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:

• 

  Power & Grace - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By OlegODSF - June 28 - 10:00 am

  My 2003 Steel-Gray Metalic 330i Performance Package is a 6-speed STICK SHIFT; This is by far the most enjoyable car Ive driven; With the manual transmission & a number of others "M" designed/built features, it delivers a superior bundle of power, speed & grace combined, unsurpassable in this vehicles class!

• 

  Best Birthday Present Ever - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Jesus - June 27 - 12:43 pm

  After test driving I couldnt resist treating myself to this baby. Being on a relatively tight budget I custom ordered a pretty bare-bones model since the options add up so quickly. It was well worth the wait and the price. Ive enjoyed every second in the car.

• 

  Back to BMW - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By scoot ll - June 27 - 5:46 am

  After owning several Mercedes over the past 10 years I am happy to have owned my last one and am back into a new bimmer. We tried the new 3 cars but coming from the E class, the 5 car is a perfect fit. We drove the 528 and were pleased with the power but figured to go ahead and get the new rocket. Fuel economy is 22 mpg combined on the first 2 tanks which is just a tick lower than the E-320 @22-23 . The ride and drive is superb and the interior comfort and luxury is on par with the Benz except for the vinyl sun visors and the interior headliner is not as tailored .The power is smooth and instant and the iPod connect to the iDrive is way cool. Premium sound N.A., but standard is great/sat radio.

• 

  Good times - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By GW - June 26 - 7:58 pm

  300i w/Sport and Premium packages = a winning combination of four door utility and near perfect handling. Run-flats will prove harsh for some, spot on for others. Rides on the stiff side of things - immense fun if expected behavior. Not a car for Lexus fans. Surprisingly good bluetooth integration, down to phones address book access. Sport seats are unrivaled among comparable vehicles, as well as many more expensive types in support, comfort and perfect proportions for an average person.

• 

  110K miles of first owner experience. - 1999 BMW 7-Series
  By Peter Judar - June 26 - 6:45 pm

  Purchased this vehicle new at 74 miles with sport package and I can tell you everything about this car. You will replace the radiator like a clockwork every 35K miles, about $400. Transmission failed at 73k miles. Extended warranty covered all but $100. While I loved the sport package wheels, I got sick of paying $250 per tire every 17k miles, put 17 inch BMW wheels on with Michelins for $150 each now get 35k miles per tire with a way better ride, less the look, oh well! Still get 14/21 mpg city/hwy. Recently replaced both front rubber mounts/arms for $400. Car tracks and steers like new! Rear/right window regulator replaced $600. Fan blew up at 80k miles and went through belt/hood

• 

  M3 - The new BEAST? - 2008 BMW M3
  By googen - June 25 - 3:56 pm

  In the past 4 years Ive had the e60 M5, 2007 M6 cabrio, and 2005 M3 cabrio. This car is built much better than all three of those. M6 and M5 are similar, and some would say in their own class. Yes and no, the M3 seems to be much more agile and nimble, which gives the impression of being just as fast if not faster. Interior is the same as any new BMW car, not that great, but better than the likes of MB or P-cars. Back seat is way better than 911 p-car, but still pathetic. Overall, I think this car actually has some value in it and in todays day and age is affordable for the supercar-like performance and feel. Thumbs up!

• 

  Well, I always wanted one - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By PJINCA - June 25 - 10:15 am

  This is my 37th car in my life (more cars than years old) and I always wanted a 5 Series and now I fianlly got one. It is exactly what I wanted performance-wise, powerful, smooth and great handling. I have yet to feel the tranny shift, it is butter smooth. The comfort is excellent, I have both Sport and Premium pkgs and nav. The fit and finish are perfect and the brakes are great. My only complaints? Lack of storage - my cell phone resides on the shelf provided by the nav system. And apparently the computer is skewed, the other day my gas gauge read just under half tank, the computer told me I had 73 miles to empty, yet the fuels light came on and I had to put 17 gals into an 18 gal tank?

• 

  Ergonomics - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Happy Back - June 24 - 6:43 pm

  The BMW 530i has an option to upgrade to a supremely adjustable ergonomic seat - a must for long commute times. This throne fit for a king comes in a fantastic package of performance, safety and security and style.

• 

  BMW is 3 for 3 - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Paul Schroeder - June 24 - 11:29 am

  We just picked this car up two days ago, and are already in love. It is faster than my Porsche Boxster, and nearly as fast as my 99 Corvette. It is supremely comfortable with great technology gizmos. I have wanted this car since it first came out, and am not disappointed. There is a little body lean, but it is still great for its size and the type of car. We have owned two other BMWs, a Z4 and a 330 convertible, but this is the best by far.

• 

  My Best Friend Car - 2006 BMW X5
  By HorseMobile - June 23 - 8:44 pm

  I absolutely LOVE this car. It is my third BMW (94 318 sedan 04 325ci convertible preceded it). This is the best vehicle Ive had and made me know I must always drive a BMW. It gets 23 mpg on the highway, loads my Labrador in the back seat and all of my horse equipment for foxhunting (saddle, bridle, horse blankets, riding gear, etc.) AND it pulls my extremely large Thoroughbred/Clydesdale cross in a 2 horse trailer. This is a 6 cylinder engine were talking about. Then it cleans up and is the handsomest car in the group and extremely prideworthy to either arrive at a cocktail party or to my job as a lawyer in the city. The car is the best. May it live forever! I LOVE IT!