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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  Better than expected... - 1992 BMW 5-Series
  By dkisme2 - July 29 - 12:01 pm

  This it the first BMW Ive ever owned, and I will happily buy one again. Ive had to do very minor repairs with it since I got it almost a year ago. It came with just over 360,000 miles (yes thats correct, not a typo). And currently its got over 372,000 miles on it. Ive had to repair the oil seal and thats been about it. Im going to be buying tires for it soon, otherwise its in great shape (interior is nearly flawless). Theres minor rust along the bottoms of the doors, but what do you expect for any car thats driven in Wisconsin? Overall, I couldnt be happier, and I definitely plan on running it till over 450,000, hopefully 500,000 miles.

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  Currently the Best Car on the Planet - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By mountainman - July 28 - 3:46 am

  Im a 3-series nut. I previously owned a 2001 330ci, then a 2002 M3 Convertible. The 330ci was a bit too slow. The M3 was fast, but too harsh to be comfortable. The new 335i coupe is a perfect combination... it is as fast as (dare I say FASTER than?) the M3, but far more comfortable. It looks and feels incredibly classy, handles extremely well, is the perfect size, is fairly economical (Im averaging 19 mpg in combined driving), and really isnt all that expensive considering minivans now cost nearly $40k. The 335i is by FAR the best combination of sport, comfort, and beauty. I am shocked at how much I love my new 335i. I also suspect that these cars will hold their values very well.

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  A Drivers Car - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By jpeg - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Excellent handling, solid build, low maintenance, fun to drive. This is a Drivers luxury car, built for performance, not necessaryily for interior comfort. There is absolutely no storage room what so ever. Where are you suppose to put your CD cases? Cup holder is a wasted effort in design, no intelligent thought what so ever went into its placement. This is the only car in the world that has both holders coming out of the passengers dash infront of the vents. Absolutely love the drive, hate the interior conveniences. 5 series hasnt quite reached "luxury" status yet. IDrive annoying at first, but once you get use to it, pretty amazing.

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  My second X5 - 2004 BMW X5
  By marka3 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I have two X5s, 2001 & 2004...my wife and I love to drive them..so safe and reliable..the maintenance is simple. Also, the truck qualifies for the Section 179 business tax deduction, a write-off that saved me $17,000 in income taxes.It is only one of two midsize luxury suvs than exceed the 6,000 pound gross vehicle weight to qualify for the deduction.

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  Cute and Sporty - 2004 BMW X3
  By Tennisgal019 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent car for someone of any age. Its fun, reasonably priced and a performance vehicle all packed into one. What more could anyone ask for?

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  Still Thrills - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By pjl275 - July 27 - 9:11 pm

  When you drive this BMW, you know that a great deal of effort went into every facet of the automobile. The way each sound the reaches your ears and the car reacts to bumps and especially the way it drives down the road. Ive had this car for about 18 months and 16,000 miles. Each mile is a pleasure, and every drive is too short. X-drive is great in snow and rain, i-drive is still revealing new functions but works well for me, but the standard radio is just ok. Standard seats are comfortable for hours on end. Highway driving is smooth and quiet, very easy to cruise at high speeds. Ive leased this car and really do not want to ever give it back. Just do it, you only live once.

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  BMW, It Is the Ultimate - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By locdoc - July 26 - 8:16 pm

  Just leased my 5th BMW, a beautiful 335i sedan with the turbo. I traded in a 2007 Cadillac STS with the Northstar V-8. The BMW is heads and shoulders above the Cadillac in every way. It is more stylish, faster, better handling, and much better quality.

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  everything is right about this car - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By 135owner - July 26 - 5:41 pm

  I have never driven a car as much fun as this one is to drive. I may even take my wife to a driving school so she can enjoy it. I didnt like the look of the car when I ordered it but I bought it after one test drive around the block.{the demo car} Now I like the looks but that had nothing to do with the purchase. It is that much fun to drive. I average 22 miles per gallon but you can get 27 if you want to drive that way. I dont. On the highway 28 is easy. I wanted a sports car but with a little more room. This car is by itself when you factor in room and handling. It wasnt cheap but the best never is.

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  Love It - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Kelly - July 26 - 9:02 am

  Just received my car, have had it in my possession for 48 hours and I cant leave it alone! I read the reviews on this car daily before I bought it and I couldnt be happier. The Germans make a fine machine. It handles like a dream, has amazing pick up, very quick little car and is just everything I hoped for. The leather soft and not sticky, the interior is beautiful. A lot of comments were made regarding the run flats- they are for purpose and safety but I think they make for a smooth ride.

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  Wonderful car - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Paul A. - July 25 - 2:33 pm

  Everything is just right...Amazing that people are whining about the small cups holders...if you are getting a bimmer,just drive...Leave your coffee and soda for later...The handling is awesome,including the RFT. They are there for handling, performance and SAFETY. More and more companies are going to RFT because the safety. The car is a joy to drive with up to 32 miles/gal on highway...Not too bad from a 230hp engine...I love it