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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  The BEST CAR EVER - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Suzanne Knowlton - January 21 - 2:01 pm

  I have owned all sorts of luxury vehicles in my life, and I am not a young chicken! This car drives like a luxury sedan. Even better. Its big, comfortable, fast, gets good gas mileage and performs better than any other car Ive owned. The problem is they no longer make it! Big problem for BMW. You can get one in Europe. In fact, you see them all over the European countryside.

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  A stunning performance - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Harry7558 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I got more than what I had bargained for-the power and torq with the steptronic is just amazing, has nimble handling and a true sport feel. Interior/exterior workmanship/design is excellent, although the cup holders and stereo could use redesigning. Love the navigation; Im surprised at how accurate it is. All in all - I would highly recommend this car for family (excellent safety features) or fun/leisure. I would also highly recommend Ulysses at East Bay BMW in Pleasanton, CA. They were all just Excellent! p.s:use the speed limit sensor (included with the onboard computer) you never know when youll hit 100!! :-)

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  My wifes valentines present - 2003 BMW Z4
  By GaryP - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I bought It for my wife as a valentine present and she really enjoys driving it. The only problem that I have seen is that the factory paint job does not reflect a $40000. vehicle. When we picked it up from the dealer it was obvious that he hadnt checked it out because the drivers electric seat wasnt working.

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  Built to Drive - 2014 BMW 3-Series
  By Michael Provost - January 21 - 12:25 am

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  great ride - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By jose soria - January 20 - 8:20 pm

  its really fun and fast and enjoyable for all kind of driving, good handling and plenty of speed, nice features and design

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  Love my E90 - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Debbie - January 18 - 7:50 am

  I love the new E90 body style!! I got the 6sp with sports package. Drives like a DREAM. Although I hate the CDV when shifting the gears. What a huge difference it made when I removed the CDV... now it shifts very smooth.

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  what a car! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By pubsmeister - January 17 - 4:56 pm

  Now in my second week of driving the 545i. Great engine, handling, and just plain fun to drive. Last car was an Acura Legend, another great car but the difference is unbelieveable. I got the SMG transmission, you get the fun of the manual with the ease of use of an automatic. The iDrive is a piece of cake.

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  Killer Car - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By bobgs - January 15 - 3:23 am

  I considered many cars before deciding on the 525 but none live up to the 525. I get excited every time I step into this car. Handling, comfort, transmission, and styling (in my opinion) are best in class. 525 power is adequate and even deceptively strong. I dont think the 40hp upgrade to the 530 is worth the money. Overall the best car in the 40-50k range.

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  7 month review - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Ab - January 11 - 2:23 am

  I have owned the car for about 7 months and the car is a dream to drive. I have no complaints. It truly delivers on performance, style, and quality. However, I truly regret not getting the iDrive when I ordered the car. I took the bad advice from Edmunds, Car and Drive, Motor Trend, and other car magazines. The iDrive is not hard to use and its very easy to operate unless you are computer illiterate. It provides so many features that are useful, including the NAV. I am thinking of getting a new 330i just to get the IDrive. ThatÂ’s how disappointed I am for not getting the IDrive. My advice, test the iDrive and then make a decision. Do not listen to these editors because they are not computer savvy.

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  excellant car - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By jmclassey - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a 1999 Mercedes for this vehicle and would do it again in a heart beat. It is sporty, fun to drive and an excellent feeling car, easy maneuverablity and great on the eye.