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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  540i - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By jamesgallo - November 28 - 2:00 am

  this car is too much fun to drive. power, handling, brakes are all top shelf. powertrain is amazing as it pulls in any gear at any speed: from idle to redline. gas mileage is reasonable on highway (mid 20s), but abismal if pushed hard (which is hard to do without losing ones license). v8 is a little rougher than the i6 i had, but sounds great.

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  Awesome BMW - 2001 BMW M3
  By neuron25 - November 28 - 2:00 am

  I have owned BMWs and other sports cars before before but this is the most awesome car I have ever driven. The handling is excellent. The noise of the soft top is almost non existent (no small thing if you have ever had a convertible). If your if your children are 14 years old or less and your friends are small, you will hear no complaints from the back seat.

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  still turns heads - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By miker g - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Not many NEW cars can compare to the feel of this car. The steering is so precise, the car is linear and stays that way even when you stomp on it in snow. Very comfortable driving position and all controls are right where they should be. Reliability & repairs have been a problem. Not sure if I would buy another bimmer for this reason.

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  70k and love it - 2001 BMW X5
  By hlgilbert - November 26 - 2:00 am

  No problems in 70k miles. Solid, well built truck. Wonderful vehicle. Not a lot of room in the rear.

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  The best, but not perfect - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Patrick Santana - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Near flawless execution of style, comfort, and performance... and its just plain fun to drive. If you have never owned a BMW, its better in just about every way. The imperfection came when my wife hit a curb with the left front wheel at a slow speed and 3 airbags went off and $3500.00 later I had my car back. It took the dealer several tries to get the airbag light to stay off

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  absolute maintenance horror story - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By msb - November 26 - 2:00 am

  This car has been an unmitigated disaster from the time we got it with only 20,000 miles. Although it drives very well, and has a comfortable and solid feel for a smaller car, we have sunk thousands into it for repairs large and larger. The worst was a blown head gasket at 45,000 miles! Unbelievable. Numerous motors and switches have gone out, from the window controllers to wheel bearings...stuff youd never expect from a car with so few miles, and a BMW to boot.

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  Run-Flats No Good - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By JeffersonK - November 25 - 12:53 pm

  The Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Run- Flat tires dont work with the 330i. In less than 6 months, Ive already had to have one replaced and now I need 2 more. The service center thought that there might be a braking problem or transmission problem that makes them wear out so fast, but it might just be the tires.

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  Best Performance Small Size SUV - 2004 BMW X3
  By Small BMW Lover - November 25 - 10:00 am

  The engine is much smoother than I expected. Good acceleration even with automatic & exceptionally good road holding. Roomy with its size.

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  Wowww! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Geroge - November 25 - 10:00 am

  I have a 545i with SMG and I wake up every morning wanting to get in the car. Acceleration, braking, suspension, huge balls!!!!! I cant wait for the M5

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  Leaves the MB-E350 in the Rear View Mirror - 2016 BMW 5-Series
  By B. Rupp - November 25 - 3:59 am

  In moving from a Mercedes E-350 Sedan after two years to the BMW 528i (Premium, Luxury, Seating, Driver Assistance Pkg.) Im now asking what took me so long? From handling to comfort to every bell and whistle, and the turbo engine (who needs the 535i) its simply a much better automobile.