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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  Still a great car - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By kjmac - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Even after 10 years, this car is still fun to drive. The exterior of the car gets a lot of looks, and it has held up very well. The safety and performance of this car make it worth the extra expense of buying and maintaining a BMW.

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  we love it! - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By j and j - June 6 - 1:56 am

  The BMW has no comparison on the road when it comes to a driving machine! We have a dog, haul paintings, and soon to have a child ... this car does it all. I agree that its something everyone should drive.

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  Thats what Im talking about - 1998 BMW Z3
  By dookie - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Wow, what a car. Great power from a car that size and it handles like it is on rails. Fun factor thru the roof

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  BMW 528i - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By ruggierose - June 4 - 2:00 am

  The car has be great since I have had it in 98. Handles well and is designed as you would expect from BMW.

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  Turbo review - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Eric - June 3 - 10:06 am

  This twin turbo is very quiet yet powerful. Seats are extremely comfy with sport package, and rides very decently for s.p and runflats. Looks killer in black, lots of techno wizardry. Very large trunk, and great cruising range of about 450 miles. Build quality great, reliability unknown long term because of new model status. A lot of car for the money.

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  94 - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By Andrew E. Nelson - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Spectacular low mileage. Black on black. Sports package.

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  Awesome Car - 2003 BMW M5
  By Kev50027 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I love my new M5!! it is so incredibly fast and looks awesome. The navigation system is easy to use and helps me get where im going.

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  Truth about the early Z3 - 1996 BMW Z3
  By MikeInDallas - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Had Z3 2 years now, bought used. Door handle pulled off/common defect. Light switch is a pull switch, but the snap-on cap that covers the screw-on bolt is also snap-on. Duh. Location of window controls in center console results in shorts because its next to shifter and gets dirty. Windows sometimes dont roll up/down. Cat. Converter bad, rattles like mad. Top rattles too. Trunk leaks. This was a factory approved used car. Ive talked to others who have cited similar experiences. Maybe an older model you buy will have these things fixed, maybe not.

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  If its what you want - 2004 BMW X3
  By ddavid - June 2 - 10:00 am

  3.0 engine rocks. Much better than 2.4. Not your standard luxury SUV-not bloated or soft. Cat-quick, great handling. Tranny smooth as butter. Interior materials superior. No junk. Tasteful. Sport setting on transmission works best. Seats wonderful. Only SUV my wife (411) and I (63) can both actually drive comfortably. Leather nubby but I like it. Stiff suspension but only feel it on really rough roads. On the highway it runs like a dream. Its like driving a sedan with a very large trunk. Had no intention of buying a BMW but after driving them all fell in love with it. Deserves a long look and long test drive.

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  This Vehicle Is Superb! - 2004 BMW X3
  By ballparkrogue - June 2 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a perfect mix of class and sport. After reading Car & Drivers scathing review, I was apprehensive but this car drives great - smooth, comfortable, and intune with the road. 2.5 liters is all you need! BMW has really hit the ground running with this one.