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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  Fun but not reliable - 2005 BMW M3
  By JCFreakCV - November 10 - 3:22 pm

  Most fun, beautiful car Ive ever owned, but has been in the shop more than my 1989 325i.

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  conflicted feelings abound - 2004 BMW X5
  By joeshaffer - November 7 - 5:20 pm

  I was more excited to receive this vehicle than any other. Now it is here I have very mixed feelings. First off: Imola Red/Nav/Floor/Sirius/comfort seats/Metal running +pedals/set of snow tires (minnesota). Comfort seats are really great, engine noise great, acceleration great. Navigation hopeless most user unfriendly system in existence. You can NOT I-pod or bluetooth phone the 4.8is. This truck is great if you do not have a family or a dog (but I do), two front passengers will be very happy. Soon as you try to load anything of substance you start to wonder why you spend 85K (taxes inclded) on it. It is a completely impractical SUV REALLY think why you want this X5.

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  A hit once again! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By bucklaobmr - November 7 - 7:36 am

  Second 3 series is a hit! Got auto sport/lux package. Smooth powerful ride. Easy to reach 100 mph without realizing it. Poor mpg however (22 mpg avg). Should have gotten the nav system. Great larger tires (18in) but run flat is hard (and expensive to replace, $250/each rear). Sluggish 1st gear to 2nd gear, better on sport mode. Sport seats get adjustable side bolster!!

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  vroom - 2005 BMW Z4
  By werra - November 7 - 3:22 am

  this is simply excellent and a pleasure to own and drive.

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  What a Rush! - 2004 BMW M3
  By BAOMD - November 6 - 8:23 pm

  This car lives up to its reviews. It is best proven by driving it on twisting mountain roads. The tires stick to the road and you can keep pushing it without leaving the pavement. With the top down, an adding bonus. The SMG is tricky at first, but a lot of fun to use after you master it. And in SPORT mode, forgeddaboutit! I love leaving everyone in the dust!

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  Blast to drive! - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By buckeyedoc - October 31 - 12:46 am

  Have !2500 miles on this coupe and I love it. Top notch performance and styling. The handling is great. The mileage on the highway is OK (28 MPG) but not great around town (16MPG). I have had 2 Audis before this and I think that the Audi is better in the snow and the interior is superior but the BMW is much more solid feeling on the highway. Overall for me it is a toss-up. the deciding factor was the proximity of the dealers (10 mins vs. 40). Only regret is that I wish I had gotten the manual.

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  Solid Ride - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Noreaster - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Second owner, first BMW and like it very much thus far. 67K Mi. Sharp looking, nicely appointed interior, smooth ride and adequate power. One unexpected repair was cracking of rear coil spring, ended up having to replace both costing about $500. Also, the small radio antenna off the back antenna base broke off probably in car wash, resulting in poorer radio reception. Other than those, usual maitenance. Love it and hope that it continues to serve me well.

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  Its Time to Go - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By RLight - October 27 - 2:00 am

  The car is so much fun to drive. The pick up is great even though it needs major repair. I can hit 100mi before I know it and it looks cute too. I bought the car with high miles thinking its a BWM, it can go for miles. But the repair problems are mounting. From water pumps, brakes, suspenion, thermostat and theromstat housing, the list goes on. The trunk release motor is shot and dont get me started on those cheap A$$ cup holders. Its no longer cost effective to be able to drive this BWM. Its gotta go.

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  Get rid of the I-Drive - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Bill Chipman - October 26 - 2:00 am

  The I-Drive is one of the worst ideas ever designed for a car! The engine and performance is great but over the past year it has been in the shop 5 times with each time having to address the I-Drive. This will be the first and last BMW I ever purchase.

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  Lemon Law - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By RJC11 - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive-when I have it. Vehicle has been at the dealer twice for a total of 18 days so far with the same electrical problem. Going back for a third time. 3 Strikes and youre out.