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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  Great so far - 2011 BMW 1-Series
  By syd53 - October 13 - 2:00 am

  After 12 years driving a Beetle, tried a Z4 on dealer lot. Loved it but could not see driving it in winter. Ordered a 128i which has same engine and manual transmission, just a few less hp, and all of the convenience features I liked on the Z4. Of course it was also a lot less money. It is just as much fun to drive, though not as pretty.

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  LOVE my Bimmer! - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By Erin - October 12 - 2:00 am

  My first one was carried away by katrina. I loved it so much, I bought another just like it. It had 189k miles on it when I got it and now Ive owned it for 4 years. Fuel mileage is around 30+ as long as ac is not running. Extremely fun to drive! Ive only had to do maintenance on it (shocks, brake pads, etc). And of course new wheels and tires. I also had a turbine exhaust installed which made it quite a bit peppier and increased my gas mileage slightly. Now I have over 200k on it and am about to finally replace the timing chain, water pump, and fan clutch. Most expensive part was the top, which was around 2k installed. My new Acura sits in the driveway undriven. =)

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  Sweet little car! - 2002 BMW Z3
  By CindyLou - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought it used with 19,000 miles [now has 47,000]. Has been great on gas mileage, about 23-24 MPG. It must have highest octane or it coughs alot! Back window seems fragile scratched despite putting a towel in the fold when I open the top. BIG problem however with the radio code replaced battery, and radio locked. Got code from BMW dealer have never been able to reset and get radio/CD to work, despite following all instructions. Also door metal seems fragile gets tiny dents so easily that I now park far away from other cars. Glove compartment is badly designed stuff falls down and out when opened, no edge on it. Otherwise good looker with great performance! So fun with top down!

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  M5 has character - 2007 BMW M5
  By Mcardriver - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I have owned several M3s, and liked them all. This is my first M5. Getting older I was looking for a more power and great handling but when not in the mood a little more comfort with the convenience of auto transmission in traffic. It tries to accomplishes all this but this is where it is flawed as it cant be a master of everything. At slow speeds the SMG is dimwitted. It doesnt react as quick as a manual and you can be beaten of the lights unless your on your game. Gear changes can be brutal when in attack mode. However I love it - the challenge you face is to know the car, set it up the way you want it and adapt to its shortcomings.Gives it a unique character.

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  Not a huge fan - 2007 BMW X3
  By 1st time BMW - October 11 - 2:00 am

  My first BMW so excited to get it and compared it to all mini-SUV models. Have had it six months and trading it hubby and I loved to drive it hate to ride in it. 6 year old gets car sick the ride is so rough. I loved the idea of a BMW, but have found perhaps I am not such a fan of German engineering after all. I wish it would have worked out. Plenty of power, we simply cannot handle the rough ride.

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  Sublime - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Tim - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Great car bought it from a friend who upgraded to the M5 with the SmG. Has all options except heads up display. She now misses her 550i and I love it. Acceleration is smooth but stupidly fast. Can do 120 and not even break a sweat. Fuel economy is around 17 for city, but 27 for highway doing 80. Impressive. Love the interior, 20 way comfort are great. Idrive is useful I think older people just get confused with new technology (Im 24). Can be finicky at times however. The styling works for the car depending on the color. Mines black with tan interior so it looks understated and all business. Keep making excuses to go drive somewhere. Car is so much fun.

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  Could Be Better - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Bistro - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Not a fan of run-flat tires--ride is harsh--doesnt take bumps well. Car does not feel as solid as my 2003 325ci. Steering is on the numb side.

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  Buttoned down ground pounder - 2007 BMW M5
  By Gary - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I find the car a real kick in the pants to drive. It is refined when called for but hit the m button and hold on . What a monster. But this car is the most precise and accurate steering car I have ever driven. It corners like it is on rails. Roll into a tight turn and Punch it and it just hunkers down, rolls out on azimuth, and jumps out like somebody kicked it from behind. Lots of cool cars on the street with wicked exhausts. But you can take em in this car. If you have turn nothing but a pure supercar can keep up. The transmission takes a little getting used to but bottom line. I love it! Acceleration is smooth, fast and predictable.

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  2008 X3: Problem Prone - 2008 BMW X3
  By shnoby - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned BMWs for the last 10 years I love the way they handle. Fortunately, my 2008 X3 is a lease. At 5K a chronic, very loud engine tapping began (akin to the vehicle in the movie Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang.) I had it serviced at least 6 times. By 21K, the tapping reduced to a soft finger strumming, it still taps, but I deal with it. The engine strains on small & big hills & fails to shift. The car has, on *multiple* occasions, locked me inside. Neither the unlocking mechanism nor the windows opened. I drove to the dealer, called them on my cell, had them force the window down & climbed out. The interior handles, cup holders, arm rests, etc. are peeling& have been replaced once.

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  Dont Buy X 5 maintenance nightmare - 2003 BMW X5
  By bmw x 5 - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Have spent over 3,000 replacing transfer case belts pumps cooling fan assembly battery pulley