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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  Love my new 5 series! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By John D. Morrow - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Very fun to drive. Lots of power you wouldnt believe it is only a 6 cylinder. The iDrive is not bad once you learn how to operate it. It took about 45 minutes just sitting in the car, with the owners manual, and playing with it to learn the system. Once you figure everything out you will love the car.

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  Performs as promised - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Stevewelz - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven this car for 3 weeks and I continue to be impressed daily with the smooth steady powerband of the V-8 and the very quick handling dynamics. This car surprises you with what it can do. Build quality and fit and finish is excellent and I enjoy driving a car that is distinctive in design. This is a car that provides the comfort of a large car and the handling of a well- balanced sport sedan. I have owned 4 cars from the other 2 German competitors in the past 12 years and the BMW is by far superior to them all.

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  Love it! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By DonnaB - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Love the car, fun to drive, xenon headlights move when you do, rain sensors too cool. Service has been great, only problem was my transmission slipping at 5K miles, took it to dealer, was replaced in 2 days time. Trunk a little small when top down, but didnt buy car for the trunk space!

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  Car of my dreams - 2016 BMW 6-Series
  By Ginter - January 13 - 6:50 am

  What more can a guy want?? Red 640I xDrive convertable.... every gadget and a wolf in sheeps clothing. Luxurious , heavy head turner. Havent seen another on the road in over a week. Rare ??? expensive ! Love driving it. Very comfortable front seats and decent trunk space. Stereo is OK but Ive had better. The digital display is amazing watching the entire display turn fire engine red when placed in sport or sport plus. The exhaust sings.... push me . Like I said card of my dreams. Perfect mid life crisis automobile... Oh Im amazed at the MPG. So far about 29 Still smiling

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  .....almost - 1996 BMW 8-Series
  By Melrin4SC - January 13 - 2:00 am

  a few minor tweeks and this would have been the best prodcution car ever produced,... period. But unfortunately it is a bit too heavy. But several great firsts and innovations came out on this car before all others. 5 speed Steptronic, EDC and DSC, better than AST+4. reduce empty weight by about 900 pounds would make it so much more drivable, and almsot tossable with the 96 on drive train. But still gets surprising fuel economy for a car this heavy.

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  Who cares if the trunk wont open? - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By OhioBeemer - January 12 - 1:23 pm

  What an amazing car....quick in acceleration, handling, braking; great to look at, especially with the top down; minor problem with trunk switch came on early, but easily fixed. Fit and finish is fabulous, far superior to previously owned US and British cars, comparable to Japanese manufacturers.

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  Too Many Parts - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By disatisfied ob-gyn - January 12 - 2:00 am

  It has been a lifelong dream to finally own the car. Now the bad part. The car has been into the dealership more times than I can remember. Problems started with the electronic keyfob system. Ive been stuck along the side of many roads and in many parking lots waiting for BMW roadside. I thought it was my fault that the doors were left open and my belongs ransacked but as I tried to lock them I saw that the locks open up by themselves. Overall I cant say that I am satisfied. I probably should have bought an S series Benz. To have so much electronic equipment and not train the mechanics is just Bad Business.

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  Nothing but the finest - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Husky - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I ordered my BMW 330 CIC through the BMW European Delivery plan. The substantial savings allowed us to drive the vehicle through four European countries and cover the cost of a great vacation. The vehicle handled very well on the autobaun and cruised comfortably at 100 mph. The steering, suspension and body are tight and the interior detail is first class. Paintwork and fit are extraordinary. The car has exceeded my expectations in every area and I would recommend the 330 CIC to any one that is looking for a quality, upscale convertible. Super ride.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2001 BMW M5
  By dshin - January 11 - 2:00 am

  There are truely no substitues for this machine. It is a CLASSIC which can now start appreciating in value now BMW has stopped building this model, and the upcoming new model seems to be a couple steps backwards in styling. This is a car you can drive to work everyday and dont have to have a Porsche or a Ferrari in your garage for your weekend driving pleasures. It truely is a drivers car rather than for someone seeking for a shallow status. Certainly not for someone who likes automatics!

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  I love it! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By SLCAV - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I am a first time BMW owner and I cannot believe how easy it was to fall in love with this car. Its fun to drive, impressive and can quickly get you out of a jam (no pun intended) when it really counts. Although the car mags werent too impressed with the Z4, I have to disagree. The simple interior makes it sharp and functional. Its a drivers car, you dont need any extra bells and whistles. I was and by far is the smartest deal I have ever made. Nick Alexander Imports is an excellent dealership!