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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  One Beautiful Bavarian - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By JtodaJizzle - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle was one of the best investments I have ever made. BMWs keep their value so well. My car still performs and looks like it is brand new. This car is in mint condition and it has 45,000 miles on it. The engine still performs when you push it and the suspension and ride quality is second to none.

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  Car for all moods - 2008 BMW M3
  By Kojjan - January 20 - 3:46 am

  In terms of driving enjoyment this is the best car I have had. Wanted to point out the how nice it is to be able to switch from automatic mode when you feel like just cruising, to using the hand pedals when you feel like driving hard. Regardless of your mood you get best possible experience. In both situations the car handles great, and is fun. Having a cab that adds an additional dimension. So the new M3 Cab is the best possible combination of fun, diversity and quality of driving I have ever seen.

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  Great Car - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By tmitch18 - January 19 - 9:44 pm

  Been looking forward to getting my 135 and its finally here. What a great car amazing engine of course and with better brakes than the new M3. Drove my brothers 09 M3 and this car felt almost as quick. I say felt because now I added the computer upgrade from Vishnu that brings my 135 to 400hp!! This car is now a monster! Of course the materials used in this car are not quite as nice but, for the money you cant go wrong.

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  lovin this car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By ricks corgis - January 19 - 4:43 pm

  Bought this car cert used. Best car Ive owned. Im ready for a newer one. With snow tires it goes thru anything, good on gas. Looks handles great, very reliable

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  2009 BMW X5 35d BiTurboDiesel - 2009 BMW X5
  By Stephan - January 19 - 2:41 pm

  I am driving the all new 2009 X5 diesel since one month, approx. 1000 miles. Before I drove already the X5 3.0 I6 cylinder for 2 years and the X5 4.4 V8. The diesel engine fits that car best!! The torque is huge - no difference to the V8. The mileage is about 25 mpg, even in those days extreme winter temperatures. By the way I didnt had any winter problems so far. The 2008/2009 update to the X5 is significant to the older models, e.g. more space in back row and trunk. Also remote trunk opener, keyless comfort entry, rear view camera are nice features. I love my all new X5 35d.

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  Perfect! - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By cgpublic - January 19 - 1:48 pm

  No regrets in choosing the sweet sounding naturally aspirated I6 over the turbo - plenty of acceleration throughout the power band matched to exceptional road feel. The GM 6-speed transmission is not as refined as the ZF, but still head and shoulders over any other auto that I have owned. DS mode and paddles provide plenty of flexibility and fun. AWD is sure-footed in rain and snow, and the xi is the perfect match for urban/suburban roads. 8K well-spent in options (ZPP, ZSP, Xenon, CA, iPod, Heated Seats, Metallic Paint). Phenomenal build quality with no issues to date - just a smile every minute behind the wheel!

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  Beautiful ride - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By awesome drive - January 19 - 10:00 am

  very very smooth.... could it get any better

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  Rocket on 4 wheels - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By Mike - January 16 - 6:14 pm

  I purchased a 740IL 2 years ago (my fav.car) to give to my wife. She and I are in love with this car. I cant speak more highly about the workmanship, the quality and the performance. The power of the V8 is extremely impressive and the sound it makes when you take a Mustang, Camaro, or even a Corvette off the line leaves them wondering what just happened to them. As of now we own 2 Bimmers the 95 740il and a 95 525i, these are our two favorite cars out of the 9 we own. With all of the said we have had to replace many parts and as of right now the 7 has to go in the shop due to the fact it will not start or even turn over, But I still love the car.

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  2009 X5 35D - 2009 BMW X5
  By CHATTGUY - January 16 - 4:51 am

  Diesel mpg averages 28-30 at 60-70mph, in town I am getting about 22 mpg. I was worried about the iDrive, but it works great once you understand it. The voice navigation is best I have used. Power tailgate sounds flimsy, but works. Power is awesome from the 3.0 diesel, frugal yet powerful. I was concerned about ride with runflats, but so far just seems a little stiff.

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  Bavarian beauty - 2006 BMW Z4
  By 2006 BMW Z4i - January 15 - 4:48 pm

  I have only owned this car for 5 months and love it. Previous car was a 1998 Porsche 911, while the Z4 cannot compare to the 911 in performance it comes very close and cost a lot less in purchase price and maint. cost. I also think it is a better looking car. I have gotten more looks and compliments then I did with the 911.