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:

• 

  WONDERFUL! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Cameron1224 - December 9 - 2:00 am

  What an amazing car! I dont know what to say! Im Speechless! Its just unbelievable. The engine is great with styling to match. Comfortable, stylish, powerful, and juast plain wonderful.

• 

  Awesome!!! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By bimmerman - December 9 - 2:00 am

  This car does what you want it to do, and thats almost anything. Great car, a lot of power, great handling. Everything i wanted in a car, Ive looked at Audi, Lexus, and others and nothing compares to this one.

• 

  Amazing 2 Seat Convertible - 1996 BMW Z3
  By Z3 Man - December 9 - 1:20 am

  Ive had my Z for about a month now and have had nothing but pure joy. Styling is amazing. So sleek and smooth. No doubt it has aged perfectly and will continue to age much better than the the Z4. People will ask what year it it is and I tell them to guess. Their average guess is 2002 lol. Lots of people complain about performance, but luckily mine came with a supercharger made specifically for the 96 Z3 and boosted the power to 225hp. Yup thats right horsepower more than the 6 cylinder. Handling is perfect, you can go around a curve at 50 miles an hour when it suggests 35 with ease and comfort. All in all a great car that will age perfectly and last forever.

• 

  Would be perfect if not for run flats - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Steven - December 8 - 7:08 pm

  Ive driven the car 16,800 miles. Great power and handling, very intuitive interior controls that give you what you need and nothing more. Back seat is only for kids or short trips, but the seats fold down for lots of extra trunk room. Initial problem with fuel pump (common but completely resolved). Biggest complaint: Rear Run flats only good for 10,000 miles they cost $380 each and there are no good alternatives. Front tires may last 20,000+. Yes, its the sports model with 18" tires and I drive a mountain freeway fairly regularly, but my last BMW got 40,000+ miles per set of tires. The car has not been driven hard. I love the car, but next time I would at least test drive the Cayman.

• 

  Great little German "Pony Car" - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Shawnski - December 8 - 5:01 pm

  Had to have this when it first came out. And have not disappointed in over 19 months of ownership. Sensible, sporty, fast, and great fuel economy. Not a sports car, but has a great ride. Small size, but surprisingly practical. Lost of easy torque, and terrific average fuel economy - 25 MPG. It is the perfect marriage of German engineering, and American style muscle car attributes (2 doors, a trunk and fast), all in a size that makes other cars seem fat. Only reason I did not give a 10 for performance was my decision to go with Steptronic 6A v. 6M. However, it is a superior slush box, that shifts very fast and is always in the right gear. IMO no one refines drivetrains better than BMW.

• 

  Eh - take it or leave it - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Brad - December 8 - 2:21 pm

  Very jerky in 1st gear. NO storage, idrive is wacky. At 6 3" I should have purchased the 7 series. I dont actually know what all the fuss is about. Great brakes though!

• 

  Broken at 2k on the side of the road - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By ruf - December 7 - 3:21 am

  I hate to say I paid 52k to be broken down on the side of the road at 2k miles. I am on my 2nd fuel pump as of last week, tonight 12/7/09 on the side of the road no oil in the motor. I could have driven, but the i drive oil light blinked red and told me to stop driving. The car is only good for wondering where and when I will be broken down next. I had the car in the shop for electrical problems for two weeks. Its not maintenance free if you have to be on the side of the road as much as I have been. If the reliability is bad then the build quality is just as bad. 3rd BMW and last one, I cant do this to myself anymore.

• 

  My fourth BMW... - 2010 BMW 1-Series
  By jmlbmw - December 5 - 10:45 pm

  I was going to $25,000.00 more for a new M3 Coupe but decided on the 135i instead. It was a wise choice for several reasons. This car is as fast as my 2007 M Coupe that I turned in after a two year lease. In fact, its faster in 2nd gear then the M. The twin turbos are smooth and there is NO turbo lag. The 135i is not only fast but it has a very smooth and quite ride. The car handles extremely well and there is a great engine sound when you get on the go pedal. The 135i is really an M car for all intents and purposes! There are so many after-market options available through BMW Performance, that you can really have the power and performance of an M.

• 

  Very pleased overall - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By CAC - December 5 - 8:24 pm

  The overall styling is very advanced. My 328 has the Sport Package which makes for a firm ride, but the road grip is unbelievable. The car seems to be held back at highway speeds and feels more at home the faster you go, but never edgy. Brakes are superb. The 6-speed manual feels solid, although I wish 1st gear would extend a bit further...it seems to wind out fairly quickly. Adaptive xenon lights are way cool and seem 100% brighter than any other cars lights. Interior is comfortable, but quite snug, so forget it if youre a little on the heavy side. The leatherette seats are easy to maintain and of exceptional quality. The seat belt arm that extends the front seat belt is a little gimmicky.

• 

  Where did the room go? - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By HardDriver - December 5 - 7:30 pm

  This is the most fun car to drive since my 73 Porsche. Whether on a freeway or (better yet) a twisting country road, this car is flat out fun to drive. No matter how hard I put it into a turn, it looks over its shoulder and asks, "is that all you got?" On a recent Los Angeles to San Francisco freeway trip, I got just over 30 mpg. Pros: Road hugging performance, good mileage, styling and finish. Cons: This car is essentially the same size as the Accord and Avalon. Where did all the interior room go ? I am 511" and it is hard to get in and out. Headroom is scarce and there is no legroom in the rear seat. The trunk is tiny. There is also a very annoying throttle lag off the line.