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 New Baby - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By stevo - June 10 - 7:48 pm

  I just bought this car, and in doing so I have learned a hard lifes lesson. Have you car inspected before buying. I have not received the bill on repairs yet, but my trusty mechanic is ringing up some numbers and I dont expect them to be cheap. I have to over haul the entire suspension front and rear and then replace the clutch and fix a crazy amount of leaks that began after the 3 hour drive home after purchasing plus many many more items. After all this though, I freaking LOVE this car and no amount of money will force me to part from the sexy style and classic feel. Even on bad suspension she drove like a dream. Its my first classic BMW and definitely wont be my last.

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  Just Amazing - 2010 BMW X3
  By Joseph Gutman - June 10 - 3:52 pm

  After trading in an Acura MDX, I went for the X3. It is peppy, handles like all the other 3 series, hugs the road, has great pick-up and at 65", I have plenty of room. In the snow it behaves like a military tank, and on the freeway it secures the road with confidence. I bought it as a second car, and I find myself driving it daily. Its cargo capacity is more than enough and it allows for organizing anything inside. I have had absolutely no problems. I thought initially it was pricey, and now, boy! I got my moneys worth and then some.

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  Awesome Ride - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Awesome - June 10 - 3:12 pm

  I traded in my 07 750LI for the new 5er. Even though I loved the 7 I was desiring more performance. The new 5 has given me everything I could want. 400 hp and handling second to none. Im sure this will cause some MB E buyers to think twice. Definitely think you should at least test drive the car before you commit to anything else.

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  2011 BMW 335d at 1000 miles - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By factoryguy - June 10 - 2:51 pm

  The 335d is amazing. It delivers the handling and road manners typical of the 3 series while the turbo diesel engines incredible torque output makes the car accelerate like a 1960s Detroit muscle car. The standard seats are extremely comfortable and the interior fit and finish are perfect. Mileage is in line with what others report, upper 20s to mid 30s in town and around 40 on the highway. The OEM run-flats (Continental) are predictable and surprisingly quiet, but I would have paid extra for an alternative to RFs.

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  Fantastic Car - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By ranger - June 10 - 7:51 am

  My first entry into the luxury market. Always wanted a BMW and I couldnt be happier with my 328i. Quality is amazing. One of the most quietest cars Ive ever driven. Virtually no road noise even on the highway.

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  2011 135i w DCT - 2011 BMW 1-Series
  By msr635 - June 9 - 9:35 pm

  Picked up my car tonight. Space gray metallic with black interior, M Package and DCT. This thing is insane!! Traded a Z4 3.0i for this and it makes the Z4 feel like a 4 cylinder. The engine and transmission are amazing. The engine is extremely responsive and the DCT is very crisp. Interior is very comfortable and the ride is taunt. It is impossible to view this as an entry level car, too nice, too fast, too fun!

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  No BMW Support - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Peter - June 9 - 7:03 pm

  When I purchased this car, it was covered under the extended warranty package. Notwithstanding, the car was in the service bay every two weeks, fixing a sensor, rebooting the computer,checking a warning light. At six years two months and 128,000 KM or post-warranty coverage a new transmission was required a second transmission tune-up(??) at 133,000 km. The dealerships are at a loss to completely repair some of the noises under the hood: it has become a very expensive guessing game. When there was difficulty starting the car, an alternator and new battery were recommended. An independent garage, they replaced the starter at a third the labor/parts charge. BMW shrugs & smiles and I get poorer!

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  Expensive Car To Own - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By Michael T - June 8 - 4:04 pm

  Do not buy this car unless you have about $1000 to spend per month in maintenance. You can lease a brand new car and have it covered under a warranty. I bought this car about 18 months ago from a guy that took very good car of the car, the oil was changed and the car very rarely left the driveway. In the last 12 months I have spent over $5000 on repairs that include new brake pads and rotors, new ac blower and condenser, new front suspension, new belts and pulleys, new water pump, new thermostat, new alternator and the radio still does not work. This car is great to drive and handles great on the highway but sucks down gas in the city and will only take 93 octane fuel. Do not buy this car!

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  X5 35d - 2011 BMW X5
  By Cpaman13 - June 7 - 6:23 pm

  This is an early review as have not even made it through the break-in period. The car handles like a dream. I did not get the sports package. The car is capable of taking corners faster than I feel comfortable taking them. The Diesel knock is noticeable during initial acceleration but once up to speed you really have to listen for it. The noisiest part of cruising is the tire wine. I-drive is a breeze to use.

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  Glad I bought it - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By James - June 6 - 11:51 pm

  I bought my 325i as credit union repo. We got it well under what dealers where asking for the same car. Its a blast to drive and fuel economy is good. The drawbacks are the run flat tires they are very noisy and ride rough. I put new tires on it (non run flat) and made a world of difference in handling and ride noise. yes the cup holders are a bit quirky. Overall a great purchase.