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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  Having a midlife crisis? - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By topdownbadboy - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Im still smiling after 400 new car miles. The 330cic clutch grabbed too high for my liking; the 5speed Steptronic was the best way to go for me. This car is strong and wants to go. There are several defects on my vehicle. My vehicle has Premium Package, Sport Package, heated seats, and metallic paint. The dealer cut the price by about $1,600 off MSRP, included rubber BMW floor mats and wheel locks. This car is not made for bigger people, people 250+ lbs. and taller than 6-2 ought to think twice about this car. Top down driving is great at 40F, 70mph on the freeway. Its difficult to keep this car around the speed limit.

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  stellar performer - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By fastdriverinla - November 22 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever had. Yes, it costs more than the average, but you get a lot more too. The differences are subtle but effective. Most people wont notice the precision and sophistication of the smooth-as-butter five speed manual or the tenacity of the cars suspension through an off ramp. Sadly, most of the capabilities of this car will go unused by 80 percent of the people who buy the 330i. For the other 20%, we have explored the limits and understand what makes a BMW the Ultimate Driving Machine.

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  BMW Z4 instant classic - 2009 BMW Z4
  By Larry N - November 21 - 6:50 pm

  Having loved my first roadster, a 2000 Z3 I was disappointed by the style changes with the first Z4. The 2009 Z4 brings back the beautiful lines with several improvements. The car fits like a glove, handles with incredible accuracy, and for the most part gives you the best of both a convertible and a comfortable sedan. This is my third roadster (also 2003 Boxster). Car came with sport shift paddles (I still dont get). Would have preferred a manual. The 3.0 automatic had plenty of power to match my driving style and I actually preferred to the 3.5. Bottom line, this is a gorgeous car that is a blast to drive.

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  14 years old goin on 20 - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By r_thiebaud - November 21 - 9:58 am

  This car has been and still is absolutely reliable! The last thousand miles averaged 24.3 MPG. My 1991 750iL averages 9.2 MPG - a bit crippling with todays fuel price.

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  Very Reliable - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By scott - November 20 - 9:03 pm

  Bought this car with 85k on it. Sold it with 130k. Only had one problem ac related 150.00 fixed it. Ran great good gas mileage and looks beautiful. Blizzaks on the back will make winter driving no problem (within reason). Dont be afraid to buy. Engine and tranny are bulletproof.

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  3-series Coupe Never Disappoints! - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By ChuckD - November 20 - 1:17 pm

  This is my third BMW, my second in the 3-series product line. This is my first Coupe. I was attracted, immediately, to the styling when it was revised for 2007. I test drove the car then and loved it but settled on the Z4 as it had an incredible lease deal that I could not pass up. Time came to turn in the Z4 and went for the Coupe. I have not missed the Z4 one day and that is a tall order. The Coupe is an amazing automobile. When I drove it home from the dealership I took the parkway and found myself thinking - this car isnt moving real fast - looked at the speedo - 95. Felt like I was doing 50. Typical of BMWs - they are made to be driven!

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  ZHP option is the way to go!!! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Eduardo - November 20 - 1:03 pm

  I love my 2004 330i with the ZHP (Performance Package) option. This automobile handles and is more responsive than a stock 330i (even compared to a 330i with the ZSP (Sport Package). The M interior and exterior trim really make this 330i stand above all the other 330is. The massive Michelin Sport wheels stick to the ground like glue. Cornering is amazing. I LOVE this automobile. A nice balance of performance and styling.

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  For the money, no real alternatives. - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By enrique_montaban - November 20 - 10:00 am

  I got this when the over-powered steering was included: which BMW later replaced with the proper sport steering for no cost (and I hear changed back factory production as well). Ive liked it a lot, but there were minor glitches: CD player had to be replaced because CDs wouldnt always eject (this problem manifested the day I drove it out of the Munich delivery center and I didnt have time to fix it then...the work-around was to push up against the upper lip of the slot). One other oddball thing was 1 brake light already had to be replaced at 40K miles. But for 40K miles, that seems like a good record (so far).

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  Great Car - 2007 BMW X5
  By RM - November 19 - 5:00 pm

  I love my BMW, great car, lots of power, best at taking turns at high speed. I dont know any other SUV like this one out there. I had X5 3.0 before and 4.8 doesnt compare - it is in a different league with the power and the sound of engine. I think its stick shift is the best, iDrive works fine, not sure what others referring to, all need my car to do is play a CD :). Bottom line - great core NOTHING compares, it is made for the driver. I do have side boards and I love them, yes, for short people hard to get out but I am tall and have no problem, it is actually funny when short dudes complain how difficult to get out... Love the car - it was made for me! :)

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  Great car, fun to drive, best AWD - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Mikhail - November 19 - 2:47 pm

  I admit the mileage is not the best - but I have 30+ on a highway @ 75 mph or 23-25 mpg @ 100 mph. AWD is extremely good - can so easily go through 10 inches of snow on the parking lot or 5 inches snow uphill to ski areas. Very comfortable car especially comparing to new Subarus, Toyotas and Nissans. 4 times made 1200 mi in one day stopping only for refuel and hardly had any back pain where as Subaru imp-za made me sick after 700 mi. Overall excellent car, very impressed! Change of razor-bladed runflat tire for me was 286$.