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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  The Ultimate Drive - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By tratra - March 11 - 1:35 pm

  This is my 4th BMW. Had an X5, 325i, 328xi, and now 528i Xdrive. I always think I want something else. When it comes down to it nothing competes with the drive and handling of the BMW. Not Mercedes, Jaguar, Infinity, etc, and I have tried them all. Fun to drive and luxurious all at the same time. Gas mileage is not bad for the full size car. BMW definitely holds up to its slogan the Ultimate Driving Machine.

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  Great Car - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By BoSox in 04 - March 9 - 6:13 pm

  Driven the car for just under 3,000 miles and its fantastic so far. Heated seats and steering wheel combined with X-Drive have been excellent during this active New England winter. Best driving car Ive ever owned, and interior annoyances (lack of storage space, cup holders) are acceptable given the driving dynamics, all-weather aplomb and overall content of the car.

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  2001 BMW 740i - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By MotorStreet - March 8 - 9:06 pm

  This car is one of the best cars of all time. It can be smooth and quiet on the highway , but when you put your foot down its 4.4L V8 surges forward with 324lb.ft. of torque and 282hp. The steering is heavy and responsive. The suspension soaks up bumps, but delivers sharp handling when you want it. In 5 years of owning this car the only problem was getting the handsfree phone setup. Our car had an outdated navigation system and the rear cup holders once broke, but there were no other problems. This BMW is in my opinion one of the best cars ever overall. This one of the last real BMWs from before the new bigger Bangle designed BMW. It has a classic look, but appears modern.

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  New 08 535xi - Awesome - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Love My 08 535xi - March 8 - 1:56 am

  This car has exceeded my high expectations. Performance, styling, quality (inside and out) are incredible. This is an amazing car. The seats are comfortable, the ride is smooth yet sporty, and the peformance with the twin-turbo is unbelieveable. Weve had the car for about a month and the whole family loves it.

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  Buy a Radar Detector! - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Mitch - March 7 - 12:23 am

  Wow is an understatement! Weve owned our 550 for a year, and words do not do justice to this car. The one thing that I would add is that we specifically bought the 6-speed manual transmission, and it makes the car all that much more fun to drive. I will start smoothly in 1st, but 2nd and 3rd are nothing but a blast.

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  Buy one - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By cdh bmw - March 6 - 11:09 pm

  Only had this car for a few days, for u BMW people I had an E36 m3 and this car is every bit the car that the old m was, but my wife is pregnant so I need a 4 door. This car with sport package and manual trans plus all the modern features is truly awesome. The only other car to look at was the g35 but got a great deal on a cpo car.

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  335i Coupe is Unreal! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By zimbim - March 6 - 4:00 pm

  This car is so much fun to drive. Its amazingly comfortable equipped with the sport package seats, iDrive is easy to use after a brief learning curve, voice commands are awesome, keyless go is tremendous and the handling and acceleration is superb. Outside of that, I hate the car!

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  Reasonably Practical Fun - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Richard Schollen - March 5 - 9:36 pm

  I took delivery of the car just prior to the summer and got to enjoy the full on summer experience but wanted to live with it through a winter before writing a review. The verdict: invest in good set of snow tires and the car is almost as much fun in the winter as in the summer. The DSC system is totally effective at keeping things under control on snow packed roads. Switch it off and its donut time. All year round the power is enticing - smooth and unrelenting -if you keep your foot in it you will be in road-side vehicle seizure territory in a blink. Yes, the cabin is a bit tight and you wish for a few more cubbies and a bigger glovebox but the overall experience is worth it. Practical fun.

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  SWEAT - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Andie - March 5 - 8:46 am

  It is a great car.

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  bimmer - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By e28 m5 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This car is a pleasure to drive and looks sharp. T he engine and manual 5sp are crisp while the s uspension is just perfect and balanced. Couldnt w ait for the performance pkg so I opted for the s port pkg with 18 mv rims. I could drive BMWs for the rest of my life and n ever yearn for another auto!!!!