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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  Disappointing after all the hype - 2013 BMW M3
  By RK - October 28 - 12:50 pm

  Ill start the review saying Ive owned a big variety of sports cars. This car was hyped by the automotive press like crazy, but my experience was different. Pros: beautiful styling, great exhaust note, balanced handling for the road, practicality, engine is a technical marvel. Cons: rattles and creeks in a low quality interior, seat leather (Nappa) wore prematurely, not enough torque for the weight of the car which made it feel slower than it is (mismatched engine and heavy car), numb/mushy steering thats artificially heavy in sport mode, tendency to plow/underwater on track because of weight, horrible gas mileage (again, mismatched engine), electronic gremlins (glad I had warranty). I felt it was not sporty enough to be a truly rewarding sports car, and not luxurious enough to deliver on luxury with its cheap interior. Bummer.

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  State of the art in performance - 2006 BMW M5
  By longman40 - October 27 - 9:24 pm

  Having driven BMWs for 39 years I can attest that this V10 is the state of the art in performance in a thoughtful, safe and understated sports car. Its like will not be seen again. I have had two of these - the E39 and the E60.

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  Best every day car possible - 2009 BMW M3
  By Miguel - October 27 - 1:55 pm

  You yearn to reach 1200 miles so you can have it serviced and get it back in playing form. You look forward to the split second when you think you may have lost control when you throw your foot down. You can enjoy the M-Mode even during the daily commute. At its softest, my wife doesnt mind it.

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  Stellar in all respects - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Danny Smith - October 26 - 6:49 pm

  Car is stellar in all respects. Yes, more expensive than some competitors but far and away one of the best handling and best performing vehicles in its price range, all things considered. Engine rumored to dyno at nearly 350 lb ft at the engine with 300 lb ft at the rear wheels. This is so fast that it would spin its tires with full throttle in first gear. Only stellar traction and stability control prevent this. Automatic is cool but if you are looking for all out performance get the stick. Some delay with auto trans.

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  Fast, Fast, Fast - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Jim - October 26 - 6:11 pm

  Sold my 33cic last winter and bought a brand new 335 coupe in April of 2009. Even though its not a convertible, I am more than happy with the change in performance between the two rides. I sincerely get excited every time I drive this machine, even after owning it for over 6 months!!! Be careful with the sport package and the seats. Im still trying to find a comfort level there. It will happen though. This car begs you to take it past 100 m.p.h. This is a "bucket list" vehicle!

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  No regrets - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Steve C - October 26 - 1:52 pm

  After years of driving VWs, I walked into a BMW dealer after being treated like a second class citizen when I went to Audi to inquire on an S4. Their loss, my gain. The 335i xDrive with 6 speed manual is an amazing car... Fast, silky smooth drive, exceptional handling. iDrive is great, better than the last version I hear. Fuel consumption is average, but for a 300 hp twin turbo that oozes muscle and pure pleasure, I cant complain. 5 star driving experience all the way!

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  A Keeper... - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By RolandP - October 26 - 8:37 am

  This has been a remarkable car since the day I purchased it. Great car for long trips. It still delivers 29+ mpg with premium fuel. The manual transmission provides everything I expected. The car is steady and responsive.

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  Fun, but horrible for rough roads - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By MichaelC - October 25 - 4:25 pm

  So, this is a screamer. Everyone knows that. Weve had a really bad experience, however. Weve bent 7 wheels and replaced 4 tires due to impact damage. The problem? Well, we live in New England and our roads stink. Huge seams where the roads are being repaved are very common. I think maybe BMW didnt give the suspension enough travel or throw or whatever its called because the shocks dont absorb the shocks on bad bumps and tire and wheel damage are frequent and hugely annoying. If you do buy this car in the North East (I would NOT), be sure to buy from a dealer that offers wheel insurance. Ours didnt. And for BMW, the lousy thing is, no way out. Cant get smaller wheels.

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  What A Ride!!! - 1998 BMW Z3
  By T Mc - October 25 - 2:01 pm

  Bought this used about five years ago. No... REPEAT NO mechanic issues to date. Enjoyable drive, sharp look. In short, Id buy this car over and over again.

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  335d a keeper - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Dave FL - October 24 - 7:37 pm

  We bought (custom ordered our 335d from the factory) in June 2011 (delivered August 2011). Had early problem with the Urea delivery pump within 1st 15k mi (fixed under warranty). At about 40k miles had problem with electronic control center (located behind dash) had replaced under warranty. We are on our 3rd set of tires - opted for Sport suspension (which adds high speed stability, big rears (lower profile - hence stiffer ride front and back)). Our BMW certified mechanic says our original brakes should be good for another 15k to 25k miles. The car is a rocket ship. We average close to 29mpg combined. Driving to Orlando (Disney) from Palm Beach Gardens and back on 1 tank of diesel. We usually drive in the fast/fast lane and get well over 30mpg on longer trips. We would buy this car again except you cannot get a 3.0 L diesel in a 3 series anymore - only in a 5 series. We it maxed with options (adaptive cruise, look around the corner headlight, nav, backup sensors, sun shades, interior light pkg, high end audio ... sticker was close to 60k). This car will become a collectors item. (previous cars weve bought include: 89 M3 (collector car), 02 WRX, 02 Passat). It doesnt dance like the M3 - but it will leave it in the dust.