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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  My first and last BMW - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By phmokda - March 20 - 12:46 pm

  On the advice of a friend, I ended a twelve year streak of Lexus ownership for a new BMW. The tipping point for me was the unlimited warranty for four years or 50,000 miles. The car rides great but the I control is maddening and the car is way too computerized. It drops my bluetooth settings regularly and the battery has died three times in the last 11 months. The tow truck driver today told the cars he has to jump the most are BMWs! I am convinced it is a computer problem and they really dont know how to fix it. The driver seat, despite what seems like 1,000 different settings, is uncomfortable and has no support between the shoulder blades. This will be my last Bimmer.

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  Lovin It - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Mary - March 20 - 9:12 am

  My first BMW and I love it. Thank goodness the iDrive has been updated. I read the horror stories but with the nav it is so easy, keeps your focus on the road not the dash. The car handles well on all roads, takes curves nicely, steering is easy. AWD did a great job with the snow we had in the Northeast US this winter. I am very pleased with the gas mileage, my last car, an STS, only got @ 18 mpg. I am averaging 23 mpg with the 528ix. The interior is roomy and comfortable. Even my very tall husband can easily get in and out. Only had the car 7 months and am really enjoying it.

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  High-maintenance - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By etc - March 20 - 1:11 am

  E39 doesnt age well. The cooling system is sure to fail by 100K - radiator, water pump and more. Front end likely shot by that mileage. Rear end suspension too. All kinds of leaks, power steering, transmission hoses. All the vacuum tubes get extremely brittle and disintegrate when you touch them. The VANOS system is likely shot by that mileage, decreasing MPG and power. Automatic tranny replaced at 80K Basically just ridiculous how such an expensive car can have reliability of a 1980s Ford. Its a true FORD car, Fix-Or-Repair-Daily.

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  Purchased Used 2007 BMW 530xi - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Randy - March 19 - 1:31 pm

  Purchased a 530xi (loaded) coming off a lease and absolutely love the car!!! Overall, I actually like the I-drive system, very intuitive and think that the people who complain about it are probably the same people who do not like computers or tech stuff in general. Love the detailing for both the interior and exterior, handles great, and very comfortable. Very rich looking. Love the interior ambient lighting at night, xenon are always a plus.

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  Love it! - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By doctorT - March 19 - 4:05 am

  Before buying this car I tested the new A4 and the C class Benz. I admit the Audi is the best looking of the 3 but once you take it for a spin- none of the other cars come even close to the BMW. The acceleration is seamless and I love the sport automatic/ steptronic mode. I love the perfectly balanced steering and the handling/ grip on the road is fantastic. I love how solid the car feels. The Audis steering felt too light and the acceleration/handling does not compare.

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  Best of the Best! - 2010 BMW Z4
  By rmorin49 - March 18 - 9:17 pm

  I ordered my Z4 for European Delivery and enjoyed my trip to Munich and the new BMW Welt. The car is absolutely awesome, 6 speed manual tranny has a short throw, well spaced gears and makes the car more like a classic roadster. With the hardtop up it is a weather tight coupe. Styling is incredible inside and out. Sport seats are very comfortable. Trunk has enough room for a good sized suitcase even with the top down. This is my 8th BMW and may well be my favorite. Car gets lots of thumbs up from all ages. It is the best looking sports car sold in the US under $60K.

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  Great car - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Franco - March 17 - 11:15 pm

  Well I wait one year before I put my comment, I Bought this car last year so far everyday is like the first day, love to drive this car my wife also drives a BMW 2006 and she fell the same.

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  Doesnt leave much to desire - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Vitix2 - March 17 - 9:28 pm

  Ive owned the BMW 530XiT for 4 yrs. and I cant think of another car that I would have preferred to own/drive regularly. By now you know that it is a great car. It exemplifies quality, athleticism, utility, and looks (IMHO). No need to rehash those traits. So, Ill move onto what I think could be improved. Power: It does great at highway speed or once you get the RPMs up. But, that performance is unmatched at the low end. Idrive: My system gets stuck at times and I have to re-select functions. No big deal, but I expect better. Panoramic Sliding Roof: Great feature, but wind noise over 30mph is out of control. Worse, BMW does not make a wind deflector that fits the model.

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  fun and power - 2007 BMW X3
  By eladou - March 17 - 2:38 pm

  I leased this 2007 X3 for 3 years without a single mechanical or electronic issue. At around 25,000 miles I had to replace the 4 tires because they were worn out. otherwise no issues. we loved it so much that we bought an 09 X3 at the end of the lease. Its been 6 months since the 09 X3 and no issues at all.

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  the 07 ages well - 2007 BMW 6-Series
  By LAThombo - March 17 - 2:04 am

  I picked up an 07 650i coupe for $51K, plus trade in of a 99 M3 with 80K miles on it. The 650 is a delight (sure, you say, what wouldnt be compared to the rusty horse Id been riding), and in unexpected ways. The seats envelope in a way superior to those in the 2009 MB CL I rented and are far superior to those in the Carerra. The engine sound is of elegant fortitude, the handling pugnacious when demanded but otherwise smooth and flat-out fun. The sports mode is a bit jerky at times, but darn quick off the line (the normal mode, which my wife dubs the macher mode, is far less responsive to the pedal stomp yet very smooth). I feel very safe in it, although the A-pillar obscures a bit.