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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  The best I have driven - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By leoklaus - December 2 - 1:47 am

  I am currently driving a 530i. It is very reliable car and so far nothing has been changed or broken. Excellent handling and comfort. I love the car and every time I drive it, it is truly a superb experience. I am a one happy owner. Of course there is still a room for improvement ... M5.

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  Sport Activity Vehicle Im in LOVE - 2015 BMW X4
  By Shellytluv@aol.com - December 1 - 8:50 pm

  Shop around for the best purchase or lease, dont let your eyes do the talking for you. Make sure you are knowledgeable about the various packages available the pice points do increase!!

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  Would have been great, but... - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By ChiefBigTalker - December 1 - 7:39 pm

  This is nearly a great car. Fast. Handles well. Looks great. Sounds great. The retracting top is a thing of beauty. But it isnt as reliable as my old Alfa Romeo. Run flat tires are fragile Ive had to replace four of them in two years. I can deal with the somewhat harsh ride, but the huge expense and inconvenience has taught me never to buy another car with run flats. The fuel injection system broke down, taking the car out of commission for several days. Seats rattle. The cable connecting the ipod to the sound system is poor, and despite replacement still cuts out a channel from time to time. iDrive isnt that bad lose the run flats, make it reliable, and it would be great.

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  So far, So Good - 2010 BMW 1-Series
  By billinaz - December 1 - 5:57 pm

  This is my first BMW, on the recommendation of a friend. So far the car has performed, twin turbo puts you back in the seat. No interior noise (loose parts). Handles great, good build quality. I picked one with the sport package (well worth it), Ipod, and prem package. I plan on taking it for a long road trip to Vegas in the next month, will report back how it did then.

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  Balance - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By BK2007 - December 1 - 3:46 pm

  I needed a car that had everything. Speed, agility, utility, luxury. Its got it all. The engine has a great sound and it is very calm and quiet at road speed. It is everything Ive wanted in a car. BMW has a customer for life as long as they keep making cars like this.

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  2003 BMW 330Ci - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Tom Waite - December 1 - 2:59 pm

  I have owned this 2003 330Ci since new. Used the BMW Euro Delivery program. Car has been very reliable. Issues? Sunroof, ignition coils replaced under warranty. Otherwise nothing, but I am a fairly conservative driver, and dont drive it hard other than the 600 miles on the autobahn at 90-120 mph when car was new. I routinely obtain 27-30 mpg (5 speed manual, 80% freeway driving with a light foot). Great car and I likely will buy another soon.

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  Fun to drive - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Oldgoat912 - November 30 - 4:55 pm

  Replacement for 1998 540i six speed. Although smaller my 335i is faster and more nimble. GREAT FUN to drive and comfortable for an old man (66!). My only problem is the tire ware. I dont spin out at every stop sign but had to replace the rear tires at 13,300 miles. I also think it would take one hell of a driver to accelerate faster with the six speed than with the auto trans. I love the shift paddles, the stereo and blue tooth.

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  BMW X5 Diesel - 2010 BMW X5
  By Colin - November 30 - 4:10 pm

  Bought the car 10 days ago. Love it so far (never spent this much on a car). Engine is fantastic, seems really solid, and the gas mileage appears legit so far. We have 3 kids under 11, and it probably isnt the best family car in terms of space (compared to a minivan), but we did it anyway since its so much fun.

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  So far so Good - 2007 BMW X5
  By goodgame2009 - November 30 - 9:56 am

  I didnt want to pay for the premium price for a new X5 so I got a use one. Pro: Good driving overall, great dealer service. Get used to hear people tell you "nice car or suv". Con: little sluggish with V6, I want a V8 now but of course you will have to pay for it (Gas). Back cam broke and dealer replaced it no charge. But the part only lasts three years for a back up cam? I hope BMW does a better job.

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  BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: Eye Catcher Plus! - 2009 BMW Z4
  By Criticfilm - November 30 - 9:54 am

  Always wanted a convertible, never enjoyed softtops. Always loved BMWs, owned a 325i, so I watched with anticipation when they released the new BMW Z4. The car is totally impractical, overpriced, but when my local dealer offered me a killer lease, $500/loaded SDrive35 and BMW finance also kicked in a rebate, I said,"You only live once." and drove off in my first convertible. The car is stunning, a true beauty in the Deep Sea Blue Metallic and Ivory White Nappa Leather, just like in the ads. I get looks and compliments constantly and I have only seen a red SD30 once on the road in the months Ive owned it. In this economy, the car is rare eye-catcher. Anyone with a BMW knows, driving is #1.