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:

• 

  It is Almost the Ultimate Driving Machin - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By Laverrone - March 25 - 2:00 am

  As a previous owner of Japenese luxury vehicles, I thought it was about time to give BMW a try. One ride in a 740il as a passenger and driver was all it took. The 740il has it al. For a large (and I mean large)sedan, the 740 rides like no other vehicle. Super smooth, powerful engine, nearly perfect transmission and by far, the ultimate ride with extremely goo handling. Compared to Benz, Lexus, Infinity etc. nothing really compares. Its gorgeous inside and out but be prepared for big ticket maintenance costs. Nothing is cheap on a BMW!!

• 

  What a Car - 2003 BMW M5
  By Luvtodrive - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Unbeleiveable car that has it all: Comfort, Speed, Luxury, Performance, Style, safety.

• 

  I love it. - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By truly - March 22 - 4:06 pm

  Incredibly smooth, quiet, powerful ride. Back seat roomier than I thought it would be. Everything seems very ergonomically correct.

• 

  Worth the wait and every penny you spend - 1997 BMW M3
  By WytLytnyn - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car for 4 months and have enjoyed every minute of it. It really is the best compromise of the sports car and practical everyday car. The cost of maintenance and ownership can only be equalled by Ferrari and Mercedes (from what I hear). Invest in a Bentley manual, a metric socket set, a Peake code reset tool and a Valentine One. Youll be able to do most of the maintenance yourself. Also, you will pay through the nose for maintence you cant easily do (like a Gubbio flex disc on the driveshaft). Your insurance will be high and your mileage will suck due to your new addiction to the wailing engine and exhaust noise.

• 

  We mustve been lucky... - 2001 BMW X5
  By LOVE MY X5 - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Weve now had our X5 for almost 2 years. We love it! Im not sure what the others, including Consumer Reports, are talking about with all of their problems. Since weve had our car, it has NEVER been in the shop for any problems except for service maintenance (knock on wood). We love the the power of the 3.0 and the gas mileage (around 450mi to the tank). Its a great car to drive and being ranked #1 in safety keeps me at rest in a world with some irresponsible drivers. I agree with all the positive comments in the other posted messages (no need to repeat what has already been said).

• 

  For Passionate Drivers Only by DWR - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By ReinState Inc. - March 21 - 2:00 am

  True German engineering at its finest. As a passionate driver and an attendee of BMW club gatherings, I appreciate my 528i Sport to the utmost. Sure I’m not impressed with the cup holders, but those whom have that to comment on probably are talking on their cell phones,drinking your drink, all-the- while splitting the white lines doing 40 in a 55. What I appreciate as a 25,000 mile a year driver is what the Germans are all about,DRIVING. Confidence, security, and performance all sum up what I can’t fully express. The only other car I would consider is the 540 Sport……oh baby. At age 28 I feel blessed to have the finest made car on the road.

• 

  Upgrade from a 3 to a 5 - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By bostonsports - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Dont let the I-Drive intimidate you, it is very simple to learn. I spent all of 15 minutes doing all the programming necessary. The auto itself is great! Power, and styling is awesome-many compliments from other luxary sedans are being passed my way.

• 

  Best Ive ever had - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By oldf - March 18 - 2:00 am

  Not cheap but worth it. In the past trading in for a different car cost much more. Never kept a car this long and its going to be even longer!

• 

  Too Much Fun - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By JMac - March 17 - 5:26 pm

  I drove the 2008 535 sport & 550 sport back to back hard. My advice to anyone looking at both of these cars is this. If you cant feel much of a difference between the two cars, get the 535. I felt the difference immediately that is why I went with the 550. It feels very close in over-all performance to the 2001 M5 that I used to have. My wife had a different point of view but I used the Jedi mind trick on her value focused mind. She was happy enough with the 535 sport. I would agree that the 535 sport is 95% as good as the 550 sport for about 10% less money. I just happen to be one of those people who enjoy driving in that extra 5% zone and dont mind paying a little more for it.

• 

  What a family truckster - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By danno - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Tired of your SUV, rising gas prices... want german luxury, and yet flawless performance handling. This BMW wagon rules the mid size wagon roost... and for those of you with families, its top notch safety ratings can let you get a "sportscar" in a wagon.