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:

• 

  Cant go wrong with one of these. - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By daswolf - May 2 - 1:40 pm

  There are faster cars, there are better handling cars, there are more luxurious cars - BUT nobody has the whole driving package as well balanced, in this car category, as BMW does. 6 months later and I still have a big grin when Im walking out the office door to the parking lot. If your shopping around, drive your other options first. That will save you the return trip to the BMW dealer.

• 

  the ultimate driving machine - SMG - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By kncreed - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 325 for 3 weeks now. All I can say is that it really is the ultimate driving machine. The SMG is fantastic! Downshifts are smooth and quick. I cant wait until the break-in period is over.

• 

  04 bmw 530i sport package - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By jmmymack - April 30 - 10:00 am

  the car is really an amazing vehicle from the active steering to the anti roll feature. i-drive is as simple as using your mouse on your pc. minor problems have been drivers side window anti trap device making window go half way up and then down again as well as broken drivers cup holder. besides those minor ( but annoying) problems, car is trouble free and a real eye turner.

• 

  Sweet........ - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Lago - April 27 - 2:00 am

  This car has excellent handling and when engaged in Sports Mode it feels like a totally different car, great engine response. This is definitely a head turner!

• 

  A car for driving enthusiasts - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By silverbullet owner - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought my new 330i 6 weeks ago and have loved every minute driving it. This car is definately the car for those who like to drive.

• 

  An awesome car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Frank - April 21 - 2:03 am

  I was interested in AWD, coming from a Benz SUV, and looked at Audi, Acura, Infinity, Lexus, Mercedes, and Cadillac. The 535xi was simply the best car that I drove. It also was the most expensive of the group that I tested. In fact, like others have said, it is the best car that I have ever driven! The technology is not intrusive, it is helpful and with a little practice and reading the manuals, the navigation system and communication systems are your best friends. The fit and finish of the interior is impressive. The combination of pure driving capability, speed when needed, technology, and creature comforts in the cabin, made me covet the car.

• 

  Forget the Infiniti G35 Coupe - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Midas - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased my 325CI. I was seriously considering the G35 COUPE, but with all the BS I had to go through with the Infiniti dealer, I decided to get the CI. What a great choice.. Infiniti was selling at sticker, and the dealer was trying to rob me blind. I was wheeling back and forth with the G#% for days. I walked into the BMW dealer and about an hour later, walked out with a loaded one for $1500 over invoice.. I have the inside scoop on the G35 and they are looking at a min of $3500 over invoice. Way too much for a car that no one knows if it is going to have a good resale value. The BMW kicks butt and I would recommend it to anyone

• 

  Perfect balance of between sport & luxury - 2017 BMW X3
  By Dale - April 14 - 2:22 am

  Bought my 2017 xDrive28 in October 2016 and have 10,500 on it in four months. Body integrity is exceptional and its both fun to drive and comfortable. I ordered it from the dealer and surprisingly it showed up in less than five weeks, being U.S. manufactured. Didnt go for a lot of options, no sunroof, leather or whatever but did get all the available safety options. Im 73 years old and recognize that my reflexes arent want they use to be so happy to get all the help I can. Very disappointed that automatic braking was not available. Had that feature on my 2015 Subaru Forester and I believe it should be mandatory on all new cars. Very, very disappointed with BMW U.S.A. s extended warranty procedures. I got talked into it at the dealer but decided to cancel it a few weeks later for a full refund as provided in the warranty manual. Just too expensive for what you get. Have gone round and round with the dealer and BMW corporate but still waiting for refund over three months after cancelling it. All and all Im happy with the car. Is it worth twice as much as a Forester? Probably not but at my age and still working full time I figure its just a well deserved present for myself.

• 

  Amazing - 2003 BMW Z4
  By xyvyx - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Its fast, looks great (gets TONS of attention), feels solid and has an intoxicating exhaust note. Cupholders could use some work and my oil indicator came on after 3500 miles, but fine other than that.

• 

  Wow? - 2004 BMW Z4
  By hivpozbud - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Gorgeous? Yes. Ugly? Maybe Different? Yes. Eye catching? Yes. Powerful? Y E S !!! The Z4 isnt a car made to appeal to everyones taste in cars. Only those who can appreciate the performance and beauty of a BMW. This is a car that has fluid lines (though some are kind of "out there"), moves gracefully, and looks like nothing else out there. It also, when hammered, carves the road like a brand new scalpel. The exhaust note is orgasmic and the power seems endless. I have a 3.0 Z4 but I drove the 2.5 and even though the 3.0 has a more powerful engine, the 2.5 drove like it would have no problems keeping up.