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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  Style/performance v12 - 1993 BMW 8-Series
  By BMW - April 22 - 12:56 am

  V12, everyone is look at this car every time I drive out, I feel like driving the $150,000 car but only cost me $10,000 with the performance/style and comfort. Quality

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  New Owner - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By Carl - April 21 - 1:18 pm

  Wow! What a driving experience. Perfect weight distribution, steering, brakes, smooth stick shift, and overall handling. You must get the stick for the full experience in a 328i as it makes excellent use of the available power band. However, I think BMW can coax another 30 horses and 25 lb ft of torque out of the engine as they do in the X3. The inline 6 is an amazing engine, so smooth and linear.

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  Im not really that impressed - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By KW - April 21 - 10:28 am

  I got this car for my wife. The sticker was above $37,000 Dollars. For that you get seats that manually adjust to any position but a comfortable one, 16" wheels(!), Bluetooth buttons that are only decorations, you dont actually get Bluetooth and a completely unintuitive radio. Even though the car drives well, I think its the emperors clothes.

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  My first BMW - 2010 BMW X5
  By red308 - April 20 - 10:50 am

  I researched and test drove all the leading 2010 SUVs that are not gas hogs. Far and away the BMW X5 diesel was the best driving experience. Mercedes was #2 and Lexus was #3. The x5 diesel was the most responsive under all driving conditions. It combines the right amount of power with a great feel for the road. The brakes are incredible. The acceleration is excellent. The ergonomics are outstanding. For me, the engineers at BMW have really done their homework. I love the iDrive interface and the integration with my Apple iPhone and iPod. The backup sensors, rear camera and overhead view are superior to anything I saw from other manufacturers. Very happy with my choice.

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  Inshop 4 wks/yr air conditioning - 2007 BMW X5
  By UnhappyAZX5 owner - April 20 - 8:56 am

  1. In shop currently, for acceleration failure (triple hesitation before going when you mash the gas) 2. Air conditioning repairs -- about 8 / 3 years. 3. Moonroof replacement -- dealership claims a childs kick entirely destroyed unit -- mighty fine workmanship, BMW. 4. My last BMW unless they figure out that customer service still pays, and its really more environmentally friendly to be 4X2 when 99.9% of X5 owners never leave the pavement (the 0.1% that do are back at the dealership within hours, no doubt).

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  A sign of things to come - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By PSC85 - April 20 - 6:02 am

  This is my first new car. Just leased at Devon Hill BMW. Everyone at the dealer was fantastic. They made me feel that my purchase (or lease) really mattered to them! Now onto the car. Simply perfect for my needs. 25 year old male. I love technology, so the premium and navigation package were a must. I was skeptical about the infamous i-drive system. But I found the new version to be perfectly fine to operate. I almost prefer it to touch screens now because it keeps my arm in a comfortable position. The fit and finish on the car are amazing. I test drove Acuras, Hondas, Fords, and sat in an Infiniti. My 3 feels like a more expensive car.

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  Not sure about this one! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By elballard - April 18 - 6:34 pm

  With no doubt this car is beautiful! I bought this CPO car with only 32k miles. I am a little concerned at times because shifting from 2nd to 3rd is not smooth. I also experienced an issue with the back, driver side window not going back up. I have only owned this car for less than a month! I was furious when I called my local BMW dealership on a Friday (when the window malfunctioned) to find out that I was up the creek until Monday. I have 2 small children, rain in the forecast and this vehicle is my only means of transportation!

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  The SMG Beast - 2008 BMW M5
  By Delta King - April 18 - 9:18 am

  This car is absolutely amazing, but this car will take most people a little time to learn how to drive. For example, on an up-hill start, the transmission has a built-brake that prevents the car from rolling back until accelerating forward, and resetting the clutch helps eliminate the jerky shifts. Once the car is learned, allow at least a month, it is an absolute masterpiece. If you want a car to just jump into like most traditional auto sports sedan, this car may not be for you. If you are willing to put a little time into learning this car, it will satisfy you every driving need! Take the driving class!

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  Cheap materials - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By David Rodriguez - April 17 - 12:10 pm

  I had my car for almost 2 years now and Im on my fifth third brake light, I had the drivers window motor replaced twice passenger side airbag sensor once and now my fog lights lenses are cracked and BMW says that it is because of impact and not covered by warranty so I have to deal with them using cheap plastic in their cars which I dont think is fair

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  da bomb - 1998 BMW M3
  By mlebauer - April 16 - 5:36 pm

  Owned this car for almost 10 years, love it almost as much as my family. It stays parked most of the winter, but now that spring has sprung, pop the top and hit the twisties. It handles like a slot car, nothing tracks better. Not the most powerful, but the horsepower race is overrated. Mine is a 5 speed, a 6th cog would be nice, but NEVER would I consider a self-shifter. Car is all smiles :-) Even 12 years old I still find people gathering around it in parking lots.