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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  2011 refinements perfect the X5 - 2011 BMW X5
  By 7th X5 - June 5 - 4:19 pm

  Just took delivery of my 7th X5 after trading a 2009 35d for a 2011 35d. I loved the 2009 diesel, but road, exhaust, and engine noise were a little too intrusive. BMW refined the 2011 to reduce the "bad" noises while keeping "good" noise like the sporty grumble during acceleration. The suspension also seems to have been improved. Its subtle and the X5 is certainly not Lexus quiet, but I immediately noticed the difference: a more refined luxury feel. Press releases talk about new styling and engines, but not the improved suspension and noise reduction. Thats a shame because those improvements address the only significant flaw in my previous X5. Good job BMW, you were listening.

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  Awesome Car, Everything they say it is! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By buckeyede06 - June 4 - 7:01 pm

  I never believed all the hype till I took it home. A test drive is nice but you dont get the feel for the car till a few long trips in it. After a few hours on he road, i really started to appreciate the subtleness in its perfect handling! It handles and performs just like they say! Plus it is so sleek and stylish of a car!

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  ULTIMO Commuter Sedan - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By k9doc1 - June 4 - 5:14 pm

  Have had the car for more than an year and have had ZERO mechanical issue. Only problem I had was with a ticking noise from the b-pillar but it mysteriously disappeared after the dealer replaced the seat belt mechanism. The fit and mechanics in todays BMW are so intricate that just a small thing out of balance will cause some annoying thing like a ticking noise. Various dealers tried to deal with this noise but nothing resolved it until the solution listed above, again the noise was there immediately after the repair but now its not there anymore. Something must have expanded inside the b-pillar or fit into place? Now I can truly/fully enjoy my Ultimate Driving Machine!

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  Turbine Smooth - 2004 BMW M3
  By Dick de Kroon - June 4 - 6:24 am

  I have owned 58 cars - this is the very best - first drove a friends new one in 1994 and vowed Id get one, one day - well I am fortunate to own such a magnificent beast! The grin factor is huge - I always enjoy starting her up , letting her warm up - then giving more and more stick - and then theres still the Sport button - wow what could a person want? Looks good in an understated way - just the way I like it - best thing I ever did on the motoring side of things! Find myself wondering what I could replace it with - nothing comes to mind!

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  2010 335i xdrive best in class - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By joaoeast - June 3 - 8:14 pm

  Truly the best car I have ever driven. Living in a hilly part of Long Island, NY AWD really comes in handy. This car has it all Its a sports car, sedan, summer car, and great in the snow, the best of all worlds. Transmission is amazingly smooth and power is always available. BMW 3 series continues to be the one to beat. G37 is nice but not nearly as refined in the transmission and ride quality. C class has a great feel but no power. A4 simply cannot compete while the S4 on the other hand is amazing but quite a bit more money. Acura puts out a great car with amazing tech and great ride but lacks low end torque. Love this BMW and my wife whos not a big car nut fell in love instantly.

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  Peace of mind - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By piece of mind - June 2 - 5:29 pm

  I love my 5 series its the best car Ive had in years. Comfort and drive ability are awesome, I just lowered it for better handling because man I love cruising it, only minor repairs done like fuel and air filter and an aftermarket exhaust along with brake kits for front and rear, if you want a great car with good mpg then this is the way to go.

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  2011 Z4 35i rocks! - 2011 BMW Z4
  By wahoo - June 2 - 12:31 pm

  I have had this car for three days and I love everything about it. Styling is beautiful, the cockpit is so roomy that you do not feel like you are in a two-seater at all, visibility is very good also. The retractable hard top is a big plus, I was always turned off by rag tops or having to stow a removable hardtop, this is the perfect solution. I did not want to give up the luxuries and conveniences of my larger car and I didnt, this car is loaded with all of the "bells and whistles". Performance is amazing, this is my first BMW and it is an "ultimate driving machine". Last night I tried the sport transmission for the first time and it floored me!

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  Awesome - 2010 BMW X5
  By Dr.K - June 1 - 9:01 pm

  Just purchased X5 35D it is a great vehicle addresses all the short coming of the previous X5 specially in fuel economy and space utilization. The I-drive takes sometime to get used to but a great improvement over the previous one. We love the all around view of the camera, simply said WELL DONE BMW.

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  Finally a real roadster - 2010 BMW Z4
  By DriveLine - May 31 - 7:00 pm

  This BMW is finally a testament to BMWs ability to create a driving machine. Roadsters in the present day have become too feminine and superficial. There is no longer a thrill to having a slung-back drop-top coupe to whip you along coastal roads. But with the Z4, this little machine totes you feel as though you are a part of the road. The power is subtle enough for anyone to use as a daily driver, but for those glorious summer days where all you want to feel is wind whipping through your hair and adrenaline rushing through your veins, this car has the ability to do so. A complete lion draped in sheeps fur. Best combo: heated seats, top down, chilly spring afternoon.

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  2010 BMW X5d - 2010 BMW X5
  By Retired Dan - May 31 - 5:11 pm

  My wife and I love this car. It is very easy to drive and comfortable. The memory seats and adjustments work well for us because she is "short" and I am "tall". As soon as you unlock the doors with the remote, the proper adjustments to driver seat, mirrors, etc. are done for you. Weve had cars with this in the past but this one just seems to work better. The diesel is great with lots of power and the mileage is good, 18-23 mpg. The diesel is very quiet except when its cold but when it warms up, it purrs like a kitten. We have the 3rd row seat for our grand-kids and it works fine for them but I dont think 2 adults would be comfortable.