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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  Lives up to its legendary billing! - 2008 BMW M3
  By AbaundvrM3 - January 24 - 2:29 pm

  All it took was one 5 mile test drive to realize this is a special car that lives up to every kudo the M nameplate has earned over the years. The 414hp pulls rapidly to the 8400 rpm redline and WOW, what music to the ears! Theres NO car that sounds so perfect when running wide open down the Abaun! Its an absolute dream to drive with perfect balance and only a hint of understeer. Im amazed at the usability and room in this vehicle. The interior is very comfortable and although its a supercar I can still put the family in it to go cruising. The trunk is large and the interior volume/space is perfect for 4 persons. If youre looking for the ultimate car, look no more... the M3 is it!

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  Pleasantly Surprising - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Ultimate Driver - January 24 - 1:13 am

  Purchased the vehicle as CPO 5 years ago. The car has performed satisfactorily well over time. 528i sport offers a great balance between performance and maintenance cost. On the sport package, you can rotate tires for longer life. Having the CPO warranty and maintenance to 100K was instrumental in managing ownership costs. Also, pays off in the long run because this ensures maintenance is performed by BMW using genuine parts. I feel this has contributed to reliability I enjoy at 130K mile. The cheapest way to maintain a BMW is with the dealer. BMW service is great and the reps generally do their best to help you out. Although, service must be scheduled well in advance to get a BMW loaner. Reliability, relative to 15 years ago, has improved on these vehicles. Overall, maintenance cost is comparable to other luxury makes.

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  Really fun to drive - 2008 BMW X3
  By Mike - January 21 - 5:23 pm

  I have owned my 2008 X3 for 1 year. The ride is great, handling is incredible. Brakes are superior. I have the winter package, it works well. Had a problem with the heating coils in the back seat, they stuck. Dealer did a great job fixing the problem. GPS and radio are cheap at best. Gas mileage average. AWD is great. Overall great car so far.

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  Durable SUV - 2004 BMW X5
  By jowana - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had many SUVs in the past and this one is the best creation yet. The drive on this SUV is very smooth and the interior is just as attrative as the exterior. This is a well-made piece of art.

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  Excellent - 2004 BMW X5
  By rjem - January 21 - 2:00 am

  We never really had a major problem, only minor things that the warranty covered.

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  excellent car - 2004 BMW X5
  By ricoman - January 21 - 2:00 am

  this is probably hands down the best car i ever owned it superb in everyway i have no complaints about this car the only thing i wish was different was the on board computer it is manual not voice command that is the only drawback but i think i can live with that take care enjoy your x5

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  I sold a Porsche 996 to buy a z4 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By felicia - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven most sports cars including a ferrari, a lamborgini, two porches, vettes, etc....and this car blows the doors off of all of them. Its amazing.

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  Great Car ! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By StarmanV - January 21 - 2:00 am

  The car is fun to drive and has unique styling. There is great attention to detail and the quality is outstanding. The trunk is larger than most in this class.

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  Z4 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By CRozas - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Excellent roadster. At the cutting edge of technology and style. Many accolades received from other roadster owners.

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  BMW Newbie - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By KenBoz - January 21 - 2:00 am

  We have owned other small cars such as a Mercedes and Cads. This car initially did not impress me as fast. However, as the motor loosens up a bit it is getting really fast. Cornering is great. The construction and finish are better than we found with the others.