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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  Damn! - 2002 BMW M5
  By BlackM5 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  The BMW M5 is the best all around sport sedan on the market today. Its 400 horses, 6 speed, and on-board navigation is the definition of "Best."

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  Built Proof - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By Mattegel - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I just rebuilt the motor on my 1.8L after owning it for three years and preparing to turbo it (151k miles), when I tore it apart I found after all the abuse I put it through (Redline in every gear, everytime I drive it) the lower rod and main bearings were almost like new.... NOW THAT IS GERMAN ENGINEERING!!!! I have killed several American made vehicles with the abuse I put them through. But every German made vehicle I have owned has lasted. (Volkswagen, ,Audi)

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  2003 745i would do better minus computer - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By jethro bodiiine - December 2 - 2:00 am

  great driving car poor on reliability. I had the car in the shop 4 times in first month to reprogram computer. for 70k this should not happen

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  BMW X3 - 2005 BMW X3
  By Michael Moses - December 1 - 6:26 am

  Not only is it a great looking vehicle, it performs like A BMW should. Acceleration, handling,comfort and braking are exactly like the whole line of BMW vehicles. After driving all the competitive SUVs, which were like a "Vanilla ice cream cone", the X3 was like a" deluxe bannana split".

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  A BMW Boat... - 2016 BMW 6-Series
  By theandrew - December 1 - 4:49 am

  I am a big fan of BMW and have had several of their models in the past and still have a 118d in the UK and an X5 from the same year, but I have to say that I was not a fan of this particular car will not be renewing my lease. It accelerates and brakes fantastically and has a surprisingly roomy trunk for weekend trips. There was also plenty of headroom for my 61" body and with the 17,000 miles Ive had this car there were no issues with it and it was plenty fuel efficient. Itll also do 110 mph on a straight highway all day long and its quiet for a convertible. But either because of its enormous weight (over 4,200 pounds) or the fact that it is a convertible and thus not as stiff, no matter what mode the car is in the car is really too wobbly and you feel this from lane changes, slightly twisty roads, and definitely on mountain roads. Because of this, I feel this is more of a highway cruiser than a sports car, I wouldnt even call it sporty. It rolls around like a boat and I hated the way the car felt when the road even got remotely twisty. Another thing that takes away from the sporty DNA I typically associate with BMW is the fact that the it has BMWs fantastic new 8-Speed transmission, but you really have no idea what the engine is doing because you could barely feel or hear the engine. I also had major gripes with the value because besides the LCD dashboard screen, the interior didnt feel any bit as different as the interior of my X5 from the same year, which was much cheaper and has the same engine. The X5 even had a plus on this thing because it had these interior mood lights which made you feel like you were in a nightclub or something. The entertainment was also the same in that the stereo wasnt any better, and there werent any more features as what I could work out. Overall I thought this car was fast and comfortable on a highway, dependable and efficient, but also too expensive, boring, and the handling is terrible.

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  BMW Turbo - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Mark - November 30 - 9:56 am

  Drives very nice, quick and smooth power. A little quiet. Beautiful interior. My first small BMW but it feels larger than it is.

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  Love & Hate - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By kevlexus10 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun car ive ever driven. Great performance and handling. Hugs the curves and rides like a dream on the open highway. But MAN !!! was I in for a surprise when it came to the repairs. Way too costly to maintain. And didnt expect the engine to go out at 100K. Good thing BMW fixed that problem quick. Get the engine checked if you plan on getting a 95 ($7,000-$10,000).

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2000 BMW Z3
  By GaryA - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Great handling, high end torque, and brakes, so I am now prone to driving at excessive speeds. Great fun on winding roads. Sometimes I dont believe the speedometer the car feels so solid. Mechanically almost perfect, only service has been scheduled variety so far. Real easy to pass on 2-lane roads. Love the automatic trans which adapts to driving style, engine redlines before trans shifts when accelerating aggresively. I am more concerned about being rear ended in panic stopping situations the brakes are so good. No rattles or squeeks. Dealer was wrong about trunk, however, golf clubs do fit! Best car I have ever owned, by far.

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  Great Car - 1999 BMW 7-Series
  By dynamos - November 30 - 2:00 am

  The 740i is an incredible car. Fun to drive plus has plenty of room both front and back. Loves to cruise at 80 mph+. Quiet and comfortable ride. Have had some problems, radiator and windshield wipers, but both were taken care of on factory warranty. Dealer service has been courteous and prompt.

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  street legal formula ones lil brother - 2003 BMW M5
  By soyez - November 30 - 2:00 am

  read and send tsuggested compliments to the top designer