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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  Very enjoyable to drive but really a 2 seater - 2012 BMW 6-Series
  By Steve P. - June 23 - 8:01 pm

  I truly enjoy driving this car. The handling and acceleration are wonderful. Exhilarating. was disappointed that Android Auto is not enabled, but I can connect via Bluetooth. Tire wear does appear to be a concern as there is a sticker from BMW on the windshield to expect 20k or less. When tires run more than $1300/set of 4 it is a consideration for cost of maintenance. There is also no spare, so get run flats or risk getting stuck. At my height, no one can sit behind me, and as long as your passenger is small, you could travel with 2 passengers. No one buys this car to share the experience with more than one, and I love my BMW. I would buy it again. It is a wonderful car to drive and makes me smile every day.

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  excllnt for family, young couple, enthus - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By 3seriesisbest - June 23 - 10:00 am

  holds the road well. nice design, very utilitarian. good in rain and snow

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  Magnificent! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By keltsey - June 23 - 10:00 am

  great for a fun and convertible car. This was a total plus for me and my family

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  Driving the Best - 2005 BMW X3
  By BMW X3 - June 20 - 11:16 am

  I have owner Mercedes M Class, and Porcshe 944 as well as first 64 Mustang...needing an SUV due to reisidng in the mountains...my wife and I drove 20 different vehicles, before selecting this one. The second to start to drive it, you are impressed with the tightness, it feels like you are driving a sports car. Plenty of pep, and over all enjoyable ride.

• 

  Awesome Ride BUT - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By JTS - June 18 - 4:06 pm

  My wife needed a 4 seater to commute in and in a pinch toss the 2 kids in the back. The ride is breath taking. Atheletic powerful fun. Back seat is tight even for a 5 yr old. What made me buy this instead of Lexus IS 350 or 250 was the ride and its EPA rating of 30 on the hwy. I was hoping for at least 25 - No Way! This thing swills the fuel like one of my golf buddies pounding brews at the 19th hole. But did I mention how much fun it is to drive?

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  amazing - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By himhohim - June 18 - 10:00 am

  i love the car.....its amazing to drive...and it is a definite head turner!

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  BMW - 2003 BMW X5
  By roburt - June 18 - 10:00 am

  No problems with this vehicle. Rides and handles well. Comfortable on long trips

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  BMW 330Ci The Best Drop-top Out There - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Proud BMW Owner - June 18 - 10:00 am

  The 330Ci truly is a wonderful car. The Harman Kardon sounds like you are a concert hall. The cars performance is so wonderful it is hard to control it during the break-in period. The 330Ci is one of the most comfortable cars I have ever ridden in and there is very little noise from the outside. The 330Cis backseat is less to be desired. Another great feature of this vehicle is the adaptive xenon headlamps, which turn towards where you are steering. The adaptive brake lights are great, they get brighter the harder you press them and are made up of LEDs. In conclusion the 330Ci is the ultimate driving machine.

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  Still in Love - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By JAM - June 16 - 9:13 am

  Ive owned 4 3-series in 3 different countries. Traded in my 01 330ci which I owned longer than any other because it was so perfect. The 335i coupe is even better looking, even more powerful, even more comfortable. Only niggle is interaction between the turbo charged engine and auto/manual transmission. I drive almost exclusively in manual mode because the shift points dont seem to work for me in regular automatic. Run flat tires are also harsher than the Pilot Sports on my 330ci - BUT the suspension is better, which compensates.

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  Its OK - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By angie - June 14 - 6:10 pm

  Rides rough, but is fun to drive after 75 or 80 mph. The seats are not really comfortable especially on a long trip. It does get good gas mileage and it will get you out in traffic without a problem. I really dont know if I will get another BMW. We always wanted one and now that we can afford one, Im not as impressed as I thought I would be.