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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  Fast, Fast, Fast - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Jim - October 26 - 6:11 pm

  Sold my 33cic last winter and bought a brand new 335 coupe in April of 2009. Even though its not a convertible, I am more than happy with the change in performance between the two rides. I sincerely get excited every time I drive this machine, even after owning it for over 6 months!!! Be careful with the sport package and the seats. Im still trying to find a comfort level there. It will happen though. This car begs you to take it past 100 m.p.h. This is a "bucket list" vehicle!

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  No regrets - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Steve C - October 26 - 1:52 pm

  After years of driving VWs, I walked into a BMW dealer after being treated like a second class citizen when I went to Audi to inquire on an S4. Their loss, my gain. The 335i xDrive with 6 speed manual is an amazing car... Fast, silky smooth drive, exceptional handling. iDrive is great, better than the last version I hear. Fuel consumption is average, but for a 300 hp twin turbo that oozes muscle and pure pleasure, I cant complain. 5 star driving experience all the way!

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  A Keeper... - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By RolandP - October 26 - 8:37 am

  This has been a remarkable car since the day I purchased it. Great car for long trips. It still delivers 29+ mpg with premium fuel. The manual transmission provides everything I expected. The car is steady and responsive.

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  335d a keeper - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Dave FL - October 24 - 7:37 pm

  We bought (custom ordered our 335d from the factory) in June 2011 (delivered August 2011). Had early problem with the Urea delivery pump within 1st 15k mi (fixed under warranty). At about 40k miles had problem with electronic control center (located behind dash) had replaced under warranty. We are on our 3rd set of tires - opted for Sport suspension (which adds high speed stability, big rears (lower profile - hence stiffer ride front and back)). Our BMW certified mechanic says our original brakes should be good for another 15k to 25k miles. The car is a rocket ship. We average close to 29mpg combined. Driving to Orlando (Disney) from Palm Beach Gardens and back on 1 tank of diesel. We usually drive in the fast/fast lane and get well over 30mpg on longer trips. We would buy this car again except you cannot get a 3.0 L diesel in a 3 series anymore - only in a 5 series. We it maxed with options (adaptive cruise, look around the corner headlight, nav, backup sensors, sun shades, interior light pkg, high end audio ... sticker was close to 60k). This car will become a collectors item. (previous cars weve bought include: 89 M3 (collector car), 02 WRX, 02 Passat). It doesnt dance like the M3 - but it will leave it in the dust.

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  my x5 3.0i - 2003 BMW X5
  By robert martin - October 23 - 10:00 am

  too new to say mush. good so far.

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  Excelent - 2003 BMW X5
  By cee - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I love this SAV

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  Love This Car - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Rickeys - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Picked this car on 5/28/03 with 4 miles on it. Paid $50 less then TMV. Its now 6/14/03 with 3550 on it. Drove from St. Louis to Queens, New York to Atlantic City, NJ back up to Northville, NY and back to St. Louis. Ran into everything but snow. This car drives like its on rails. Worst thing about teh car is the dealerships. Had to take off the lot,to get the color and options I wanted had to put down a Non refundable deposit. Which I would not do (for any car). (For

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  Best 13K Ive ever spent - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Scott C - October 21 - 4:22 pm

  Bought an 01 740i w sports package 100K on the odometer. Put $2K into Trans fluid, Belts, Oil leak all other fluids, new plugs etc... I drive over 150 miles per day in it at 80mph and it still averages 24 mpg! Build quality is unmatched, engine is so quiet at idle I need to look at the tach to see if its on! These cars are made to last (if you take care of them). Seats look unworn due to the incredible quality of the leather on an 8+ year old car. Oh, and buy the warranty, Itll save you!

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  No More 2nd thoughts Part 3 - 2008 BMW M5
  By Nomore 2nd thoughts - October 20 - 9:21 pm

  Have owned for 2 yrs now and I still love it. Gas mileage has settled down ~15mpg. I took it in for a checkup ~16k mls got a 328 loaner. Wow, there is a massive difference. I am completely and forever spoiled by my M. Had to buy new rear tires after 1yr/10k mls=$850. My fault-too much M button w/ traction control off. My only dislike it is too much car for my streets. Almost unusably fast- no chance to really see what she can do!

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  I LOVE This Car - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By BERTE - October 20 - 9:08 pm

  Bought Al (Alpine White) in 2002 with over 100,000 on the odo, just turned 196,000. The car is solid, well constructed, and a joy to drive once you get it going. Overall average 21 MPG, 27 MPG on the highway at 80 MPH. Replaced several T-stats, radiator, most all of the suspension parts and bushings. Have had a few issues with power windows and seats. The engine has been bulletproof. The tranny is starting to slip in reverse. I get compliments all the time about how beautiful the car looks. Its a classic! I love the car and will drive it until the wheels fall off.