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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  My 2008 128i Convertible - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By DTMEDIC - July 24 - 11:53 pm

  I just bought a NEW 2008 model from the showroom floor. Its loaded with every conceivable option but I got the car nearly $6,000 off invoice. Still pricey... but definitely worth it! I cant say enough about this little gem! It is the MOST fun Ive ever had driving! I wake up every morning and cannot WAIT to drive my car to work! I love the top down fun with my iPod tunes blasting. The iDrive is a little quirky, but once you figure it out, its fine. The ride is superb, the fit and finish is all BMW... the drive and handling is exactly what you would expect... perfection. Love it, love it, love it... you will NOT be sorry you bought this car! Just do it!

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  Best Damn SUV out there - 2005 BMW X5
  By deep - July 24 - 2:20 am

  Great SUV. this is my second one. The 4.4 has great power but a little more pricy than the 3.0. Great feel and handle. The sports package is a little more bumpier but that maybe the feel you desire. If you desire a softer feel you may want to choose the one with out the sports package. Eitherway, Great auto. NO PROBLEMS at all. I drove my old 3.0 leased x5 to the ground with no maintanence for about 2 years. It still felt and functioned as if it was new. Cant beat the looks and the bmw 7 series engine that this has. A MUST HAVE!!!

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  BMW X5 3.0 Great Car - 2003 BMW X5
  By rsf - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Just bought it last week. Base model 3.0 still has good power. Interior finish and materials are excellent. Interior is roomy (even the back power reclining seats), and very comfortable. The NAV system is much improved for 2003. Its very easy to use. We almost bought the Vovlo XC90, but the dealers will not deal on price. Plus, the performance of the X5 is simply superior.

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  325Ci Sleeper - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By rendog77 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I recently got a 325Ci, after driving a 2000 GT Eclipse. Its just as sporty, but of corse much more refined and comfortable. In terms of performance, with the man transmission it is pretty lively. The 330 is probably more powerful, but I dont feel short on power.

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  Wanted a BMW for a long time - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By longtimehondaguy - July 23 - 10:00 am

  And I finally got one. But at less than 3k on the odometer, the car dies. Turns out the instrument cluster was bad. It was replaced under warranty, after I had it towed to the dealership (I had to pay for the cost of towing up front), but it would have cost me $600.00 otherwise. Since then, it has been pretty reliable. But for $40k, I dont expect anything to go wrong. After all, my 86 Accord and 90 Integra never had any mechanical problems until 200k miles. Just changed the clutch on the Integra at 213k miles.

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  Fun on Wheels - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By ez2do - July 23 - 9:21 am

  Ive had my new 2009 328i for 2 months now and its been great so far. Very smooth ride, responsive handling, feel the road, and more than adequate on gas mileage. I have to watch the speedometer at all times because it drives very fast. Acceleration from full stop could be better. In hindsight I should not have purchased in Alpine White as it shows dirt easily but after each wash, it looks beautiful.

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  A Wolf In Sheeps Clothing - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Scott - July 22 - 11:53 am

  We replaced our 2004 BMW 330 Ci, 6-speed with the 335i, 6-speed. These two autos have almost nothing in common. Everything that we liked about our 04, has been improved on with the 335i. The 335i handles even better and the acceleration must be experienced to be believed. It reminds me more of a Z4 than a coupe. The mileage isnt as good as our older car but that is to be expected and the trade-off is more than worth it. One more thing, it looks so much sportier, yet classy. They got this one right!

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  Fun Fun Fun!!! - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By Ed Farr - July 21 - 6:32 pm

  Traded in my 2006 Black Nissan 350Z for a base 128i with comfort access since I needed the back seats and man, I cant stop driving it!!! Compared to the Z, I am getting better MPG and I get the back seats! This is the most fun car I have ever driven.

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  My last BMW - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Jordan - July 21 - 6:13 pm

  Great experience up to the time the warranty ran out. Purchased my car new in October of 2002. After the warranty expired at 50K it was in the shop about every month and each trip was about $700, after my $200 sympathy discount. I by-passed the $1200 front passenger seat dual motor replacement and had them just lock the seat and disconnect the motors. It was one thing after another. The only way I would ever have another BMW is on a 3 year lease and get rid of it as soon as it is over 50,000 miles. Otherwise I loved it.

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  Love my M3 - 2008 BMW M3
  By Cordog - July 21 - 2:53 pm

  I have always wanted a M3 and with the introduction of the new M in 08 I couldnt have picked a better time to get one. I decided to go with the hard top convertible to get the best of both worlds. True coupe like design and then who could argue the experience of open roof driving. I have invested in an amazing performance exhaust because I was a little disappointed with the stock sound... no way did it sound like a V- 8, but it sure does now!! I also put H&R Sport lowering springs on it to give the car an even more aggressive stance at stand still and it corners even better now... if you can improve on the amazing handling it came with.