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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  Great car but iDrive is still ridiculous - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By patrick - November 12 - 12:17 am

  The car handles incredibly well as a BMW should. Its quiet, fast, comfortable and fun. But if you are cold or hot...dont expect iDrive to help you out. It takes several minutes to get through the menus. Stupid. If you have an ipod...you better not have a lot of music on it...unlike the ipod scrolling function it takes FOREVER to get through the list. If you want to use the navigation to plot your route...dont use this system. It chokes on the simplest request. In short iDrive, if I had known how truly bad it was before I bought the car would likely have made me buy an Infiniti (and add Dynamat soundproofing). Better value. More intelligently designed user information and climate controls.

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  Great car ruined by transmission flaws - 2010 BMW M6
  By Scott - November 11 - 10:35 pm

  I wanted to love this car but the SMG transmission needs a re-work to fix the flaws in the engineering design. It has serious issues like others have said in terms of shifting and power in automatic mode. Also gas mileage is terrible- BMW needs to find a way to tweak 26-30 mpg from the V10 or make a turbo charged six cylinder engine with 500HP. Porsche did it, why not BMW? I think BMW needs to get help from Porsche and Nissan on how to make a decent transmission and improve gas mileage. Sad because I wanted to love the car as it excels in all other areas over the competition. Even the 650i has a better transmission and gas mileage.

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  Rock Solid German Tank. Slow Tank. - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By Sauber E36 - November 11 - 9:57 pm

  To pay off a handful of loans I sold my previous motor, an 03 RSX tip tronic for the E36 coupe Ive always eyed since my youth. Not disappointed in the least bit. Even with a 15 year old suspension, drivetrain, etc, it behaves in a more composed and solid manner than all the newer Hondas our family has owned. It lacks some in acceleration but makes up for that fully in its timeless, class act looks. Interior still looks new. After a careful detail (wash, wax, wheel clean, etc.) it still gets compliments from folks in vehicles valued 5 times what the 318 is worth. It is a gas sipper, and fitted with "M" packaged wheels and a wax job it still looks Boss Euro. Purchase 1 with records!

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  one year update - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By DR - November 11 - 2:46 pm

  I still love the car the same as the day I bought it! It is fun to drive. It runs even better now than when it was new, but it is still very tight. I had absolutely no issues with the vehicle. I average about 25 MPG, 90% city driving (not too rough, but some sports driving). The tires still look good with 7500 miles on them, Id expect at least 25k miles out of them. I like the transmission, but it takes some getting used to. One thing to note is that the BMW recommends the oil change every 15k miles, but my computer has come down from 15k to 14, 13 and now it is at 12k. The AC is powerful, and quickly cools it down. The radio/CD is great for the standard one. Perfect brakes.

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  Great Choice - 2004 BMW Z4
  By okeefe - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Well worth a test drive at the very least. Good German engineering while true roadster heart and handeling.

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  Love the car - 2004 BMW Z4
  By DSP - November 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the most agile and spirited car I have ever driven...and Ive driven many. That includes the Honda S2000, which I thought was a poor second to the Z-4. I dont get the raves over the S2000. The cheapest looking interior I had ever seen. Id have been embarased to have my friends in it. The engine my a touch faster, but the handling didnt even compare. I wonder about you editors every time you rate the S2000 so high. There is MUCH more to a car than just the engine. Im a designer...the Z-4 has style, and the others all look alike.

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  Great Beemr Z-4 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By hjg - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Had a Z-3. Nice drive. Z-4 much better. Smoother, handles better, but very spry and responsive. The 2.51 has power enough, very quick. The thick soft top when closed creates a sport coupe like interior rather than a rag top like sound. Highly recommend this car for a fun peppy ride.

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  Really "Ultimate Driving Machine" - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Vladi - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Perfect blend of luxury and performance.Was very interested in purchasing MB 320 but "fun to drive" factor was crucial to make decision.Also, there is reliability issue with MB cars. I-Drive is not an issue at all, it is actually fun! Anyone with basic computer literacy can figure it out in 10 minutes

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  My New Toy - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Nicole Cormier - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my car and I am in love - sounds pretty silly, but it is the truth. The car is fun to drive and I feel very safe in my new car. All around the new BMW 3 series is a 10!

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  Comfortable, practical with great seats - 2012 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By mooreslawcars - November 11 - 9:48 am

  Traded in my 2012 Audi A6 as the seats were extremely uncomfortable (same seats on the A7) with rounded top of seats cutting into shoulder blades in order to get a hatchback BMW with the extremely comfortable optional Multi-contour seats. Well worth the many dollars lost in trade. Love the space and the very smooth ride. Interior on 5GT is even nicer than on the Audi - impressive. Can toss my bike in the back with ease. Dual tailgate is practical. Much slower off the start than the 300hp 700 lbs lighter Audi - should have gotten the V-8. Ideally BMW would sell this as a 540 and 550 like the 6 and 7 series allowing a slighter more powerful base engine.