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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  Great Ride - 2000 BMW Z3
  By LMB - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I love driving this car. I really only drive it on pretty days - couldnt stand to see it dirty. I think the car drives great and is so much fun on the open road. I corners great, and has the typical BMW quality. I love the "roadster" look of this car inside and out -- I think the new Z4 looks to much like the Mercedes and doesnt have the same roadster feel.

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  AVOID THE X1! - 2017 BMW X1
  By Karla - April 9 - 3:31 am

  I recently got into a 2017 X1 and it was a huge mistake. After test driving the car a few times I decided to transition from my 328i into an X1 as I was looking for more space and comfort. After driving off the lot and sitting in the car for 15 minutes I immediately noticed the seat was off. THESE ARE THE MOST UNCOMFORTABLE SEATS. The drivers seat is now causing me BACK PAIN which Ive had to visit a chiropractor to help manage. Unfortunately, both the dealer and BMW corporate have not been helpful - they claim theres nothing they can do to help me. I unfortunately will have to to exit my lease early and get into another make and model.

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  This is one kicking car. - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By John Sullivan - April 9 - 2:00 am

  Coming from a car history of teh 1980s this car is awesome. I have driven explorers,a nd Durangos but I love this car. 1985 BMW 524td (yes a Diesel) 1989 Volvo 240 GL Bow my 1997 E36 (318i) and I love it. Fun, zuppy, great mileage and its supposed to all be recyclable. Kudos BMW. Save the World.

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  2006 330i Sport Pkg - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Pietro - April 8 - 8:53 pm

  All around super car with a balances level performance and comfort.

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  5 series eval - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By steve galgoul - April 8 - 2:00 am

  the car has been quite reliable for 13 years, the interior leather should be upgraded, as is showed wear signs quite prematurely,i would consider another if sales incentives,(low finance,free finance)were available...Germanys gutless failure to support the US war effort could affect my decision

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  WATCH OUT AMGS AND 911S - 2003 BMW M3
  By CHARLES - April 8 - 2:00 am

  THE ACCELERATIONIS PHENOMENAL.I HAVE THE SMG_II TRANSMISSIONAND LET ME TELL YOU ITS A BLAAAAAAAAAAAST S6 MODE WITH SPORTS MODE IS LIKE SITTING ON TOP OF A ROCKET.WITH THIS SET ACCELERATION IS TRUUUUULY SCAAAAAAAAAARY WITH SHIFTS EXECUTED IN A MERE 0.8 SECS WITH A SHUDDERING SLAP IN THE BACK OF THE NECK HOW BMW ENGINEERS BALANCED THIS WITH SUCH AN AMAZING CHASIS IS SIMPLY AWE INSPIRING 333HP..O-60 IN 4.8SEC PLUS 11 TRANSMISSION MODES PLUS A SPORTS MODE BUTTON WHICH REALLY SEEMS LIKE A NITRO SWITCH IS SCAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARY!!!!!!

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  1998 BMW M3 - 1998 BMW M3
  By mdolan777 - April 8 - 2:00 am

  This car is the ultimate high- performance everyday drive car. It has everything, and comfort to boot.

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  Unique - 2001 BMW Z3
  By stz3coupe - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car because it is so unique, not allot of people have one. Many may not like the way it looks, but I think it looks great. Added some DINAN upgrades and WOW, nice improvement! The car really involves you in driving. Met plenty of people at work and at the gym who first don’t like the coupe, but soon tend to change their mind. Its easy to follow the crowd, I wanted a car that helps me stand out.

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  smooth ride on 2005 model - 2005 BMW X5
  By Fulton - April 7 - 5:16 pm

  The ride is awesome, looks fantastic, very roomy for our teenagers and a third friend ... my wife wants an exact duplicate. Avoid the sport package ... makes for a bumpy ride and restrictive seats! Bluetooth function on the intergrated cellphone is seemless! Extended sunroof, creates a roomy feel in the cabin. IF YOU HAD PREVIOUS CONCERNS ABOUT THE RIDE AND PRICE, ID ENCOURAGE YOU TO TAKE ANOTHER TEST DRIVE IN A 2005 MODEL!

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  great car - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By raroberts - April 7 - 2:00 am

  A great driving machine. Does 120 as easy as 65.