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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  2000 528i BMW Review - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Wildman66 - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I drove my first 5 series to my senior prom almost 20 years ago - borrowed my aunts and was 2 days late bringing it back! Finally able to get my own and am loving it. Ride is firm but supple - never harsh or unpredicatable. Solid vehicle throughout - wish my Ford SuperCoupe had some of the same characteristics.

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  bimmer - 2003 BMW M3
  By gizza - June 15 - 2:00 am

  da best car ever driven, found it soo easy to blend in with the features

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  A good car. - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By googie - June 14 - 2:00 am

  This is a very nice car. It has an incredible drive! Has a few little bugs, it seems BMW has not quite gotten everything sorted out but overall is a real gem. Beats the S500 and Lexus 400 completely.

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  Loved this car - 1992 BMW 5-Series
  By eeeeerik - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Got this car 2 years old out coming out of college, fella before me put 76K miles on it in the first two years so I got a great deal. In the next 2 years I put another 60K miles on it, never a hiccup. Gave it to my wife when we got married. Now with 2 kids and over 200K miles, the maintenance cycle has picked up beyond what Im willing to commit (which is quite a bit). The engine/tranny is still solid. Its the belts, water pump, alternator, battery, leather seats are starting to rip, you get the point. Hate to call it quits but the time has come.

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  95 525i sedan - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By tango - June 13 - 2:00 am

  Car is great - also have 84 533i - New one one is more sophisticated - runs a s smooth as a sewing machine. Bought with 180,000k still extremely tight and handling is very crisp. Looks as good as the new style - maybe better. Needs cup holder.

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  Best of the Best - 2001 BMW X5
  By jordie9 - June 13 - 2:00 am

  Brought a used x5 with 27000k it is like a new car. Drove it to N.C. 4xs since brought. Should have broght one years ago. Noything but smiles here. Although they sold me the car saying it had sports suspension... it does not. Still happy they will make it up

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  Fun but Uncomfortable - 2004 BMW Z4
  By sctts233 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is a lot of fun to drive, especially with the top down. With the top up, there is a lot of rattling noises and a very bumpy, unpleasant ride. I would not recommend this as an everyday car.

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  BMW X3 - 2017 BMW X3
  By rtn - June 11 - 10:08 pm

  Only two things are worth mentioning: gas mileage on high way is about 24.25; I anticipated 28 to 30; front seat is a little uncomfortable on long trips. other than that we love the car.

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  BMW Still Top Performer in Class - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By gneissgod - June 11 - 10:00 am

  The BMW 540i is still the best in class. As a luxury vehicle it has every amenity that anyone would want to have. As a sport sedan it has power and is as agile as a cat. The sound system is spectacular but you really dont need one because listening to the engine as you drive is music to a true drivers ears.

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  X5 is the best suv - 2002 BMW X5
  By scorvino - June 9 - 2:00 am

  i love this vehicle, cant think of anything bmw is lacking