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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  Totally Stoked Dude! - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By LSUBimmerMan - February 7 - 4:00 pm

  This car is everything Ive always wanted in a car and then some!! Excellent drive, road manners and a serious head turner. Love it!!

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  Dont do it! - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By HTN-MD - February 7 - 2:49 pm

  I bought a demo thinking this is the "Ultimate Driving Machine" boy was I wrong. Everything is too expensive, the car has been in the shop 7 times since I bought it. The sound system is just plain bad, the DVD player doesnt work and it took forever to figure out how to change the clock or even the radio station. That is unless you want to read the 97 page manual which tells you how to do so. Is it a head turner - yes without a doubt. But in todays economy- when you take in to account the price of gas, insurance, the overall cost of owning it I say "Dont do it!!"

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  Great ride, but dont hit a pot hole! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By MCJ - February 7 - 12:49 pm

  Love driving the car (335 XI) on smooth surfaces. Previous car a 2002 525. When I test drove this car I was blown away. I guess I did not hit a pot hole for a couple months. The first one scared the hell out of me. Live in NJ and pot holes are a way of life. Very glad I got the tire and wheel insurance. Had to replace 5 tires in the first 35000 miles. Love the car, hate the tires. Would not get runflats again, even though I love the car. On 525 had to change a tire 2 x in 100000 miles. Being a male not a big deal. My fault but when I bought the car I did not even realize they were run flats. I had two friends who bought similar models and they were surprised also that there was no spare.

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  X5 35d Twin Turbo - nuf said - 2010 BMW X5
  By cmonty - February 6 - 7:28 pm

  I commute 120 miles a day, so I need a car with both fuel economy and an exciting driving experience. My commute has gone from a total drag to something I actually look forward to. The 425lbs of torque plaster me to the drivers seat and the responsive steering makes maneuvering in traffic a breeze. I chose the Premium Package, Technology Package, Sports Package, Cold Weather Package and Rear Climate Package with running boards and roof rack. I have put just over 1000 miles on the vehicle and the on-board computer is reporting that my average speed is 47 miles per hour with a MPG of 25.6. This is better average MPG than my Honda Accord! I would recommend the X5 35d to anyone!

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  You have to be kidding me - 2010 BMW M3
  By Grinnn - February 5 - 8:20 pm

  This isnt going to be analytical and probably not so useful. But you dont buy this car with your brain engaged. An 8400 rpm V8 that is massively over square and revs like a rotary wankel. In a BMW. With an incredible musical howl. Its just off the scale. Wow.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By noushin - February 4 - 11:19 pm

  I used to have a 325 until 3 years ago when I sold it due to high maintenance cost and leased a Mercedes C230. It was such a "trouble-free" car, but I missed my BMW since the day I lost it. I had my eye on the 1 series and it was worth all the wait. I have a 128 coupe with M1, Sport and Premium package. The car practically flies, it handles marvelously and I even like the feel of the "run-flat" tires. Cant wait to finish work and come to my car....

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  2000 2.3 Z3 Roadster - 2000 BMW Z3
  By Z3 - February 4 - 8:44 pm

  I have always liked the smooth lines and sleek look of the Z3. Finally bought a 2000 with 21K miles. Its a blast to drive, cornering is fantastic and it has plenty of power to spare.

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  Finally got my M3 - 2002 BMW M3
  By tommyk - February 4 - 11:45 am

  I sold my 2006 G35 6mt coupe and got an 02 M3. Wow, night and day as far as performance! Yea, the deck rattles from the bass and the front tweeters seem to be blown and the pass side window trim was sagging. But its a $55000 plus car I stole for $15000 and other than the few inexpensive problems its my favorite car ever! So fast, smells german inside, the paint is amazing, the looks, the sounds, the power and yes, even the gas mileage is out of this world. I hope it stays this great! I put 89000 on my G and never one time in the shop. That I will miss and hope my new bemmer does just as well. Dont buy a ragged out one, if they took care of it, it will take care of you. M3 for Life!!!

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  Good Car If You Can Afford It - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Jen - February 4 - 1:28 am

  My dad purchased this car for me in May. I had it inspected and they said it was in above average condition. Since I bought it Ive had to replace the expansion tank for $300, Power Steering Pump and Hoses $1000, oil change for $160 and other hoses for $500. This is come to be expected of an 11 year old car. The brakes and brake pads have been fixed but constantly squeak and my lighter and car door lock button are broken. Ive had the car inspected and the tires aligned but my car ALWAYS pulls! Other than those issues the car is good to drive, although it is TERRIBLE on gas. I am quite fond of the car but if I have a repair over $500 again, Im selling it!

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  I like ! - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By JC - February 4 - 12:19 am

  Never had a Bimmer before. Testdrove a fully loaded 535i first. Then got into a 528i. Perfect balance of comfort and performance ! Ride is firm but never harsh. Handling and body control very precise. I was sold. Took one home that night and Im enjoying every minute in it. Got a good deal since its an outgoing model. Cannot comment on reliability issues since it only has a few miles, but for a fine car like this, I wouldnt mind switching to a new one every three years ! I think I am done with Japanese cars for good.