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:

• 

  Excellent Car - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By AKP - June 17 - 10:29 pm

  Over 140,000 and still drives great! I have been diligent about maintenance and have spent around 1000/yr after warranty expired. Biggest disappointment: Replaced transmission at 120,000 miles.($4500). The handling is excellent. A car wash makes it look new. Purchased a 2006 convertible and I prefer to drive the 2000 Beemer. The car has not left me stranded. It has had minor repairs every year. I expect to drive it another 100,000.

• 

  Superb car - 2007 BMW X3
  By susan from syracuse - June 17 - 9:52 pm

  I purchased this with the sports package and absolutely love it! The x3 has superb performance and handling.

• 

  Love my 335D!! - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Pat in Connecticut - June 17 - 12:38 pm

  Much better than I expected in both performance and mileage. I am averaging 42HW and 29 City for a combined 33.6 mpg ave. The performance is unreal and Im very happy with my purchase.

• 

  Great update for 2017 - 2017 BMW i3
  By CK - June 16 - 6:24 pm

  While I think some more tweaks are needed to set the car apart, overall this is a great car. Its my second electric (previously had a Leaf) and the Bimmer is an exceptional commuter. No range anxiety with this especially with the new battery. Ive driven over 100 miles and still had 37% percent battery charge left. The new color option of protonic blue is a great step forward. Pick-up 0 to 30 is outstanding though you will feel the road and bumps a little much. Previous reviews on ride comfort hold true for the battery refreshed 2017. Overall a great car for suburbanites and urban dwellers. Getting 5 miles per kW hour.

• 

  Good, so far!! - 2005 BMW X5
  By Chris - June 16 - 3:19 pm

  Ive only owned it 1000mi and the car is still under warranty, but so far the car has been excellent. Took it on a long trip and the V8 is so smooth and effortless at speed. The car is rock solid. I will use the car for towing, so the extra weight is helpful, but otherwise the car is actually small for the 5000# weight. Gas mileage has been 19- 20 combined, which Im happy with. Im not sure I would buy this car new (not a great value and high depreciation), but I got a helluva deal because the poor economy and higher gas prices.

• 

  Still Smiling! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Gait0r - June 16 - 10:00 am

  Had this car a little over a year as a mid-life crisis solver. I smile every time I drive it. A real head turner. Not real keen on the oil-change schedule. Never gone that long before. The car is a blast to drive, especially in the mountains of NC.

• 

  2009 z4 review - 2009 BMW Z4
  By patrice03 - June 16 - 12:51 am

  Quick, stable, comfortable, fun to drive and superb cabin atmosphere, but too heavy roadster. Should go on diet to match boxster driving experience.

• 

  X5 Turbo Diesel (no 3rd row seating) - 2009 BMW X5
  By Andrew - June 15 - 9:03 am

  Had a 3.0 X5. Test drove Audi, Lexus, Acura, BMW gas, and fell for performance of X5 diesel. After 7,000 miles I am actually trading it in for MB ML350 diesel. BMW just not as comfortable. Seats not as supportive. Engine can be too loud. Satellite radio comes & goes. Passenger seat grinds/clicks when moved. Steering wheel squeaks when moved. Rt side speakers go dead on iPod integration. Need to roll the window up/down a few times to get speakers back. Steering wheel does not telescope long enough for 6-1 height. Engine performance is incredible. Second seat leg room is great. Cargo space is great. Just want more refinement. Maybe I am getting old.

• 

  First BMW - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By traindb - June 13 - 6:35 pm

  This is my first BMW. I previously owned an Infiniti G35. No comparison. I always thought the car magazines were in the tank for BMW, until I bought this car. Its my favorite car Ive ever owned. The engine reminds me of a sewing machine. It it so smooth and never runs out of power. The turbo is great. I test drove a 328, which was nice, but it had no get up and go. With 22000 miles on it, my 335 still feels solid as a rock. Im single with no kids, and the only reason I will ever get rid of this car is if my lifestyle changes and I need more room. The backseat is way better than the Infiniti (an adult can actually sit upright), but its still a pain to get in and out.

• 

  Awesome! - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By Ba - June 13 - 4:41 pm

  This is my first BMW. Its incredibly comfortable and fun to drive. Great performance, stability and luxury. Very quiet ride so I can hear the music clearly on radio or CD when put on low volume!