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 call it my elegant little tank. - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Gerald Davison - October 13 - 5:26 am

  After 20-plus years of driving and loving Honda Accords, I decided to go the BMW 330i route, and so far it is great. It drives as if it is a slot car on a track. Very stable, solid, responsive ride. The 255 hp inline 6 is marvelous. The look is smart. The interior, though, has less storage space than my last Accord (1998) but I am getting used to it and dont consider it a problem -- I dont know where they could build in more interior space. The electronic controls are marvelous, though one has to think a bit like a computer geek to grasp it all. My only problem so far (I have fewer than 1,000 miles on it) is that the power seat memory doesnt work. Needs a fix, which I am waiting for.

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  If you want only one car... - 2003 BMW M5
  By Mac Miller - October 12 - 8:07 pm

  The M5 concept isnt new to Americans. Stick a big V8 in a mid-sized car and beef up the chassis. Pontiac GTO, Plymouth Road Runner, The Bluesmobile...but the M5 is the full development of the concept. Its fast, roomy, comfortable, fun to drive, gets great gas mileage on the highway (25mpg +/- ), and gets lots of comments from strangers. People know what an M5 is and respect the car for what it is. I stopped at an out-of-town BMW dealer to buy a quart of oil and was asked by them to sell my M5 to them!

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  Ridiculously Fun - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By W. A - October 12 - 5:15 pm

  I just purchase my first BMW (2007 550i) I test drove the 528 and did not like the lack of power. The 550i is a BEAST and is a dream to drive, I cant stay home, I take the longest way home and the acceleration is orgasmic. I will never drive another car other than a BMW. Worth every penny. Not sure what my gas mileage will be yet, but so far not bad for a V8 engine.

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  "Funtastic super car Chameleon!" - 2009 BMW M3
  By ssv - October 10 - 11:37 am

  Living in S.Florida and having driven my interlagos blue e39 m5 for 7 yrs with awe and no complaints I decided to add a younger sibling,an interlagos blue m3 convertible! Let me say this emphatically, "The m3 convertible is an absolutely "FUNTASTIC" piece of automotive creation to drive!" For those concerned by the critics comparisons to the m3 coupe, have no worries, the two are just different animals! Here in the m3 convertible you have the ultimate everyday "Chameleon". Top up you basically have the coupes at 98% equivalence, top down its a head turning topless super car! If you are not a race track junkie and live in warm climes this car cannot be beaten at its price point. Thanks M!!

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  Early read - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By bigdaddio - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Accelleration is phenomenal. I umderstand now why BMWs have been flying past me. The ride is smooth! The new design is sporty and is often confused with the 7 series by people in public parking lots. There is significant curiosity about the new design. The I drive control panel feature is very functional.

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  Never had it so good!! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By converted2BMW - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This is the most amazing car I have ever owned, my lucky number must be 21. Performance is incredible, acceleration is tops. Its like driving a race car, my dream as a little boy. But why are there so few cup holders. BMW you rocked my world.

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  Im Sold - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By cho - October 9 - 7:55 pm

  I bought mine CPO premium and sports package black on black with 39,000 miles in 2007. Ive always owned Japanese and my last car was a 1997 Integra GSR. But I needed a 4-door for the ease of carrying more than one passenger, so I bought this Bimmer even though I had trepidation about its reliability as I found this particular year and model to be the best looking 4-door sport sedan out there (even now in 2009 IMO). Two years into the ownership and I have not had any major issue. I recently lost my job I dont miss my job but I missed not making the daily commute in my 325i. Thats how much I love this car, how about that!

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  330 CI - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By spaniel3. - October 9 - 10:00 am

  We purchased this car from a dealer in Fl. and took delivery at the factory in North Carolina. It was a great experiance we reccomend to any one buying a new BMW. The car has meet or exceeded our expetations. The car has 6000 miles on it with NO problems. It is a fun car to drive. With the new 3.0 engine it has good power,the sports package gives a sports car feel to the handeling.Only drawback is unability to rotate tires. Fit and finish is very good,car is easy to keep clean except wheels due to brake dust.We would buy another one.

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  New to BMW and loving it! - 2005 BMW X3
  By Ken - October 9 - 2:50 am

  Great driving experience. Respectable power on 2.5 liter 6-speed. Feels like more power than what its rated at.

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  Just what I wanted - 1995 BMW M3
  By David - October 8 - 9:37 pm

  So they raved about this car when it hit the US and man were they spot-on! Having had Z cars, Supras, and other BMW 3s, this car is the tops. Mine has 242,000 miles and still rocks! Love to take people at work out for lunch, then charge back into the parking lot to show off those great brakes... up to 100mph and stomp on the brakes and listen to folks shriek! Starting to think about an E46 M3, and hope to get the same results with it... well see... Yes that silly radiator/water pump thing is a known weak spot, true. But easy to replace every 70,000 miles and go on too. SO... the big question is... why isnt anyone making a car like this today? Currently in a CTS and it only gets 20mpg...:>(