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:

• 

  3-series Coupe Never Disappoints! - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By ChuckD - November 20 - 1:17 pm

  This is my third BMW, my second in the 3-series product line. This is my first Coupe. I was attracted, immediately, to the styling when it was revised for 2007. I test drove the car then and loved it but settled on the Z4 as it had an incredible lease deal that I could not pass up. Time came to turn in the Z4 and went for the Coupe. I have not missed the Z4 one day and that is a tall order. The Coupe is an amazing automobile. When I drove it home from the dealership I took the parkway and found myself thinking - this car isnt moving real fast - looked at the speedo - 95. Felt like I was doing 50. Typical of BMWs - they are made to be driven!

• 

  ZHP option is the way to go!!! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Eduardo - November 20 - 1:03 pm

  I love my 2004 330i with the ZHP (Performance Package) option. This automobile handles and is more responsive than a stock 330i (even compared to a 330i with the ZSP (Sport Package). The M interior and exterior trim really make this 330i stand above all the other 330is. The massive Michelin Sport wheels stick to the ground like glue. Cornering is amazing. I LOVE this automobile. A nice balance of performance and styling.

• 

  For the money, no real alternatives. - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By enrique_montaban - November 20 - 10:00 am

  I got this when the over-powered steering was included: which BMW later replaced with the proper sport steering for no cost (and I hear changed back factory production as well). Ive liked it a lot, but there were minor glitches: CD player had to be replaced because CDs wouldnt always eject (this problem manifested the day I drove it out of the Munich delivery center and I didnt have time to fix it then...the work-around was to push up against the upper lip of the slot). One other oddball thing was 1 brake light already had to be replaced at 40K miles. But for 40K miles, that seems like a good record (so far).

• 

  Fun car when its not at the dealer - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By BGDC - November 20 - 1:11 am

  The 335i offers an intoxicating engine and a very good chassis with near perfect balance. Sadly, the engines got a common problem burning through fuel pumps, the chassis is upset easily by the poorly conceived RFTs and the cars balanced but 400 lbs too heavy. I picked up a CPO 335i ZSP as a family car that could offer some space that my Cooper S lacked. In that regard it does fine. No, Im not getting 30 MPG now (more like 22), but I do have room for the baby in the back and a good sized trunk for family outings. Perfect, if not for: weight (unavoidable), RFTs (replaceable) and engine/turbo malfunctions (Ive had nearly all turbo-related parts replaced over 16 days at the dealer).

• 

  Great Car - 2007 BMW X5
  By RM - November 19 - 5:00 pm

  I love my BMW, great car, lots of power, best at taking turns at high speed. I dont know any other SUV like this one out there. I had X5 3.0 before and 4.8 doesnt compare - it is in a different league with the power and the sound of engine. I think its stick shift is the best, iDrive works fine, not sure what others referring to, all need my car to do is play a CD :). Bottom line - great core NOTHING compares, it is made for the driver. I do have side boards and I love them, yes, for short people hard to get out but I am tall and have no problem, it is actually funny when short dudes complain how difficult to get out... Love the car - it was made for me! :)

• 

  Great car, fun to drive, best AWD - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Mikhail - November 19 - 2:47 pm

  I admit the mileage is not the best - but I have 30+ on a highway @ 75 mph or 23-25 mpg @ 100 mph. AWD is extremely good - can so easily go through 10 inches of snow on the parking lot or 5 inches snow uphill to ski areas. Very comfortable car especially comparing to new Subarus, Toyotas and Nissans. 4 times made 1200 mi in one day stopping only for refuel and hardly had any back pain where as Subaru imp-za made me sick after 700 mi. Overall excellent car, very impressed! Change of razor-bladed runflat tire for me was 286$.

• 

  335i AWD - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By dsheff - November 19 - 1:20 pm

  Traded in an M3 and a 330xi for a new 335i AWD. Sales guy said that the 335i would out-perform my M3 - I doubted him, of course. Drove my new car home in a bad snow storm and was worried about making it home safely. This car performed beautifully in the snow! Now that the roads are dry I love the performance of the turbo engine.

• 

  Drive one, youll believe! - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Steve loves BMW - November 18 - 3:36 pm

  Got this 335i Xdrive December 5, 2008 and 23000 miles later I still love it. This is work car so few options, but that doesnt diminish that it is a kick to drive. The six speed manual is great. Outstanding acceleration and handling and NO TURBO LAG! I now drive it almost all the time. Madera red and beige leatherette looks great. I loved my 2001 330i 5-speed, liked my 2004 A4, like my wifes 2005 330xi, but they all fade in comparison to this. One quibble: ordered light burlwood trim, got dark non-burl wood. Dealer said it is light and dark is darker but thats like Monty Pythons dead parrot skit...."its supposed to be that way."

• 

  We own three - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By DR Foot - November 17 - 11:33 pm

  We own a 330xi, 330ci and 330coupe.I have owned two Audis, and mercedes and a Volvo. The BMWs put these other cars to shame. I also own a Ford explorer and when that goes I will consider a BMW SUV.

• 

  This Diesel ROCKS!!!! - 2010 BMW X5
  By Coty - November 17 - 10:21 pm

  The diesel engine is truly the best everyday engine for this SUV. If you are test driving one of these, put the transmission in "DS" and 6th gear at about 40 mph and hit the throttle! The torque moves this vehicle with authority that the gas (non x5M) engines just cannot muster. I managed 27.9 mpg on a 175 mile trip which beats a coworkers Lexus RX400 hybrid and the x5 is much more engaging to drive than the RX. I may be in the minority, but I think the diesel engine sound is pretty cool and I dig the sound when accelerating with the windows down. You will turn some heads in parking lots when they hear that growl and turbo spool up.