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:

• 

  New Bimmer - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By GregP - February 12 - 9:53 am

  I love this car! It handles well, rides smooth, and it certainly looks like a million $$ on the inside and outside. I am extremely happy with the decision to buy this car.

• 

  BMW for life - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By bmw4 - February 12 - 7:53 am

  335i has exceptional power and handling. It is by far the best it its class. The iPod adapter is worth the extra money.

• 

  Help...Get me out of this thing! - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By Judy C - February 11 - 11:05 am

  Most troublesome vehicle Ive ever owned. So, whats the problem? Just trade it, huh? Well, while it has given me more problems than one could ever imagine, it has also been the most awesome drive Ive ever experienced. What to do, what to do? The inconvenience of contining visits to be serviced/repaired has just outweighed the love of the drive. Bye bye BMW.

• 

  Even my wife says. . . - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By marsch - February 11 - 10:00 am

  You could blindfold me & I could tell you its a BMW - from the support of the seats, the firm and responsive drive plus even the sport sound of the muffler.

• 

  Great Car! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Long Island Driver - February 11 - 10:00 am

  I just turned in a 2000 M-B CLK320 Cabriolet and was a little down about giving up my convertible. I have gotten over that in the first week with my 530i (Orient Blue w/ Auto. Trans., Prem. Pack., Prem. Sound and Sat. Radio.) Now that the Sat. radio is a factory installed option, if you are leasing, it is a "must have". Everybody that sees the car loves both the exterior and interior. Tinted the windows and I am really happy with that decision. Blows away my CLK320 in the way it drives. Drive is much smoother and considerably more powerful. Cannot see any reason to spend the money on the 545i.

• 

  bmw 325 ci - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By shanster16 - February 11 - 10:00 am

  this vehicle looks great but is constantly in the shop. the check engine light comes on & off no matter how many times the dealership tells me they took care of the problem. the door on the drivers side is tempermental & sometimes wont open & the coolant light keeps coming on & off not to mention how the care jerks ocer the speed of 80. get another vehicle

• 

  Fun car but below average - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By quidycat - February 10 - 11:16 am

  I bought the car in 5/07. The hardtop has been fixed once. The seatbelt metal clip put a few dents and scratches on the inside of drivers door. Driver seat is uncomfortable despite adjustment. Run flat tires are heavy and dont perform so well. No room for spare tire. iDrive freezes up occasionally and service dept cant duplicate it, and therefore they cant fix it. "Engine malfunction, reduced power" came on at 21000 miles in 10 months, now pending repair.

• 

  The best car in the world review! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By aaron carter - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I think this care is a car that can be bought by people who are middle class, and buy wealthy, and still have the same kind of performance, and driveablity, as a mercedes or porsches. This car is definately "The Ultimate Driving Machine" I love having this type of car. I will not buy another american car ever!

• 

  My Seventh Bimmer - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By rsur - February 7 - 8:50 am

  This is the seventh BMW I have owned, my first one being a 1974 2002. And, it is by far the best one. The build is rock solid, the fit and finish first class, and the performance outstanding. The most attractive feature of this car (aside from its hard top convertible design) is its 3 liter twin turbo engine. With 300 lb ft of torque available all the way from 1500 to above 5000 rpm, this car accelerates like a sling shot. While the driving aspects are first class, the electronics leave something to be desired. The comfort access feature is supposed to allow keyless driving, but the Bluetooth does not work properly unless the key is in the slot.

• 

  Best ever - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Steven Hassig - February 5 - 5:49 pm

  This car stands out as one of my all time favorite cars! If I could duplicate it in BMWs current lineup I would in a second.