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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  Cant believe it is mine - 2008 BMW 6-Series
  By diane nushawg - May 31 - 2:50 am

  Custom made for me, in Germany this year. It is truly beautiful. I ordered the saddle color seats. It is truly the best choice in convertibles and when the top is up and your on the highway so quiet you think you are in a hardtop.

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  Great Car, but needs real sport package - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Anon3 - May 31 - 12:23 am

  I "downgraded" from a 2007 X5 4.8i to a fully loaded 2008 535xi wagon to get away from the SUV stigma of poor mpg and pollution. Very happy with this vehicle, except that the wagons sport pkg does not include sport suspension or wheels. So this car has a little too much lean in corners and the steering is too light. Performance is excellent for a 6 cyl. and the drive train is extremely smooth, almost too smooth and Lexus-like. This 6 cyl wagon costs as much as a well equipped 8 cyl X5. The vehicle is top notch in nearly every aspect but I have to question what makes it worth almost $70k. Without the sport suspension, it doesnt have the BMW performance edge that justifies the price premium.

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  ITS A HOT CAR!!! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By SUZY D - May 30 - 10:00 am

  I finally got what I wanted! In 2002 I went to purchase a 325 Convertible and ended up leaving with a 525I. I thought the 325 would be to small, I have 2 teenagers. Even though I LOVED the 525 I still wanted the 325 convertible. In May I finally got the 325 -- IT IS HOT!!! I miss the size and luxury of the 525, but it was never this much fun to drive!!!

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  BMW 330i SPEED :-) - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By patrick - May 30 - 2:20 am

  I have had this car for 1 year now and love it. It has the zhp package which makes it like a 4 door m3. Its very fast. I recently learned of a race mode for it. Put it in sport mode then the button (DSC) push and hold for 4 seconds a dsc light comes on allong with a orange light that says brake. When you get it in this put your foot on the floor from a stop and feel the POWER.

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  Uber Wagon - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Steve - May 29 - 5:10 pm

  Having owned the previous 540ti Wagon model (w/V8), this is a clear positive evolution. Drives like a road-gobbling sedan. Surprising torque leaves me missing the V8 only slightly. The car reminds me of its safe, but thrilling ride. Love it!

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  Great car - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By onefan - May 29 - 8:23 am

  I traded in my Z4 for the 128. I like the comfort of the interior and the addtional room of this car. It is responsive and the braking is excellent. The 128 doesnt deliver the same level of power as the 135, but I drive in heavy traffic and the six cyl. is more than adequate. I really love this car.

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  Satisfying that need for fun! - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By TinasBimmer - May 28 - 8:18 pm

  My wife and I test drove many new convertibles and decided to purchase the 128i convertible. Im 62" and discovered I dont fit comfortably in most 2-seaters out there. We are very happy with our car and would highly recommend it for many reasons. The car handles like no other car Ive ever driven, probably due to the sports package. It is very comfortable with the leather power seats and we were actually able to fit our two teenaged sons in the back, a bit snug but do able. Acceleration is very smooth and the 6- speed automatic transmission shifts just right, in fully auto or manual modes. We also like the zero-maintenance cost feature that covers everything except tires for 4 yrs

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  Great car, however... - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW Driver - May 28 - 12:56 pm

  Too many issues. I love my car, however I am taking it in for service at least once a month. The moldings around doors, windows, and fan motor break on a regular basis.

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  2007 BMW 525xi - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Louis Lerebours - May 27 - 8:26 pm

  This car is unique and I cannot describe how you feel when you drive it. You must own one and drive it on a regular basis to understand.

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  True to the motto of the ultimate driving - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Motorhead - May 27 - 3:58 pm

  I presented myself this car for my 25th birthday, which I thought was an amazing experience till I pushed this car around. BMW has the reputation of using not too expensive parts, but making them work to the fullest performance and I experience this every time I push the start engine button. I drove about 5200 miles in this car and no problems at all. This car has the awesome sound of a line 6, which cannot be duplicated! The throttle response is amazing and so is the comfort! I never drove around in the snow because I store it, but I drove it around on dry winter days and the heat insulation is terrific! The seat fits perfect and the visibility is awesome too. My thoughts: worth it!!