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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  Mary Ann - Warwick - 2009 BMW X3
  By Mary Ann - July 2 - 12:27 pm

  I had a 525i sedan and traded it in for the X3 which is as classy and luxurious yet more practical for my life style. Either vehicle is fabulous!

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  Drive It, Youll Understand - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Hoosier BMW - July 1 - 10:01 pm

  I have had the BMW one month. Have remainder of factory warranty and service. That is good. Had 03 525i. It was good,but this one is much better. Smoother, quicker, better build quality, higher quality interior. I -Drive is a bit of a pain but you get used to it. Dash is more modern. Cup holders better than 03.Handling is more effortless. Conti tires are fine.Driving on highway is a joy. MPG is 25 mixed.XI good for snow days. Radio is just ok. No satellite in this one.. a bummer. Roomier than in 03. Styling is ok. Monaco Blue/camel is a nice combo. Bought used with 34k..but feels good. All in all love the car, just drive one, youll want one.

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  Pleasure to drive - 2006 BMW X5
  By suzy - June 30 - 10:31 pm

  This is my 3rd BMW and my favorite. (also have a 318 and 540)This SAV handles like a dream, the rumble of the awesome 4.8 L is amazing to hear. And talk about fast, my 540 is fast it has a 4.4, but this thing is neck breaking quick! The tires on this thing are monsters, very intense looking, the interior is roomy and very comfy and well appointed, I just love this vehicle! I like the clam shell hatch, it is more functional then I thought it would be. The radio is fantastic, I find the on board computer/navigation easy to use, dont know why some people complain they must not be very smart! I have the LeMans blue, it is beautiful! If you want speed, beauty, comfort, and great handling, buy one!

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  Great Car - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Bobbyboy - June 30 - 9:59 pm

  Rides, Drives , Runs and Looks are all killer! I am very impressed with this car. The gas mileage so far has been GREAT. 30 MPG with plenty of power.

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  My bimmer - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By CTK - June 30 - 1:44 pm

  Original owner. Not as quick as my old 325 but still good. 30+mpg on trip on reg or mid grade. A good car with little trouble past the warranty except for display digits dying which was fixed gratis by dealer. OEM Pirelli tires were noisy from get go and after several attempts of balance and rotation I ditched them for Michelin Exalto All Season and have been happy ever since. Dealer again shared the pain with free install and alignment as comp for OEM cheapies.

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  Excellent driving machine - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By Prof - June 30 - 1:06 am

  The engine is a dream, and at its limits, you will scream. The exterior is old school but I think its cool. It will look better with time, but does cost a pretty dime. Why not spoil yourself, who else will?

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  Beware! 2007 BMW 530i - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Chas6263 - June 29 - 10:55 pm

  The 2007 530i is an overrated, bloated car. I owned a 540i for many years and loved it. A genuine ultimate driving machine. I made a terrible mistake to trade it in for a 530i. Dont be fooled by the namesake BMW - the 530i can hardly get out of its way - 255 HP is a joke in this heavy tank. Im convinced a VW Rabbit can beat this hyped vehicle. Most owners wont admit they own this piece of crap (too embarrassed to admit since most - I included - paid a fortune for an overrated car). Anyone out there want a 2007 530i?

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  Begs to be Driven - 2011 BMW X6
  By kb74 - June 28 - 11:35 am

  We purchased the 2011 X6, loaded with every option available. This is my first BMW, but wont be the last. The car begs to be driven, and is a blast to drive. The turbo V6 has all the power youll ever need, especially with the 8 speed transmission. The torque is unreal, but there is slight turbo lag from a dead stop rapid acceleration. The interior is classy, refined, and very comfortable on long drives. Around town in every day driving it gets about 17 mpg. On the high way though, on a recent 250 mile trip we averaged about 26 mpg (not bad for a big vehicle and AWD). The premium sound system is a must have, unbelievable sound.

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  BMW with Diesel - 2011 BMW X5
  By JF - June 27 - 10:16 am

  Its very powerful when starting to move, and also is very smooth. Fuel economy is about 22~24 mpg on average so far. Excellent on-road performance and handling, with comfortable seating for the driver and rear passengers. This SUV is what we expected.

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  Buy the best- my 15th BMW - 2010 BMW 6-Series
  By Jim - June 27 - 9:17 am

  This is my 55th car and my 15th BMW. I have always driven BMWs,Mercedes as well as all the Japanese competitors. I bought my 10 650 Convertible when I actually went in to buy another M3 Convertible and have no regrets. I am a small person so was concerned about the size of the car (I am 58") I got the fully loaded Sport with every available option and got a fantastic deal. Just 2 days after I bought it, I took it on a 2000 mile road trip, what an amazing car! I averaged 24-26 MPG (at between 80-90 MPH) having coming from an 09 M3 Coupe, I do miss that punch that the M3 delivers, but my 650 handles very well and is quite quick. The creature comforts are far superior to any competitors!