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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  Great Car... Really - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By gman - July 28 - 4:12 pm

  Weve had this car a few months. Overall the best car weve ever owned. BMW service is the same as with a car for $100k, so you feel like a king! Sport package is the way to go, car grips the road and never lets go. 128i is way over powered, you will for sure get a ticket. Driver and front passenger seating with power seats is great. Back seat is terrible for bigger folk. Good only for kids or the dog. We like the small size of the car for zipping around town and out to the lake. Good ride quality. We have a squeak in the back seat. We are addressing this build issue with BMW. BMW has treated us well so far, but we are headed back for a second try for the repair.

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  Worth the wait! - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By ncdriver - July 27 - 10:08 am

  My husband and I wanted to buy a fuel efficient car that was safe and fun to drive. Finally the BMW brought the diesels to the US! Once we test drove this car - we both fell for it. This car is a blast to drive and very comfortable. My husband commutes in it the most and we always take the BMW 335d on weekends. We even plan to take it on the next family road trip. Our kids (one booster, one car seat) fit fine in the back seat and we can fit two medium suitcases in the trunk, plus a few more things. Hope they offer the manual option and the Wagon in the future.

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  Why did I wait so long to buy it - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Naui - July 27 - 12:04 am

  I cant stop driving it. I want to drive cross country with it. There is nothing I can complain about the vehicle, and trust me if it even had the smallest rattle it would drive me crazy. Nothing but outstanding German build quality. Considering I am comparing it to the Honda/Acura I owned before.

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  Nice RIde - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By TRC - July 26 - 9:02 pm

  Hands down the best car Ive ever driven. Bought this car new almost 2 years ago. Still loving it and Im averaging 24.2 MPG! (and I drive it hard). Had a few minor electrical issues that have been fixed for free, but Im a bit nervous about the cost after the warranty expires. Definitely a small car though and not ideal for families if this is your primary ride. Run flats are stupid, but Ive had no problems with mine. AWD in the winter is insane!

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  Live in Daytona? - 2003 BMW M3
  By trying Lexus - July 26 - 11:30 am

  This is my 4th BMW and wanted to treat myself to a convertible. Although this is truly a ‘looker’, unless you are driving the Daytona 500 to work, I’d suggest getting the loaded 330 (or Lexus IS). Racing clutch is impossible to not be jerky no matter how delicate you shift. Suspension is so tight than unless you’re on pristine Florida roads, you can lose a kidney on the way to work. But, lets face it, the car draws attention and it’s still true that nothing handles and drives like a BMW!

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  Lemon? - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Richie1020 - July 26 - 9:01 am

  Two problems have detracted from my enjoyment of the 2099 BMW 335xi. Car is back at the dealer for the third time for replacement of fuel injector jets. Four this time. I get up to speed on the highway, but do not have a heavy foot and havent had the car on a race track. Whats the story? Getting close to Lemon Law time! The run-flat, low-profile tires are just awful on New England roads. Never, never again. Hit anything a half-inch high or low and it sounds like the car is bottoming out. Extremely rough ride at even 40 mph.

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  Superb automobile - 2009 BMW Z4
  By Dan Rodda - July 25 - 8:15 pm

  Only owned this car two days . I am blown away with it already. Had 06 Z4 thought I would never get rid of it. May not be the ultimate sports car but it is exactly what I want. Have had the supercharged hot rods already. This car is fast , classy, and quality built. The nappa white interior is awesome. Top impresses even my Mercedes buds! This is the first car I have owned in my 39 years of marriage my wife likes. What can I say?

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  Very expeneisve RFT - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By kazakci - July 25 - 12:48 pm

  This car is so much fun to drive and so expensive to maintain. It has been 8 months. Finally I hit a pot hole in New York City and had a bubble on the side. Our dealer changed the tire and charged $488 for one single tire!!! I had insurance and expected to be reimbursed. However, this is another sign that this is a premium car and it is expensive to drive.

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  The best I ever had - 2009 BMW Z4
  By cameron - July 25 - 12:15 am

  This car is unbelievable - it is a mans or womans forbidden pleasure. It really looks very unique with its fine lines and very responsive handling and power. I just got it yesterday and already know that I will treasure it for as long as god will allow me to.

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  Mixed feelings - 2009 BMW X5
  By Matthew - July 25 - 12:14 am

  This is my first SUV, or should I say SAV... what got my attention at the dealership was the exterior styling of this vehicle. Also, having never owned a spacious and roomy vehicle, I thought it was time for a change. What I love about my new X5 is the driving position because you sit up very high and the car has very good visibility all around. I also love the panoramic sunroof. I am not sure how I feel about the leatherette seats... they feel kind of rubbery although they seem very durable. I must say the seats are extremely supportive on long trips and adjust in many ways. I feel BMW should try to improve fuel economy in the gasoline engines as I did not want a diesel.