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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  yea - 2003 BMW Z8
  By matthew17000 - November 23 - 2:00 am

  very smooth ride lots of pep very comfortable looks like a million dollars.

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  Excellent - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By john - November 22 - 7:20 pm

  Just purchased the 535xi. Its the best car I have ever driven. I have owned Mercedes, Infiniti and Acura and is far superior in quality and craftsmanship. The car is fun to drive, quite on the road, accelerates quickly with the 300HP turbo. Within two hours, you can master the iDrive. Its not as difficult as made out to be. Just have to go through a few more steps than other systems. I would highly recommend this car. The money is worth it when compared to others in the same price range.

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  Blast to drive - 2016 BMW 2-Series
  By Manish - November 22 - 4:33 pm

  This car is a blast to drive. Smaller dimensions with engine from regular size car give it a different personality. I drive a Subaru BRZ and absolutely love it. However, my better half (who drives an Audi) hates to ride with me for poor ride comfort. The 2 series solves the comfort problem while still being almost as much fun to drive as my little BRZ. Still not decided however.

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  Ive been spoiled - 2000 BMW M5
  By JLEE - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven many cars, but this has got to be the most balanced car there is on the market. I commute in this beauty, but it is still a joy to drive at mortal speeds...moving into the fast lane, well, its fast acting prozac on wheels. I bought a used 2000 with 11,000 miles on it, but it ran like a new one (after looking at the history of the former owner 60 year old male--I snatched it for 63,000 out the door one 6 months ago.) If you dont have quite the amount needed for a new one, shop until you drop--you wont be sorry.

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  Me and My M3 - 2002 BMW M3
  By RJEB - November 22 - 2:00 am

  My silver 2002 six-speed M3 makes me happy. I didnt know how to drive a stick-shift before I bought this car but the 333hp was all the incentive i needed to learn quickly. This car looks and handles great. Everytime i take the M3 out it gets more attention than almost any other car on the road. This car is so fast and so smooth it is unbelievable. Sunny days, winding country roads, sunroof open, a good CD...its all i need. If you are thinking about buying an M3 - just get one...

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  M3 review - 2002 BMW M3
  By samuel - November 22 - 2:00 am

  fantastic car. i had a great time driving it. i would rather have one of these than a ferrari.

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  Fun, quality, and styling at a price - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By S90 - November 21 - 2:00 am

  This car has "soul" and loves to be driven. It is rock solid and handles beautifully, but at 75k mi., you are going to have to pay for the fun: a new radiator, thermostat housing, hoses and water pump, power steering hoses suspension bushings, struts, valve cover gaskets, drive belt, etc. Once you pay for all this, the car is like new again and you just keep driving it and enjoying it. If you dont want to pay for maintenance, get a Japanese sedan. If you want to enjoy the drive to the office, get the 5er. Drive them back to back and you will understand. Also, be aware that the early V-8 motors (530i and 540i) had issues. Avoid them.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By Eric Generic - November 21 - 2:00 am

  In a world of butter knives, this car is a scalpule.

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  Amazing Teuton - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By SemperUbi - November 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. Despite its age, it holds up well. Ours is a 1990 Bronzit (BMW-speak for gold) auto the slushbox is perhaps the cars only fault. It is a crime to bipass the BMW stick. Anyway, it has 208 hp, but feels like much more. Roars back and forth between CT and NYC in 2 hours (we live on the eastern side of CT) easily. Has never had any major problems. May or may not require the timing chain done better to do it than face the risk. Reliability has been totally spotless. As Yuppies start to sell these in favor of more haute couture cars, these become great buys. Destined to be a classic.

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  2008 BMW 328i - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Cindy - November 20 - 6:13 pm

  This was my birthday present to myself, I traded in my Z3 that I had planned to keep forever and nearly did. But for my age 2 cars 1 for fun and 1 for practical use doesnt work any longer. This hardtop convertible is the ultimate car for a split personallity girl like me. Practical with room for the groceries or friend, but a joy when the weather comes up right and you want to run to the hills with the wind in your hair.