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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  Respect your Bimmer - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By marcopolio - September 25 - 7:17 pm

  I bought my 2000 328i just over a year ago and it is my 3rd BMW. I am not a wealthy man, and I wouldnt spend over $13,000 on a used car that I didnt believe in. This sexy car demands love, respect and maintenance. Have it checked out before you buy it. Do regular oil changes and have it inspected on time and you will be fine. Do yourself a favor and learn to work on this car yourself.

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  Great Ride - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By My Beamer - September 25 - 11:57 am

  I purchase my BMW 528i Labor Day weekend. I love it because it really handles like a luxury vehicle. Cup holders are a little awkward but I overlooked that problem with other likable features about the vehicle. The vehicle has very good pick up and seating is comfortable although I recommend that BMW have plusher leather.

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  Best car I will ever own - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By stressdoc - September 25 - 8:51 am

  My son and I traveled to Europe to get this car via BMWs European delivery program. Fantastic! Driving this car on the autobahns and alpine switchbacks was the experience of a lifetime. The twin-turbo engine is unbelievable -- Incredible power. 30+ mpg on the highway. Superb handling. Two years and 22k miles later I am still in love with this car. The 2009 models have most of the improvements that I would want, except still no M-sport option. I would also be tempted by the super efficient 50 mpg diesels that are best sellers in Europe.

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  Performance machine, not speed machine - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Mikeebear - September 24 - 10:03 pm

  This car performs wonderfully. Tight precise steering and cutting corners at least is to be expected. The automatic transmission makes it pretty slow. It is probably quick enough for most average drivers and daily commutes, but if youre looking for a thrill, this car is not thrilling. Inside, it is spacious and pretty. The sound system could use a big upgrade, but its OK. If you put the top up/down while people are in the back, it hits them in the head. Gas mileage is very poor for this type of car. The sport mode is good. Theres a big aftermarket for performance parts. I would recommend this car if youre an average driver looking for a little fun when you want, but not for thril-seekers.

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  From Mercedes to BMW - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By new bmw fan - September 24 - 9:11 pm

  I have a black on black BMW 530i with smoked windows and a 6-speed stick tranny. This car is absolutely the coolest car Ive owned. I get so many looks and glances in the parking lot and this car isnt even brand new. It was a CPO and I got a very good deal on it. It runs smooth all the way up to 125 mph (fastest Ive gone in it) and handles like a dream. The steering is very quick around parking lots but not too quick out on the highway. Its also very quick. I was bored one afternoon and timed a 6.5 sec 0-60 run, w/o even launching it from a high rev. It feels much stronger than its somewhat unamazing 255hp and 220 lb-ft torque would suggest. The rear seats are huge and comfy

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  Trophy Car - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By BobH - September 24 - 5:51 pm

  Gas mileage on long trips (Pgh to DC and back) is 30 mpg (average over 10 trips, 29 one way, 31 the other)! All is well except for nav system and iDrive and their integration, and no spare. Get a Garmin instead of BMW nav system which is a Navtec base. Garmin says "In 500 ft make a rt on route 123 South" - if you use the Australian lady enunciation. Navtec says "make the next right". Garmin shows road names on perspective view, Navtec doesnt. iDrive requires too many actions for usage, and interupts other audio as it drones out its directions. Also, I plan to replace RFTs with GFTs when they wear out and lug a spare around in the trunk.

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  What a car! - 2007 BMW Z4
  By DOUG - September 24 - 1:37 pm

  Ive had my Z4 coupe 15 months and have 17,700 miles on it. First car I have "loved"! Im 65 and behind the wheel, I feel like 25. I have driven just about all sport cars, but none have turned me on, like my coupe. I drove a Porsche on a race track once, but this coupe will beat that Porsche on any curve anytime. And I might add, for half the price. The Z4 coupe is and will be the only car for me. When Im too old to drive, Ill sit in my rocker, rock the day away, while looking at my Z.

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  Class, Comfort and Quality! - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Paula Hurley - September 24 - 12:17 am

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  One Awesome Automobile - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Tom - September 21 - 10:33 am

  First BMW Ive owned and Im hooked. Tested the Infiniti M35 and Acura RL and the 535i blows them away. The car is rock solid, fast, and handles like a sports car. The interior is comfortable and quiet and the ride is perfect. The twin turbo inline 6 is a phenominal engine. Very smooth and plenty of power when you want it while providing better than expected milage (Im averaging 20-22 mpg city and 28- 30 mpg highway). Simply the best car Ive ever owned. You just want to keep taking it out for a drive.

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  E60 aka "Dire Wolf" - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By SK Davis - September 17 - 10:34 pm

  My first BMW, but not my last. I bought this car with 66k miles. Tight like a drum--no rattles, no issues, just a clean used car. Says something about design AND previous owner. The 5 is the touchstone of sports sedans. Responsive, tight, and the 3.0 is quick, but not impressively fast (nor is it meant to be). Sports package brings it all together. And the iDrive? Get over it, iDrive is convenient, easy, and keeps the dash layout clean and elegant. I recently did a 1000 mile trip with my wife, 3 kids, and a full trunk. 29 mpg @ 82 mph. Not bad. Could be better round town, though. Oh, and the color? Copper Metallic. Very cool.