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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  Technology Updates - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Texan - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Really like driving the car on the highway. No problem using the IDrive - just need to spend some time getting familiar with it.

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  Nicest car Ive ever driven - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Cali2010 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I chose this car for my husband and I wish I had chosen it for myself. This car is the perfect combination of performance and comfort. We now know what everyone was talking about. Maybe I wouldve had suggestions for improvement before I drove it but now I cant remember what they would be. We dont have idrive so I cant comment on that, but I also dont feel like were missing anything.

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  I love the 135i - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Jorge - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving the car for more than 22,000 miles now and I think I can have some comments: 1. I had the usual problems: The HPFP, the bluetooth firmware upgrade, all the tails lights failing and the safety recall for the seat belts. 2. The run flats awful, replaced them with Michellin A/S now and rides much better 3. Gas mileages is not great. The car has been problem free for the last 5,000 miles and I personally think there is NO perfect car, I was lucky that BMW Charlottesville has been ver professional and helped me all the time when I faced problems. However, if you love cars, this is the one! Test drive one and see for yourself.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Paul, Redlands,CA - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Have the car for 2 months 3k miles now. Very fun car to drive. Very quiet and solid but comfortable ride.Surprisingly just as quiet as my Lexus. Excellent performance and handling. Acceleration is like a rocket with the Turbocharge. The Goodyear Runflat 18" tires are very smooth and quiet. The upgraded 600 watts sound system is great. Love the big screen Nav. system. Love the Dealership I bought it from, make the ownership experience feel "Ultimate".

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  Think hard before you buy - 2011 BMW 1-Series
  By Oklahoma BMW Owner - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 1 series a few months ago. Very unhappy with Jackie Cooper BMW in Edmond OK. Poor service after the sale. It is like they forget you exist. Also financed through BMW Financial and they have a horrible website. Being unhappy with the car I considered trading and it lost $10,000 in a few months. It is still like new and a 2011 model and still lost $10,000. CRAZY! I will never buy another BMW.

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  New improved bmw x5 - 2011 BMW X5
  By mike sab - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has plenty of power and handles very well. My only two complaints are steering is a little stiff in parking lots and I having a resonating noise out of the exhaust between gears 1-3. My two previous BMWs did not have those issues.

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  Still Turning Heads after 14 years!!! - 1997 BMW Z3
  By TJRoadster - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Plenty of zip for a 1.9 l. It begs for acceleration into curves. Very tight build. Low slung. Handles curves with vim and vigor. Fun car to drive, especially on country roads. Never had a BMW but now, the ultimate driving machine motto takes on real meaning.

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  Going back to japanese cars - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By milkman - November 30 - 2:00 am

  i got this car oct.2009 my eyes lit up like a chris X tree.. then service engine light came on 4 times (each time i repaired the problem) it stopped on me out of state i had to have it towed to BMW (alternator)1 day on my way to BMW to buy an ex. key (radiator busted)on me. then the motor in the sunroof took a dump. the last straw was the engine light is on again and i cant pass the emission test.in the end i realize i just have a polished turd.previously i had an infiniti M45. love the car.(car accident)my next and last stop will be a lexus.

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  Best. first car. ever. - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By maggiewashere - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had this car for 2 weeks, and its definitely a huge change from my dads volvo wagon. Fuel economy is decent, especially for a car with a 6 cylinder engine, averaging 21 mpg (25-35hw). Backseat room was a pleasant surprise-2 58+ guys can fit in the back, no problem. Ive put 1,200 miles on it, and so far no problems. I get tons of compliments on my car, the heated seats are nice for a New Yorker, and the sound system is great for a 12 year old car. Road noise actually isnt bad The only thing I dont like is the cup holders.Its fine for a little cappuccino or a giant sweet tea, but anything in between doesnt stay in and I just hold it between my legs.:/

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  I Love this Car... - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By stsraz - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I just recently upgraded from a 97 Saturn SL2 to a 07 328xi AWD and I have to say that I LOVE this car. This car was obviously designed for people who LOVE to drive. From the drivers seat, everything is easily accessible. The ride is a tad rougher than on other luxury models Ive ridden in, but it only enhances your connection to the experience. This is also a very mean car, from the aggressive lines, to the growl of the inline 6. If youre looking for a daily driver that requires minimal effort and a smooth ride to get point a to point b, Id look elsewhere. But if you love to drive and want to feel in tune with the car and the road every time you sit down, this is the car for you.