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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  i love my X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By Michelle Leigh - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This is by far my favorite car I have ever owned. It manages to impress me everyday, if I ever get rid of mine it will only be to buy another one.

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  MV Review - 2003 BMW X5
  By Meshell - January 24 - 10:00 am

  i have driven suburbans and navigators. This car tops them all!!! The only thing you give up in the seating space. The back is the same amount of space. Who wants to carpool anyways????

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  BMW review - 2003 BMW X5
  By ZOROB - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The BMW X5 is a luxury utility vehicle. This car has an excellent performance! The exterior could use a little work, but overall its great!

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  bmw x5 simply the best - 2003 BMW X5
  By jeffjim7 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  finest vehicle i have ever driven; i have driven bmws for 25 years. cannot drive a finer machine

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  No contest - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Bmwftw - January 22 - 1:50 am

  Drove the IS 350, then the 07 G35S. The I drove the 335i, bought the car I test drove. This is our 4th BMW. Unbelievable the power this thing is delivering. Thanks to the steptronic the ride can be cruizy, even docile then go to shockingly fast with the help of the paddle shifters, hence perfect car for my wife and me. Wonderful feel in the corners. Only the G35 came close. Apparently easily tuneable, I’m not sure if I could handle any more. Sports package a must, the 18" rims have a great look and the sports seats create an impeccably snug fit. A quick read of the owner’s manual reveals laundry list of incredible safety and performance features. I am unbelievably happy with my purchase.

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  I might have gotten a lemon, but a money pit - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By DHecker - January 19 - 1:35 am

  The most telling example of the problems Ive had with this car is the following. The BMW has warning signals for many different things, including that the outside temperature is now 37°. However, it does not have a warning signal to say that for whatever reason a seal in the transmission has blown and all of the fluid is leaking out. Leading to the need for a new transmission. I have had innumerable problems with the engine, electronics, lights, you name it. There is now once again an engine warning light on. I bought the car in 2011 with only 25,000 miles on it. If I have not spent $15,000 in repairs since then, I would be shocked. Dont waste your money. On the positive side, when it is working and especially on the highway it is a lot of fun to drive. It gets mediocre mileage around town (it is quite heavy). But it gets somewheres around 33 miles per gallon on the highway.

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  A Living Dream - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By eladou - January 19 - 1:33 am

  I leased my 328xi coupe about 20 months ago. I have not had a single regret. Awesome driving, comfort, power, styling, and not too bad fuel economy for the rewarding performance. I calculated my fuel consumption and it was 22 mpg combined. my commute includes highway and inner city driving and I like to use the SD and M modes a lot too. The more power of the 335 would probably be even more fun, but for a first time BMW owner, I am more than happy. But what I was truly impressed by is the 4-wheel drive on the snow. I live in Ohio and my 328 had no trouble cruising on snow when other "larger" 4X4s were slipping and skidding beside me! Note: get the 4-season tires, not the Performance tires.

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  Awestruck - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By BIMMERLVR - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I loved everything about it so I just had to buy it. I got one of the first ones and I can rave enough about it

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  Overall a great purchase - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By MontegoBlueNJ - January 15 - 1:00 pm

  I just took delivery of the coupe I built two days ago. I have enjoyed learning the iDrive controls, etc. although it can be a little bit frustrating at first. The engine drives and sounds exactly like what I expected from "the Ultimate Driving Machine." I drove in sleet and ice last night, and it felt like I was on a dry road. I am very happy I chose this vehicle over the G35, CLK, and IS 250s that I test drove, it seems that nothing could compare.

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  Addictive drive - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Tony C - January 14 - 3:50 pm

  I have owned an E30 325is, E36 M3, and E46 330is, all great cars for their time. My E90 330i lacks the thrill of an M3, but its better looking, roomier, and more addictive to drive. Handling is superb. Steering feel is nearly as good as an E36 M3. The engine revs smoothly and powerfully through each gear. The sound system is great. The suspension is perfect. Truly a sweet car - the best 3 Series Ive owned.