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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  High cost, low driving satisfaction - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By BB - August 12 - 2:50 pm

  Nicely appointed car with the driving excitement of a mid 90s Ford Taurus. 6 speed shiftable automatic transmission is rough in automatic modes and sluggish when shifted with paddles. Handling gives little road feel, and the car does very poorly on wet roads. Excessive road noise at highway speeds with original run-flat tires. BMW has managed to engineer the fun out of this very quick sedan. Gas mileage on premium is poor. Driver comfort with sport seats is very good, but the front passenger seat is cramped for an average adult. Many of the cars electronic features work only on an intermittent basis. The car is a real disappointment at $50K+ fully equipped.

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  bmw 325 cic - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Jenni Shiflett - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Overall I think this is one of the best vehicles around. It has great fuel economy and for a 325 it is just as nice as our 740.

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  An experience everyone must have! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Andre Wintz - August 12 - 10:00 am

  After driving my 530i everyday,ive learned why other BMW owners stay loyal.Its the best car ive owned so far!

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  Its a NICE RIDE! - 2004 BMW X3
  By Kyle G. - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I love it, personally. It drives like a car, but has the four-wheel drive capabilities of an SUV. Yes, they say it doesnt do too well in off-roading, but I am not about to hit any desert dunes any time soon. The sound system is also incredible, it comes standard with 10 speakers. The peppy engine, comfortable leather seats, and the awesome sound system make for an incredible driving experience. Highly recommend it.

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  BMW X-3, 2.5 - 2004 BMW X3
  By Montgomery - August 12 - 10:00 am

  the X3 is a dream to drive. More like a sports car than a "truck." Plenty of power, 6-gears and lots of features. The full time 4-wheel drive gives a real feeling of holding the road in all conditions. I live (and drive) in Germany and the X3 is great on all roads, autobahn or winding back paths. My 5th BMW but first SAV. It wont be my last.

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  Best Car I have ever driven - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Brinker - August 12 - 8:38 am

  Sitting in the drivers seat in the dealers lot was enough to convince me that this was a great car. However, since the car was for my wife, I felt she should take it for a spin. She did and we bought it. My first chance to drive it was last weekend and I must say it is the best car I have ever driven. Between my wife and myself we have owned 25 to 30 vehicles over the years. Sport Cars, SUV, Luxury, Compacts, New and Used Vehicles, to quote my wife "I dont think I will ever be happy driving anything else". Turbo System is Awesome!!

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  Its a Keeper! - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By Robert - August 11 - 1:14 pm

  I am the second owner of this car. It had 35250 miles when I bought it and now 2 1/2 years later Ive only put 2000 miles on it. It was special ordered with the Dakar Yellow that was only available in the M series that year. So...to me its pretty rare. I keep it covered in the garage and rarely drive it. It always turns heads whenever I take it out. Most of the ones like this are beat. I plan on having it forever. I love this car!

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  "Certified" means nothing - 2005 BMW X5
  By sad customer - August 11 - 9:31 am

  This is my first BMW to ever own and was super excited when we were told it was ours. However, after being told several times that when you buy "certified" it is like buying brand new. After 1 month, brake pads are grinding. After 3 months, oil, brake, and coolant lights all come on. The motor for the mirrors breaks and to top it all off...the BMW logo on the front of the car falls right off. I do live in Tx and I know its hot, but really? I am trying to get rid of it now. Oh, and the best part, it did qualify as a "Cash for Clunker" vehicle. Great!

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  Awesome - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By kaiyer - August 10 - 11:38 am

  Just purchased it. Torque if fantastic. Best when merging into the highway. Cabin ergonomics are top rated. The whole family loved it.

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  Good Bad Ugly - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By John D - August 9 - 8:42 pm

  I love driving this car. At 162000 miles the ride is still great albeit I have redone most of the suspension. Gas mileage on my six cylinder is around 25 with hiway city mix. Repairs have been astronomical. I understand putting money in the suspension, belts, etc but everything is expensive. The ugly. Electronic modules run everything and need to be replaced far too often. I would love to buy another of this design model but just could not afford it.