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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  Perfect combination - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By Chris V - December 19 - 3:49 pm

  I had my eye on a 135 ever since the first time I heard they were cramming a 300HP I6 into a car that weighs as much as a Dodge Neon. Add BMWs legendary handling, massive brakes and you might just have the perfect small sports coupe. The real added bonus for me was that I get 25 MPG combined hwy/city, the interior is attractive yet functional, and the all season tires I needed for northeast weather dont detract from the appearance. If you want to take it easy and enjoy a comfortable ride, the 135 wont disappoint. But if flat out exhilarating performance is what you seek, Id strongly recommend you purchase a 135. Oh, and befriend a state trooper unless you actually like going to court.

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  Excellent - 2009 BMW X5
  By Martin - December 18 - 8:58 am

  Just picked up my ordered BMW X5 xDrive35d (diesel) that I had ordered back in August 2008. Ordered every option possible (costly). It was worth the wait. The diesel is very quite and drives like a dream. The torque is huge and available at any speed. The twin turbo diesel engine does a magnificent job. There is absolutely no lag at all. You punch it, and it goes. With that much power, you really do not need the big 4.8i. I was debating between the diesel and the 4.8i for the longest time, but now I am very glad that I went for the diesel. Picked up the x5 2 weeks ago with a full tank. Drove 500 km and still have more that quarter tank of fuel left. Fuel mileage, so far so good.

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  Better with every mile - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By ShewbieDo - December 17 - 7:27 am

  This is my first BMW and my only regret is that I waited this long to buy it. I think of it as a jewelbox: small and compact, but very well constructed. Its the perfect personal luxury car for those who like to drive. Theres nothing flashy about it, other than the badge, yet it still gets looks. Although some of the controls appear counterintuitive at first, most of the driving-related controls are well thought out, and make sense after you understand the reason behind their design. Im very pleased with the quietness and comfort for the front seats, although if you are a large/tall person, you might need to look at a 5- series. The back seats are for kids and people you dont like. Buy one!

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  cool - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By kelby/languelldrogt - December 15 - 10:00 am

  awsom and it has a great warrinty

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  my baby - 2003 BMW X5
  By funfly - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This is the perfect suv. I live in Texas where the suv is a must.This car may not be as big as most of the other bully cars but she has the kick to get you where you want to go .(ahead of the rest!)

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  Excellent Car - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Berna - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is superb. Is so much fun to drive that I actually enjoyed driving every day. The handling, the power the leather seats are incredable. Very reliable and with the premium and sport package you cant go wrong. Since BMW is changing the model I suggest you hurry up to the dealer because they are making deals and the new ones are more expensive.

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  BMW Z4 Driving Review - 2003 BMW Z4
  By schwartz - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Z4 BMW is by far the best sports car I have ever driven. The 3.0 has excellent power while still offering tremendous fuel economy. A recent 6 hour trip on interstate highways yielded 30.1 mpg. My Z4 is equipped with the Navigation System and On-board computer, so the mileage reading was exact. Average speed was about 56 MPH with jaunts up to 80 MPH staying with traffic (had to hold back..the Z4 wants to go!). The Z4 is solid as a rock, with no body vibration and sticks like glue to the road surfaces (rough and smooth alike). Also, I love the style and scalloped side panels. Somewhat reminiscent of the 50s and 60s early Corvettes. I love this baby!

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  the best ever - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Mom of four - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I have had sport cars in the past, never this quality nor with this performance. Getting on to the freeway is a breeze now, getting over in the right lane to get off is the same. The handling is tight and the car just hugs the road in turns. The best part is how fun it is to drive. Everybody I know wants a ride, they want to drive it....not happening! I have too much fun driving it myself. Never in my 40 plus years have I ever had something I enjoyed driving as much as this! Sigh me mother of four and its my turn!

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  My first BMW - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By ANGELICA - December 15 - 4:33 am

  I just traded in my 07 Mercedes C230 sport for the 328xi sedan to have a car that gets around in our winter months. They are definitely 2 different cars. This car handles much tighter and feels stronger and more sporty. My husband is a big guy and fits so much better in the BMW. There is more space in the back seat, my 5 year olds feet really dont touch the front seat like in the mercedes. The thing I notice the most is that I can actually get in this car without hitting my side on the door strip. Its so much easier to get in and out of. Its a little higher off the ground than the mercedes.

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  A real driving machine - 2008 BMW X5
  By mb - December 13 - 2:41 pm

  I have been an Acura/Honda owner for the past 7 cars but the MDX was just too ugly so that forced me to look around. I am so delighted I found the X5. It is a monster in the 4.8. Very classy, clean design inside especially. 3rd row seat is a waste. Literally I have not opened it up yet. The tech on the X5 nav etc is about 90% as good as Acura but the MDX ride does not compare. The 4.8 is a race car and races through fuel to be sure. Even with the 4.8, sport package - pretty much loaded it still does not have power lift gate. That is a little lame.