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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  bmwdude - 2004 BMW Z4
  By bmwdude - November 22 - 2:00 am

  AWESOME. FASTER THAN A CORVETTE.

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  3.0 Z4 is the best of the roadsters - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Mfeder - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I recently drove every roadster under $60,000, including the Boxter, Nissan Z, Honda, etc. Without qualification, the BMW is the superior all-around car- pure fun, great power, superb quality, and I- unlike the magazine critics- love the style. So do lots of other people, as Ive gotten great reaction when driving. No other two-seater in its class has the total package- & plenty of trunk space for groceries. BMW picks up the service for 4 years! This is the most fun car I have ever had.

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  NEW BMW 530i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By lousado - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Very classy yet fun to drive.Better than previous model.Annoyng seatbelt sound (does not stop until seatbelt is on)

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  stellar performer - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By fastdriverinla - November 22 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever had. Yes, it costs more than the average, but you get a lot more too. The differences are subtle but effective. Most people wont notice the precision and sophistication of the smooth-as-butter five speed manual or the tenacity of the cars suspension through an off ramp. Sadly, most of the capabilities of this car will go unused by 80 percent of the people who buy the 330i. For the other 20%, we have explored the limits and understand what makes a BMW the Ultimate Driving Machine.

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  Having a midlife crisis? - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By topdownbadboy - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Im still smiling after 400 new car miles. The 330cic clutch grabbed too high for my liking; the 5speed Steptronic was the best way to go for me. This car is strong and wants to go. There are several defects on my vehicle. My vehicle has Premium Package, Sport Package, heated seats, and metallic paint. The dealer cut the price by about $1,600 off MSRP, included rubber BMW floor mats and wheel locks. This car is not made for bigger people, people 250+ lbs. and taller than 6-2 ought to think twice about this car. Top down driving is great at 40F, 70mph on the freeway. Its difficult to keep this car around the speed limit.

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  Engine Failure - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Bimmer-R - November 21 - 11:16 pm

  This is not the best of BMW, this is my 2nd 5 Series and I expected better. Fuel leak twice, engine failure twice, car stopped once, engine rattling as if it was going to die most often than any used cheap car. Worst production twin turbo of BMW. Engine runs fast if it does not go nuts. I highly recommend people to buy another model with no turbo for now. My first one had the whole seat replaced, whole sun roof replaced, engine barrier replaced...this one had engine failure twice, disaster memory seat program, I hate to say this but I will really have to be convinced to buy another BMW this will go back to them! Do not learn it the hard way... read the other comments and you will know why.

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  BMW Z4 instant classic - 2009 BMW Z4
  By Larry N - November 21 - 6:50 pm

  Having loved my first roadster, a 2000 Z3 I was disappointed by the style changes with the first Z4. The 2009 Z4 brings back the beautiful lines with several improvements. The car fits like a glove, handles with incredible accuracy, and for the most part gives you the best of both a convertible and a comfortable sedan. This is my third roadster (also 2003 Boxster). Car came with sport shift paddles (I still dont get). Would have preferred a manual. The 3.0 automatic had plenty of power to match my driving style and I actually preferred to the 3.5. Bottom line, this is a gorgeous car that is a blast to drive.

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  Not worth the hype! (if there is any) - 2010 BMW X5
  By David - November 21 - 12:13 pm

  I should have waited. Interior is still boring, NAV is still a pain, gas mileage is much worse than posted, turning radius is one of the worst in its mid-size SUV class, and there is so much more to dislike.

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  14 years old goin on 20 - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By r_thiebaud - November 21 - 9:58 am

  This car has been and still is absolutely reliable! The last thousand miles averaged 24.3 MPG. My 1991 750iL averages 9.2 MPG - a bit crippling with todays fuel price.

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  Very Reliable - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By scott - November 20 - 9:03 pm

  Bought this car with 85k on it. Sold it with 130k. Only had one problem ac related 150.00 fixed it. Ran great good gas mileage and looks beautiful. Blizzaks on the back will make winter driving no problem (within reason). Dont be afraid to buy. Engine and tranny are bulletproof.