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 2011 528 - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By el168 - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Best 5 series to date Much improved styling This car drives well, some slight interior noise on highway, iDrive system was confusing at first.

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  Bimmer are the best - 2011 BMW X5
  By x5d - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought this after much research comparing it to Q7 and MB diesel. No match as the interior is far superior in both built and ergonomics. The iDrive is much improved and very easy to use. Mild diesel knock but less than MB and Q7. Great Torque and Turbo. Drives as expected with smooth yet engaging ride. Exterior and Ventilated seats are awesome.

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  Calling it free service is a gimmick - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By dee - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Having owned multiple BMWs I can say they are great cars. But the company uses the marketing trick of saying service is free, when in fact, they determine what normal service is, so dont really do much service to the car. BMW says the car can go 25,000 miles between oil changes, has lifetime coolant that never needs service, and they dont check the car out for issues until about end of the 4 years of free service .

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  328i M package - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By NewBMW - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I just got a 328i coupe with M- package. First BMW. I was considering an A5 and I used to drive a CLK. Overall Im very happy with the car. Of course, the 335 packs a bigger punch, but the 328 has great kick off the line and the handling with the M steering/suspension is superb! The interior is very chic. The navigation is very up to date (traffic, different views, etc.). Media system is also great. I cant stand the lag that audis have! Id take the performance of this car over an S5 even. The speakers could be better. Overall, this car is beautiful, handles amazingly, has good performance and just feels great driving it. If you can negotiate a good deal, BMW is hard to beat!

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  The best for the money! - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Mike Hatoum - October 6 - 2:00 am

  When every Auto maker aims at the BMW 3S when build or redesign it tells is all it is the BM for all luxury and sport in this sigma. Every auto maker that i can think of has to mention the BMW 3S in one way or another, matter of fact several of them believe that it is the ultimate goal to match the 3S as passing it is almost impossible unless it is another beamer.

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  Whinny noise - 2011 BMW X5
  By jerman - October 5 - 2:00 am

  As with a prior review, my 2011 X5 5.0 also makes a whinny noise akin to a golf cart when engine is hot and when upshifting from 1st to 3rd gears. Getting worse as mileage adds up. 2x to the dealership and nothing can be done as it is the alternator? Give me my 2007 4.8 back please. Heard the 2011 7 series is also having this problem. Not acceptable for 75k cars

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  The Best Car For A Man - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Jake - October 5 - 2:00 am

  The 550i is amazing. It handles beautifully. The power is so amazing. It just pulls you into the seat. The headlights are awesome. The sound system is A+. There is nothing that I could think of that needs to be changed in the 550i. The seats are also a huge deal. They are super comfortable. The only thing is it eats fuel but the highway fuel economy is really good. But its worth paying extra for fuel because the power is a great feeling.

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  The Best Sedan - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Steve - October 5 - 2:00 am

  This is my third BMW. This car is simply outstanding. It looks great outside and inside. It has the perfect combination of luxury and performance. The 4.4L engine is incredibly powerful/fast and the transmission is very smooth. The interior is incredibly nice also. This car is awesome.

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  Bucking bronco - 2008 BMW X3
  By Atlgax3 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Unexpected acceleration when going over bumps or after turning uphill can throw you into car in front of you, complete hesitation on entrance ramp, strange gear changes. Totally unacceptable and un-ultimate driving experience. Turned the 2007 model in as a lemon because it was so dangerous. 2008 is only slightly better than 2007. No help from software patches at dealer service dept. Will

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  Awesome! - 2004 BMW M3
  By harold hare - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Having owned Audi s and BMW x5,330d I finally bought my m3. What a fantastic motor. I went to Manchester via motorway, the other day and recorded 29.6 mpg at a steady 80- 90 mph. This is the best car, by a long way, I have ever owned, a pleasure to drive.