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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  BMW Nut - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By BMWLVR - December 8 - 9:33 am

  I love this car. I traded in my 2001 325i for a similar 2006 with the sports package and manual transmission. I got black interior this time and it does show hand oil and smudges. So that can get a little annoying. But overall this is an amazing car.

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  The car is older and the driver is wiser - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By Laura - December 7 - 3:48 pm

  I love my 328i, but it costs, financially and physically, to maintain it! So far I have had to replace the radiator, radiator fluid tank, fuel pump, drive and ac belts, wiper motor, and thermostat (and I am only the second owner!). My dad, who loves to and can fix anything, HATES working on my car, but he does it reluctantly. Its too low to the ground to fit a normal jack under it, you need odd-sized tools, and the lay out under the hood is way to complicated. But I guess thats the price you pay for a lasting vehicle.

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  Excellent all the way around - 2003 BMW Z4
  By JimQ - December 7 - 12:27 pm

  Ive driven mine across the country and its superb in all respects -- fun, reliable, great gas mileage, great performance, all ways. Even though its small, it has good storage space and excellent driving compartment space. Gas mileage on the road is 34-38 mpg. Semi-auto transmission is fun, but jerks on changes often, annoying. All in all, a plus, though. Id buy another without question.

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  Could hardly be happier - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By byron - December 7 - 12:21 pm

  Drives like an extension of your body. Top down wind and noise amazingly low and climate control allows you to drive topless in anything but rain. Controls typically Teutonic and not intuitive. Will run decently on less than premium but idle roughens. Love the turning headlights - great on windy roads at night and illumination overall is outstanding. Great highway mileage. Top tends to hang up after being driven with it closed for while, but close/open switch operation allows it to open fine.

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  My first BMW - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By xania - December 7 - 2:00 am

  My only complaint about this car is that it is terrible in the snow. Otherwise, its great. I love it.

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  Best Car Ever! - 2001 BMW X5
  By bmrx5pa - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Since purchasing my X5, we have been on several long trips and absolutely love the comfort, convenience of controls and just simply love the drive this car! The frontal visibility is unlike any other and the interior is so roomy and comfortable that you get spoiled and dont want to take any other vehicle - anywhere. Alway reliable, drives and feels like a 740I with 4 WD.

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  What a Great Car - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By j mcburney - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I came awfully close to getting a MB CLK 430 until my boss, a confirmed BMW fanatic convinced me to not buy anything without trying a 540i. Boy, do I owe him! Mine is a sport package with MSport wheels and steering wheel and trim - kind of an M5 wannabe. It is simply the best car in its class by a long shot, and easily one of the finest in the world. I wish that the 6 speed had not been an extra cost option, because that combined with its negative impact on resale got me into the Steptronic, but it is the best auto Ive ever driven. Simply a fabulous car that obliterates standards of luxury, performance and engineering excellence. Bravo!

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  One Year w/335i sedan - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By hellenist - December 6 - 12:45 pm

  Had my sedan for a year. Its my second BMW. The first was a 2002 325i. There is no comparison. I am not sure why I bought a second BMW, since my 325 was below average in reliability. My 2008 has been a pleasant surprise. Not one problem and it really does handle and drive light years better than the 325i. I tested the Audis and G35s but there really was no comparison. And now that gas prices are falling its even better! No thanks to the hybrids.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Garhuff - December 5 - 2:15 pm

  I bought this car because I loved the styling and two years later, I still get excited every time I drive it. I still get stopped by people asking me questions about it frequently. I picked this instead of the Porsche Cayman and Ive never regretted it.

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  Awesome Car - 2008 BMW M6
  By Carman - December 5 - 11:09 am

  I have owned many types of expensive vehicles but this one tops the list. Power is absolutely thrilling as well as the handling and comfort. A little hard on fuel but considering the way I drive its probably much better for the average driver. I did not buy this car to save on gas anyway. I would have paid double than what I paid for this car.