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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  Still the Best - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Rags - June 24 - 4:46 pm

  Excellent machine! Is a pleasure to sit in and drive. Very good balance between comfort and power and handles like a dream.

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  First Impressions - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Henry P - June 24 - 11:31 am

  This car is very comfortable (Im 6ft 2in), feels solid and inspires confidence. I havent driven it much @ high speeds, mainly around town. I wanted a 6sp manual, but would have had to order it from the factory, so I got auto which came with sport drive & paddle shifters, which I enjoy. Im only getting about 15 mpg in city driving altho I usually keep transmission in reg drive. I have the sport seats which give great lateral support & are very comfortable. Only issue is with the run-flat tires I tested the cold tire pressure & one of the front tires was @ 40 psi mfg recommends 32 psi front, but when I let out air to get to 32 psi in the tire, I got a low pressure warning per the TPM.

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  1st BMW - Im hooked! - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By CDT - June 23 - 10:02 am

  Test drove the 528i and fell in love! My husband also wanted to try out the X5...it was nice, but the handling wasnt as good as the 5series. So, Ive been driving my 528i for only a few weeks now but am in LOVE with it! I got the Premium and Sport packages. The 20-way seat feels like it hugs my body. Havent used the heated seats yet in the Florida summer, but look forward to trying them out if we have a cold winter. This is the smoothest, quietest ride Ive ever had, and great acceleration. I love the i-drive...it did take a little getting used to but the learning curve wasnt long and well worth it.

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  New 535i x-drive - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Edward - June 22 - 4:58 pm

  Picked up new 535i last week, so far, more than my expectations. Replaces my 2007 550i. Power of 535i more than I expected, and twin turbo is fabulous. Off line, maybe quicker. Handles like, well, like a BMW, and I love the feel of the ride. I-drive and interior controls are both much improved with pre-programmed controls and preset radio buttons much easier to use. New gear shift took 3 or 4 times of driving to get used to but certainly easy. Retractable side mirrors means the car is safe when my wife pulls into my garage.

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  Great All-Wheel Drive Car - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By RAS100 - June 21 - 9:16 pm

  Have had this car for about 4 months and 5,000 miles. I am very happy with the car and its performance. Build quality is excellent and handling is superb. I love to drive it just about anywhere. I bought it with the 6 speed which is quite nice. Great clutch but shifter is a bit notchy. Should get better with age. Got a great deal with .9% interest with BMW paying the first 2 payments. Im getting a solid 23 mpg and more on the highway.

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  awsome - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By laqu - June 21 - 2:00 am

  this car is the best car there is its the fastest car i drove

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  Best car Id ever had - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Luis Martin - June 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my third BMW and my third sports car. I had two corvettes in the past. This car is totally unbelievable, a dream to drive and look at.Powerfull yet comfortable. Easy access to all the bottoms and gadgets. Sleek design in and out.Best car in the market for the price.

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  1997 BMW M3 SEDAN - 1997 BMW M3
  By john - June 20 - 8:10 pm

  1st new car I ever bought & still own 12 years later, tracked it when under warranty, only issues was brake rotors & too much restriction in power steering boost. STOCK SUSPENSION WAS SHOT AFTER 50,000 MILES, went to turner ms bilstein sport/h&r sport springs. Never looked back. Re-did rear this year. Under bilstein warrenty. Issues were blown head gasket @105,000 miles, rebuilt rear axles@ 115,000 & VANOS @ 95,000& lower control arms @ 90,000 all par for the course, mobile one only in engine, trans, rear & power steering 25 mpg.

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  525xi Cert Pre-Owned: Good Times - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By 07 525xi CPO - June 18 - 7:01 pm

  Bought my Certified Pre-Owned with 18K miles. Mileage is only mentioned a few times in the reviews, so I thought I would confirm the reports of excellent mileage ... Im getting 24.5 to 25.5 around the Wash DC beltway, about 70/30 highway/streets. Im looking forward to a road trip to confirm the high highway reports. The comfort of the seats is also amazing.

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  Even better than I first thought - 2009 BMW X5
  By I Offset - June 18 - 12:39 am

  A brief update on my initial (3/1/09) review of my X5 diesel: Now at 5,025 total miles. Average mpg now 21.1 - even though average speed is only 28.5 mph (most of my driving is urban, much of that on the very hilly streets of San Francisco). Most impressive of all - not one single thing has needed repair or even minor adjusting. This is a first for me. Over the years Ive been fortunate to have only had brand new cars, never used. One VW, one Lexus, five Mercedes, two Range Rovers, and one Toyota. Loved them all in one way or another, but all had needed overnight stays in the shop at least twice or more at this point in their lives. A BMW, made in SC, tops them all - amazing.