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:

• 

  MY FIRST BMW - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Lil Deb - November 5 - 10:00 am

  TEST DROVE AND LOOKED AT MANY VEHICLES IN THE 330S CLASS, BMW IS DEFINITELY THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE. SOME OF ITS COMPETITORS HAVE MORE GIZMOS AND LUXURY FEATURES BUT YOU CARES! THIS CAR GETS RIGHT TO THE POINT; THE FUN OF DRIVING. IF YOU LIKE TO DRIVE THIS IS THE VEHICLE FOR YOU. EFFORTLESS POWER FROM THE IN-LINE 6 CYLINDER. REAR WHEEL DRIVE IS AWESOME; FORGET AWD OR FRONT WHEEL DRIVE - SUCK IT UP! DEFINITELY CAN SEE WHY THE 3 SERIES HAS BEEN VOTED TO CAR & DRIVERS TEN BEST LIST FOR 13 STRAIGHT YEAR. 5 SPEED STEPTRONIC AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WORKS SURPRISINGLY WELL FOR AN AUTOMATIC, WANTED 6 SPEED MANUAL BUT TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AROUNG ME ARE TOUGH.

• 

  ITS FUN TO DRIVE - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By auto61726 - November 5 - 7:40 am

  We had eight years of SUVs and wanted back into an auto. We drove every style of the Big Three; Honda; VW and Toyota. Only when we drove BMW 325 Ci were we able to smile. It was our first time be- hind the wheel of a BMW. Its practically culture shock after driving our Blazer & Saturn. The road feel, security, and braking power is beyond description. It goes without saying this car BEGS to be driven. If you have a heavy foot, better go bare footed. After a Blazer---yeah, its borders on being awesome.

• 

  worst car Ive ever owned - 2008 BMW X5
  By Lisa - November 5 - 4:29 am

  worst car Ive ever owned. I had this car for 1 year & 4 month . The 1st month I owned my car I had to fix the thermostat & water pump. Then after that month the wiper motor went. Ive never been able to truly drive my car any long distance for fear of it breaking down. Ive replaced the Sparks plugs and all the cylinders because the car would spit , sputter & shake. My engine light constantly comes on. Now I know why changed owners so many times. Biggest piece of crap.

• 

  No regrets so far... - 2006 BMW X5
  By Ralph Whitsitt - November 4 - 12:07 pm

  Got a great deal on an 06 X5 and took the plunge purchasing my first BMW. Its amazing how smooth and quiet the vehicle is at highway speeds compared to the Ford Explorer and Jeep Cherokee I owned previously. Granted, the tires probably have a lot to do with that, but engine and wind noise are way lower too. Love the grunt that the 3.0 inline six delivers--it loves to rev!! I was a little concerned about the gas mileage, but its been a big improvement over the Explorer, getting 23 or 24 mpg for pure highway driving. Premium unleaded can get a bit expensive when prices are up and synthetic oil drives up the cost of oil changes, but so far Im dealing with it and loving the way it drives!

• 

  Frickin Rocket Ship!! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By macmovieman - November 4 - 3:43 am

  This is my dream car. My last 3 cars have all been from Mercedes and after owning this just a few hours now I am wondering why I did not jump ship faster. The gearbox is state of the art and shifts are fast and smooth. The car corners flat and little or no hint of body roll on the high speed sweepers even under braking. I bought the car with every option but iDrive because I like the simplicity of the cabin without it. Edmunds shows the 2007 Corvette 0-60 at 5.23 seconds. I am looking forward to the day I meet one at a light.

• 

  Fun to Drive - Even with RFT - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Tommy Phillips - November 3 - 6:44 pm

  Have had my 328I for 30 months. This is my 4th BMW 3 series. Third 3-Series with RFT. Best yet. The car has improved in handling, performance,safety, lots of gadgets and looks great parked. The run flat tires have been great on highway trips. (Drove Atlanta to Baltimore twice) Dont have to worry about a blowout at 100mph or sitting on the side of the road. However, I have learned the tricks of the RFT. Go to NTB to get the tires patched and get tires from Tirerack.com both will save your sanity and keep your love of the car intact. Also, buy a spare tire for long trips if you feel uneasy about the RFT (also cheap on Tirerack.com) much cheaper then getting through the BMW dealer.

• 

  Its not the same - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By Diane - November 3 - 6:35 pm

  Lease up on 2007, just leased a 2010. The increase in price over 3 years is not justified as far as quality and added features. I found many things in my 2007 that was not included in the 2010 model. One example is the radio.

• 

  Great Car - 2005 BMW X5
  By goodx5 - November 3 - 3:57 pm

  We purchased this new in 2005 and have 110,000 miles on it now. Was in the shop a few times right after we bought it, but it hasnt been back (other than scheduled maintenance) since. The car is incredibly reliable and is as solid as a rock. You can tell the build quality and safety by the weight of the doors. Great heated seats, panorama sunroof, and comfort. Holds up to wear and tear very well driving around three busy sons. Definitely would buy another.

• 

  Best car... - 2009 BMW X6
  By marrokki - November 3 - 12:45 pm

  This is by far the most fun car I have ever driven. Except that every 4000 miles on the dot the fuel pressure pump dies. Apparently it is a problem with CA gas additives that BMW is still trying to fix on the 3.5L engines. However even with the hassle, most dealers were quick to fix the car and get it back on the road and BMW is standing behind their car to the point of taking it back and replacing it no questions asked. That is why we love BMW.

• 

  Best car I have ever owned - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By scott - November 3 - 12:19 pm

  Car gets great gas mileage with great performance, super quiet interior. This is my first BMW but it wont be my last. Im hooked!