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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  My Birthday Present - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Dave Marshall - August 22 - 12:03 pm

  I have wanted to own a BMW for most of my adult life but thought that they were woo expensive. I have owned three Acura TLs and always thought that they were great cars. Two things happened this year to make my decision to get a 535i. First I turned 65, and secondly the new TL is ugly so I sprang for a BMW for my birthday. Thinking that if I was ever going to get a Beemer and enjoy it, I needed to do it this year. I picked it up two weeks ago yesterday. It is great. The ride is quick and positive. Steering control is excellent and balance is great. BMW even put the interior that we wanted in the car. This was a special order and filled without complaint or extra cost. I love it.

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  Drive It Like You Stole It! - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By The Stig - August 21 - 8:38 pm

  I bought this car at 150,000kms and Im now approaching 250,000kms. I expect the bimmer to last much longer - car is in excellent condition. Although not as quick as its 6-cyclinder counterparts its an economical bimmer with enough juice for spirited driving and great handling. Overtime Ive replaced many parts which are known to be weak in this model including: water pump, head gasket, strut tower mounts, ball joints...(all preventative maintenance, not broken) otherwise car has run with few problems over the years. Only failures: bolt in clutch linkage broke at 224,000kms ($10 part, $300 tow to garage) fog light connection a little loose... the bracket broke off in cooler weather.

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  I still love it - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Stephanie - August 21 - 1:15 pm

  My car has 125000 and I still LOVE the Z4 after 5 years. It is comfortable, has good gas mileage (31 mpg on highway) even though I am low to the ground, I feel safe on the rainy, winding roads. The only problem I have ever had is not mechanical, the front skirt is so low to the ground that I had to change it twice because it broke. It is so reliable and fun to drive that I will drive it until the end!

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  dual personality: driver / track toy - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By thrak-rhatt - August 21 - 10:00 am

  one must take this car to a drivers school to appreciate the brilliant work the bmw /M folks did in the suspension tune. superb handling. the track is the only place one can sanely extract the performance this car offers, which is considerable: i chased down a pair of itb racers in my run group who were leaving me for dead on the straights. better still, the car does not beat you up day-2-day, offers quite good fuel economy, is reasonable to insure, and is drop-dead gorgeous to look at. the price of admission is high, but in this case you do get what you pay for.

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  So glad I bought it! - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By serfup - August 19 - 3:23 pm

  Bought my first BMW, a 535ix about 2 months ago. Took a test drive and that was all I needed. Amazing to drive, the handling, road feel and acceleration are second to none. The interior is classic beauty without overkill. I found the i drive to be easy to use and makes getting to anything I need simple. I do not see what the fuss is with the cup holders, they offer no problems I can see and who cares the way this baby drives. I am in outside sales and the Park Distance control is great when you have to do a lot of back parking. The premium sound system is great and I must have at least 80 cds stored on the hard drive. This car exceeded my expectations. How often can you say that?

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  Wish I could drive all day for work! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Chris O - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Although Ive only owned the new 2004 530i only 4 months I can honestly say that its the smoothest and quietest car that Ive driven! The interior is simple yet elegant and most all of the controls are handeled thru the I-Drive control, which after the first drive or so, is easy to navigate. Its a "cockpit" feel, esp. at night time w/ the reddish glowlites, but very comfortable with the add-on Comfort seats

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  Z4 review - 2004 BMW Z4
  By lmcneil - August 18 - 10:00 am

  The car is quite exciting to drive, it handles well and has enough horsepower to pass anyone in the way. It gets alot of attention on the road with out being too obnoxious. I have owned many convertables and this is by far the most exciting to drive.

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  platinum325ci - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By icedout23 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I love what I drive

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  Just loven it - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Whynvme - August 18 - 10:00 am

  You can ask for a better car than this one!!!

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  Unique Experience - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By dotkidz - August 18 - 10:00 am

  As a long time BMW owner, the new convertible is a superb extension of BMW heritage. The suspension is flawless, allowing for safe, quick maneuvering even in the city. The interior is sporty and comfortable. I"m continually amazed at the pickup and the smoothness of the high-speed ride. This car is a unique driving experience in the city or on the open road.