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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  BMW 535xi - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By JeffM - March 18 - 11:00 pm

  I previously owned a Lexus GS which was a rattle trap. I was originally concerned that the BMW would ride too rough for me since I have some pretty severe back problems. The 535 far exceeds my hopes and expectations. Not only are the comfort seats the most comfortable Ive ever owned, but the ride is superb. It is a bit firmer than the Lexus, but the support the seats provide make the BMW a much more comfortable car for me. And this thing is rock solid - no rattles. Plus the fun factor is out of this world.This car is a rocket on rails. My wife always disliked the looks of BMW, but I cant get her out of this car. The iDrive is a piece of cake, nav system is great, and the prem stereo rocks.

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  Excellent - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By tennisgrl3291 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  excellent quality. great performance. over all, GREAT CAR!

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  Great Car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By jennico - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I got this car for my birthday and I LOVE IT! However, as I expected, it has lots of little problems (speakers acting funny, rattling in the passenger chair, shocks make noises.. etc etc) but I am hoping the dealer will be able to fix that again. Its like a love/hate thing. I love the car, but it has its flaws.

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  I love my 330i - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By joefriday - March 18 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the best car I have ever owned. It is very well engineered and a joy to drive. I have a manual transmission and the sport package, which includes staggered wheels and low profile tires. It is the equal of any sports car I have driven. The best word I can think of to describe the car is "balance". Besides its 50/50 weight distribution, it has a great balance of engine power -- not a lot, but fine for this car. The suspension is a good balance between between handling and a comfortable ride. The car is a good balance between sport and luxury. The only negative is that the car has a rattle. I dont mind it, but Im sure it would annoy some.

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  Breaking-in the new Bimmer - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Michael - March 18 - 8:43 am

  First time owner of the BMW. Being from the Northeast, I’ve only driven AWD vehicles. I was well aware of the certain stigma clouding the x-drives, BMW being predominantly RWD and all, as well as the CDV issue. I can certainly put the CDV issue to rest. At first the minuscule delay will be noticeable, but after 200 or so miles of getting used-to, if you can’t adjust the feather of your foot to compensate for the delay, any discomfort from passenger head-banging is all on you. As for the AWD, haven’t had a chance to test it out yet this winter, but there is a difference between the xi and the 328i that I test drove in the dry, in how each gets off the line. The i is more responsive.

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  Theres no competition - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Michael - March 16 - 6:46 am

  When speaking of my alpine white with black leather interior 2005 BMW 545i, I couldnt have chosen a better car for my first vehicle ever. There is so much to be said about this car. The performance is so gratifying the look is so gorgeous. I cantt go a day without looking at this beautiful machine and thanking the man upstairs for the blessing of owning it. Anyone whos even considering getting one, Id tell them dont even think twice about it. Once youve driven a Beamer theres no turning back, youre hooked.

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  A true roadster... - 2008 BMW Z4 M
  By Trevor - March 16 - 2:06 am

  Just as advertised, this is a true roadster. Great styling outside and in, power, balance, great to drive fast both straight and around the curves. Take note however, as a second car, its fun, but not recommended as a primary mode of transport. It is a sports car. The M version has a stiff suspension and low MPG... a car to be driven for pleasure, top down, in fine weather. To leave garaged until one feels the urge for fun.. If one were to drive it every day, it would soon lose the fun value. Stiff suspension, firm seats. This car is designed for racetrack performance, not for around town comfort and convenience. Fit and finish is as you would expect from the brand. MMMM... did I mention fun?

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  Yes, it is the Ultimate Driving Machine! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Leno - March 14 - 12:03 pm

  The ride is very smooth and the car handles very well. I love the way the car just takes off! The lumbar seats are a must, which I should have gotten. Awkwardly situated cup holders, but overall - I love this car!!

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  BMW for life - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Karistian Broussard - March 13 - 1:26 am

  This was my first BMW and it has lived up to all of its expectations. I am in love with this car.INow I know what they mean when they say a car can be fun to drive. This will not be the last BMW I purchase. Im sold for life. I think that the people who design BMWs know what the buyers want. I wanted a sports car that had a feel of luxury and thats exactly what I got. Now Im ready for the M6. The sexiest car to me hands down.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2004 BMW Z4
  By snydlyjd - March 12 - 2:00 am

  This is simply a fun car to drive. It has a true roadster feel and gets up and goes when told to do so. When the sport button is pushed you can feel the suspension tighten up and the engine kick down a gear, it really feels great.