hp, good handling (I dont have sport package, so handling is just good not great). No overheat, no water leak or anything. No visit to the dealer until the 1st oil change just like my Lexus.