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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  Very Happy with Diesel X5 - 2009 BMW X5
  By NorthernVABMWdriver - August 9 - 1:52 pm

  This is my 6th X5 and probably my favorite. I like the idea of driving clean-diesel and a more fuel efficient SUV without much trade off in performance and comfort. Acceleration is excellent it feels faster than performance numbers indicate. Diesel engine clatter does not intrude into the cabin you would not know its has a diesel engine from the interior. I custom order my BMWs and this one took only 9 days from production start to delivery.

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  Perfect Sedan - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By bmw3driver - August 8 - 1:50 pm

  I drive my car very hard, and it has continued to amaze me. For the money, there isnt a car on the market that measures up. Perfect small, luxury sedan.

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  Perfect after changing tires - 2008 BMW Z4
  By David Kirby - August 8 - 10:21 am

  WOW! I replaced the Bridgestons RF (run flat) tires, with Michelin Pilot Sport ASXL. The ride with the sports suspension, improved significantly, and eliminated the jolting, without compromising the handling. As a bonus, it may enable me to use the car year around in Upstate NY, without having to invest in snow tires, and if I can get even close to the projected 40K miles tread life, I will be even happier.

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  fun to drive but noisy and rough ride - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By ncc11702 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  sports like handling but rought ride may make your daily trip become tiring.

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  Long term owner reports in - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Brian-330cic - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The car itself handles like a dream.. it sticks to the road, its fun to drive and on those rare topdown days in New York its heavenly. What other car company would listen to its owners complain about the steering being a little to Grandma and offer to replace the entire steering rack with one with a tighter feel FREE OF CHARGE, just because I wasnt happy.. The dealers can be very hit or miss, (Thanks to the US legal system) but look past that to the corporate culture and youre on to a winner. Theres a reason all of the car mags love this car, its because its just practical enough to justify a purchase and is too much damn fun to put down.

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  I love this car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By CKelleher - August 8 - 1:08 am

  I traded in a 2004 330 convertible which I really enjoyed. The 535xi is heads and shoulder beyond the 330 Cic. I am hard on a car in daily use and drive more like an enthusiast. This car never disappoints, whether its a 4 hour drive to the beach or a drag race with a 17 year old in a mustang cobra, the BMW always comes through. Awesome creature comforts blows my parents e550 4 matic out of the water in every way. No problems whatsoever.

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  Test drive carefully - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Ben - August 7 - 4:19 pm

  The whining noise (transmission?) is totally out of character for a luxury car. Dealer insists its normal. I dont believe it...its driving me crazy. Be sure to test drive before you buy and listen carefully for the whine.

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  Fun Fun FUN!!! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By m3_guy - August 7 - 4:01 pm

  This is the fourth BMW Ive had and Im not disappointed at all. The performance is awesome, the MPG is amazing and its very comfortable. What sold me on the car was the bluetooth. Its so easy to use and so handy that its become my favorite feature of the car. I HIGHLY recommend this option. The only negative I can say about the car is the take off. For a smoother take off, it feels like it starts in 2nd gear making it feel a little "sluggish" when Im at a full stop. None of my other BMWs had it and Im not I sure I like it. Other than that BUY IT!! You will love it.

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  Jet without wings - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By arjay1 - August 7 - 3:14 pm

  Had the the car for about 3 weeks now. Having too much fun. I never thought Id be driving a diesel. Diesel smell gives me a headache but this car does not have it. The exhaust pipes are still so shiny even after 1250 miles of driving. Have to buy a good radar detector to help reduce the chance of getting tickets. Car goes to 50 mph too fast and without much effort. Run flat tires not much of a bother.

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  The BMW for drivers - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By carguy - August 7 - 2:21 pm

  This is my 3rd BMW coupe and it is by far the best as it builds on what BMW does best - great performance without sacrificing everyday driveability and comfort. The twin turbo six delivers amazing torque throughout the rev range and the new ZF auto transmission shifts are crisp and timely - especially when in sport mode. The interior is a clean design and driver oriented with minimal electronic visual distractions. Visibility is excellent and the ride, while firm, is a good compromise between handling and comfort.