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:

• 

  335i AWD - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By dsheff - November 19 - 1:20 pm

  Traded in an M3 and a 330xi for a new 335i AWD. Sales guy said that the 335i would out-perform my M3 - I doubted him, of course. Drove my new car home in a bad snow storm and was worried about making it home safely. This car performed beautifully in the snow! Now that the roads are dry I love the performance of the turbo engine.

• 

  Drive one, youll believe! - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Steve loves BMW - November 18 - 3:36 pm

  Got this 335i Xdrive December 5, 2008 and 23000 miles later I still love it. This is work car so few options, but that doesnt diminish that it is a kick to drive. The six speed manual is great. Outstanding acceleration and handling and NO TURBO LAG! I now drive it almost all the time. Madera red and beige leatherette looks great. I loved my 2001 330i 5-speed, liked my 2004 A4, like my wifes 2005 330xi, but they all fade in comparison to this. One quibble: ordered light burlwood trim, got dark non-burl wood. Dealer said it is light and dark is darker but thats like Monty Pythons dead parrot skit...."its supposed to be that way."

• 

  We own three - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By DR Foot - November 17 - 11:33 pm

  We own a 330xi, 330ci and 330coupe.I have owned two Audis, and mercedes and a Volvo. The BMWs put these other cars to shame. I also own a Ford explorer and when that goes I will consider a BMW SUV.

• 

  This Diesel ROCKS!!!! - 2010 BMW X5
  By Coty - November 17 - 10:21 pm

  The diesel engine is truly the best everyday engine for this SUV. If you are test driving one of these, put the transmission in "DS" and 6th gear at about 40 mph and hit the throttle! The torque moves this vehicle with authority that the gas (non x5M) engines just cannot muster. I managed 27.9 mpg on a 175 mile trip which beats a coworkers Lexus RX400 hybrid and the x5 is much more engaging to drive than the RX. I may be in the minority, but I think the diesel engine sound is pretty cool and I dig the sound when accelerating with the windows down. You will turn some heads in parking lots when they hear that growl and turbo spool up.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 BMW Z4
  By silver716 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I love this thing

• 

  535i with M-Sport - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By gene1680 - November 15 - 12:43 am

  A great car. A right blend of sportiness and luxury. The only thing I find less satisfying is the shifter (small knob and the parking button) but this is a small thing in comparison to all the great things about this car.

• 

  Love it!! - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Matthewt - November 14 - 5:21 pm

  I have had my 528 since July of this year, and love it!! It has 101k on it and is a blast to drive. Everyday I look forward to the commute to and from work as it is my unwind mobile! I average around 26-28mpg combined, yet it has snappy off the line and low end torque. Mine has the 5-speeds which is what I was looking for. Only maintenance problem was a broken motor mount ($40) done myself, relatively simple repair, and a rear window regulator ($95), again, did it in 1hr!! The fit and finish of BMWs has always impressed me, and the 528 does not disappoint!! People gripe about the cost of parts, but thats a fair trade off for a quality, well-engineered car that is designed to perform!!

• 

  Driving Machine - 1992 BMW 7-Series
  By Frankie A. - November 14 - 4:45 pm

  I have over 120000 miles on this car and will have it til I die. No major problems. Fuel economy lacks, but other than that this car is built to last.

• 

  A real road car - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By John - November 12 - 7:16 am

  I initially shopped for a car based on the needs of my back problems. The BMW 7 was and still is the most comfortable auto I have ever driven. I drive between Chicago area and Orlando, FL several times a year. I can drive straight thru and feel like I drove a couple hours. If I leave with a full tank of gas I only have to stop once for fuel on the 1,100 mile trip. This car is the greatest car I have ever owned. I am just about out of my 100,000 mile warranty and hope for many more years of trouble free performance. I would love a 2010 model, but I really love this one.

• 

  one year update - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By DR - November 11 - 2:46 pm

  I still love the car the same as the day I bought it! It is fun to drive. It runs even better now than when it was new, but it is still very tight. I had absolutely no issues with the vehicle. I average about 25 MPG, 90% city driving (not too rough, but some sports driving). The tires still look good with 7500 miles on them, Id expect at least 25k miles out of them. I like the transmission, but it takes some getting used to. One thing to note is that the BMW recommends the oil change every 15k miles, but my computer has come down from 15k to 14, 13 and now it is at 12k. The AC is powerful, and quickly cools it down. The radio/CD is great for the standard one. Perfect brakes.