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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  Seamless driving experience - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By larmen - December 5 - 1:06 pm

  I have never owned a car such as this. I alternate between feeling that the car is an extension of me and that I am an extension of the car. Beautiful integration of driver and driving dynamics. No wonder it is the class leader.

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  Feat of eng. & a work of art - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By arnoldisnumerouno - December 5 - 12:50 pm

  Simply, I love this car. The 128i has plenty of power and the handling is second to none. Shifting is incredibly smooth and you can stop on a dime. Theres nothing I would change about this car performance-wise. The 1 series exterior look may not be everyones cup of tea, but I think it is beautiful. And I think BMWs interiors are the best in the business. Plus, theres a million 3 series on the road, why not have something unique? I gave slightly lower marks on the comfort only due to the small backseat. I never have anyone in the backseat so it didnt make a difference to me, but for anyone who needs to drive others should take this into consideration.

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  Best of all worlds BMW offers! - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By Eldwood - December 4 - 11:10 pm

  I ordered my 335d in August and finally took delivery this week. The wait and anticipation was well worth it. It is an amazing machine in every detail. It has the performance of the 335i and I got nearly 40mpg on the first tank. It is the perfect car for me and for anyone who desires, but could never get luxury, refinement, performance and economy in one package. I cannot believe I am looking so forward to my daily commute.

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  3 Strikes youre out!! - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By click click click - December 4 - 8:54 pm

  I bought my 2009 335xi in August after driving my C70 Volvo into the ground with 173k on it. The volvo was a sled compared to this beauty. This car is not problem free! I have had the car in four times for warranty and Im still not happy. First check engine light " miss fire " second time bad high pressure fuel pump, third time, mechanical fuel pump. Turn on the intermittent wiper and listen to the relay click under the dash. Dealer says thats normal. Then the seat belt arm shorted out. So they replaced that. I just bought 4 Toyota Yaris for my delivery fleet and they are quieter than this BMW. Dealer said get use to the noises I said are you kidding me !!

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  A little more than the speed limit. - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By 2manycars - December 4 - 12:31 pm

  I dont care where Im going or how long it takes to get there, this car is way too much fun. Four people and trunk full, run 80 or so, and still get 29mpg. Stop for minute, get in and do it all over again. No road weary travelers in this car. 8 hour drive seems like 4. Regular maintenance, no major problems, not the cheapest car to maintain, and its not easy to find a "good" BMW shop, but still its worth every penny. I think Ill keep this car for a while, if I can get it back from the wife.

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  BEST CAR - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By R clark - December 4 - 10:40 am

  Car is approaching 250000 miles. I love the car little on the pricey side for repairs but I just cant get rid of the car still looks good and performs well.

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  Power performance & mileage in a Bimmer - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Nyurkt - December 4 - 10:20 am

  We Absolutely LOVE this vehicle awesome power, mileage & fuel economy even if driven hard love the exhaust note drives handles feels and sounds great. This is a true drivers car second Bimmer for the family and Im sure many more to come. Traded in our Accord Ex-V6 great car but the mileage was not up to par for HONDA, now we get awesome performance & braking as well as excellent fuel economy.

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  My First BMW... - 2003 BMW X5
  By J. K. Jackson - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my first BMW, and fortunately for me it was an SUV, or rather an SAV. Ive always wanted a BMW and I appreciate the flexibility an SUV offers you. Yet now that I finally own one, Im not quite sure exactly how I feel about it--I just get mixed feelings. I love the sensation of owning a BMW. Theres a distinct difference in the overall handling, performance, roominess, and comfort from my previous SUV-a 94 Nissan Pathfinder. Yet, perhaps I may have expected more than I received. I did not test-drive other luxury SUVs, and perhaps I should have. My only regret may be that I didnt get more options.

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  Why had I been driving anything else? - 2006 BMW X3
  By TMA - December 3 - 11:04 pm

  After 130K in a Pathfinder, I was looking for something a little more sporty, solid, fun to drive but still large to haul kids. Looked at a lot of replacement options but fell in love with the X3 about five minutes off the dealer lot in a test drive. Transmission is great. Smooth ride. Its hard to take my foot off the accelerator. Only complaint is the weird/basic radio system and "always on" lighter outlets. Hate to replace the radio with an aftermarket, but I need satellite radio, USB port for I- pod and an AUX port. Just learned today that they have discontinued production on Sirius receivers for the factory radio. Im going to put the Ipod/AUX ports up in the top dash compartment.

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  Ultimate driving Machine - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By Best car Ive owned - December 3 - 8:39 pm

  BMW truly deserves the title of ultimate driving machine. The 528i has enough power with exceptional handling and ride quality. No other car provides the same steering feedback and handling. Love the car and cant wait to drive it, car gets looks while on the road. This is my 1st BMW and will not be the last.