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 it, but ... - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Stibift - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Love the performance, the look and the handling of the car. So much fun to drive. Really enjoy leaving others at the stop light, the car moves away to effortless. Disappointed with the reliability. Both rear power windows broke, one after another, had also problems with the windshield molding deteriorating, water pump was an expensive repair.

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  Bad Ass Toy - 2003 BMW X5
  By Beandog - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This SAV is wonderful. I looked at several other vehicles and decided on the X5. Best choice I ever made. The only problem is that I dont get to drive it much since my girlfriend is always taking it. Forcing me to drive her RX300. No comparison in vehicles. If your going SUV go X5!!

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  2002 BMW X5 3.0 - 2003 BMW X5
  By Denny73 - October 9 - 2:00 am

  What a highway cruiser! So quiet-- solid at high speeds. I bought it because of the safety features and the ride. I had a 95 525i that I sold when I left D.C. and bought the X5 because I wanted the 5-series ride with full-time AWD. ONLY regret is that I did not pay the $150 for the heated steering wheel--would have been a great addition to the heated seats.

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  This much fun should be illegal - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Ian Clark - October 9 - 2:00 am

  5 spd, sports pkg. Still as much fun to drive as when new. I am 64" and with the sports seats set low it was the only 5 speed I could actually fit in comfortably. (what a shame) It really feels like youre wearing it, a sublime extention of your body. Speed and handling continue to impress (even scare at times) and never get tired of looking at it. The extended warranty is a good idea, so far front shocks, brakes, a/c, speakers, fuel pump, etc. Some how it is all still worth it.

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  OWNER - 2016 BMW X5
  By ALEXEI MORFFIS - October 8 - 3:27 pm

  A LOT OF RUBBER NOISE ON THE ROAD

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  LOVE THIS CAR!!!!!!! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By skparagon - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Cant believe this ride! Handles great. Sport package is a must! You have to drive it to truly appreciate it. Passing by the bmw logo on your way into the house is pretty special too.

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  New 3 Series Good Looks Hard to Live With - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Bryan Banks - October 8 - 7:46 am

  The new 3 Series handles great, the engine and trans. are excellent. There are several design flaws. First it is hard to get into and out of because of the location of the B pillar and the lower seat height. Starting and turning off the car is a a three step process that just isnt natural. Visibility is poor when trying to look back.The cup holders in the front are located very poorly and will spill. The speed control is poorly located under the turn signal.The turn signal is a two stage process, it will have you trying to turn off and signalling the wrong way. Brakes grab. The sunvisor hits your head if turning it to the side. The radio is unreadable with sun glasses on. Traded it in.

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  Run flat tires - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By John Mihm - October 8 - 3:00 am

  I have had six straight BMWs and havent owned anything else for 20 some years. My problem is the run flat tires. The vehicle handling was acceptable when I purchased it but has gone steadly down hill. The dealer is resisting doing anything about it but the noise is gotten to be unacceptable. My air pressure sensor has come on twice and after checking the tires the pressure is within acceptable limits. Something wrong here and its definitely the tires. Dont take a chance on these tires. My experience proves it. Dont accept the run flats.

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  Exceeds the Hype! - 1999 BMW M3
  By Silver99M3 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  The M3 is perhaps the best car ever built for all around performance, handling, acceleration, braking, feel and oh so many other areas. Sure, the engine could use some more power, but it wasnt designed to be the best from 0-60. This is a super powered go cart that is meant to out perform on an auto cross track. Anyone can go straight and fast.. this one is designed to twist your insides around with tight cornering and give you a strain in your neck when accelerating out of a corner. As far as stupid comments about poor winter performance, I say "DUH!"

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  Ausgezeichnet !! - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By rwh - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive yet to find ANYTHING I dont think is wonderful about the car. The engine is smooth as silk and has gobs of power and torque throughout the rev range. Interior is plush and ride just short of cushy, givng a nod to the performance aspect of the car. The thing most knocked about the vehicle, I-Drive, just isnt that hard to pick up, especially if you use the voice activation stuff on frequently used business (going from AM to FM radio, etc.), but it does require a good 15 minutes of looking at the manual to absorb all its capabilities. All in all - a wonderfully grand carriage with all the pep and handling of most sport coupes.