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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  2009 BMW 335i --- Fun & Fast - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Tman - April 1 - 7:10 pm

  Nice blend of luxury and sport. Easy to go 90 mph without realizing it. Great handling on turns and offers quick acceleration when ever you need it. Very fun to drive while looking good!

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  What a hoot! - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By Charlie - April 1 - 5:47 pm

  Man what a hoot to drive the 135i is!!! I personally like the quirky, funky body design, it is wicked fast, sounds great, grips the road like a scalded cat on a carpet, has excellent build quality and materials, and turns heads all over town. Aside from the requisite nits every car has that the manufacturer hopes nobody notices but everybody does, I could not be happier with this car.

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  Solid Car - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By KarFn - April 1 - 1:29 pm

  Ive loved this car and am loathe to part with it (Ive owned it for over 7 years). All is running great..knock wood. Never had any major maintenance issues. I love the way it drives...solid. Exterior is sporty. Interior is functional, yet basic. No complaints.

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  Nice car over all. - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By work77009 - March 29 - 4:36 pm

  I bought my 330i auto 3 months ago and I have to say it is at top of its class. I dont have any problem with my run-flat tires because I have a premium and sport package with 18" tires made by japan. My only small complaint is for BMW should have made more power on 1st gear, but I fixed that as people suggested drive on auto-M and car shifts like a sports car and is really fast. If you dont mind a sporty shift. If you looking for a fun fast car and classic, this car will make people turn heads. 330i has almost all 530i has, style, horsepower, fun.

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  Z4 3.0si - 2006 BMW Z4
  By z3toz4 - March 29 - 3:20 pm

  I had my Z3 for twelve years, finally bought a Certified Z4. Be very careful with Certified, even though BMW has fixed all the problems that have come up, mine has been in the shop for MAJOR suspension and engine problems. It has been in the shop 20 of the 60 days I have owned it. Not what I expected from a BMW Certified car. Now that I think I am past the problems this car had, I really am enjoying driving it! Much smoother, powerful ride than Z3.

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  Not that bad! - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By josh37 - March 29 - 2:02 pm

  I bought this car in October of 2008 and I must say Im not ashamed of my BMW. I get a lot of compliments all the time. It gets good gas mileage and has a lot of get up and go. I had a 2003 Nissan Maxima SE before this car and the BMW is as good as it. Im only 16 also. I recently had to replace the alternator and Im having to get new tires and rims because of a roaring noise but I was gonna get new tires and rims anyways so that is not a real big deal. Overall I LOVE THIS CAR!!!

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  Can get anything better - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By bman - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive always bought BMWs and i recently bought a 325xi. It is a little expensive but is well worth the price. The car has been extremly reliable, and handels like a dream.

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  328Ci - 4 stellar years and counting...! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By ar - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic combination of luxury and performance. Solid as a rock in all driving conditions - makes you a better driver than youreally are by rewarding you with razor-sharp handling, but being balanced and forgiving enough to allow you to correct mistakes. ...And it looks as good as it drives!

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  328Ci - 4 stellar years and counting...! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By AR - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic combination of luxury and performance. Solid as a rock in all driving conditions - makes you a better driver than youreally are by rewarding you with razor-sharp handling, but being balanced and forgiving enough to allow you to correct mistakes. ...And it looks as good as it drives!

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  Puts Fun In Every Day - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By Stan - March 27 - 10:52 am

  Traded my 2002 911 Targa, without any sacrifice in performance or comfort, and with much greater practicality. This is a terrific car! Simple, elegant, fast, safe and distinctive. Everything works just as you want it to. And every time you step on the gas or go into a quick turn, youre reminded why you bought it.