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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  One of my favorite cars - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Larry - June 13 - 1:51 am

  I have the Sport edition 740iL. The car is phenomenal. Unbelievably roomy interior, great styling, and despite its size, it still handles nimbly like a much smaller car. Easy to understand and well-laid out controls. The throttle response is very linear and predictable, and it has an amazingly tight turning radius. It takes a licking and keeps on ticking. Mine was hit twice in the rear and once in the front (before I bought it), and after being repaired- you couldnt tell. It still handled and drove great. I love this car. I bought an S65 Mercedes to replace it, but I still miss the BMW. The Mercedes is a rocket ship, but it doesnt drive as nimbly and instinctively as the BMW.

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  X5 Forever - 2003 BMW X5
  By Beacon - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Great ride and drive!

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  Outstanding Performance Sedan - 2009 BMW M3
  By RKerns - June 10 - 5:00 pm

  The M3 sedan is an excellent all around performance car. I traded in an RS4 for this car and have no regrets at all. For me the M3 handles so much better than the RS4. It also delivers power better, sounds better, shifts better and scrubs off speed better. It corners like a car weighing 600 pounds less. The exhaust note sounds fantastic, like a proper V8. The steering can feel a bit numb but once you attack a corner it comes alive and you know exactly what the front tires are doing (unlike the RS4). The car is a real hooligan and blast to drive. Poised and well balanced, I think you would be hard pressed to find a sedan with the same attributes for the money.

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  07 530i - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By 07 530I - June 10 - 8:05 am

  Best car I have ever owned and truly a pleasure to drive. I commute 100 round trip daily and I look forward to driving this car even after 3 years and 55k miles. Corners like a dream, gets up and goes fast enough but keeps you out of trouble. I have every option available except the night vision and active cruise control. You must have the sports package as the looks and performance cant be matched. Bought this car new with only 3 miles on it.

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  Love this car - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By CBH - June 10 - 7:15 am

  Just purchased the 535i xDrive and absolutely love it. It handles curves like no other sedan in its class. Really have to pay attention to my speed because of smooth ride. Fuel economy isnt bad for 300 horses and vehicle weight - currently getting 25 to 27 highway, but still in break-in period. Very comfortable interior with lots of room. Could use a little more storage, but not a major issue - the golf clubs fit fine! I do agree that the cup holders are ridiculous.

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  Vermillion Red-Liner - 2009 BMW X5
  By AIA - June 10 - 7:14 am

  Bought a 09 Vermillion Red X5. These are rare and had to be custom ordered. I have owned X5s in the past and this is a great vehicle. It is fun to drive and handles great like a true BMW even though its a heavy vehicle. It has all the options imaginable. Gas mileage is great for such a beast.

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  The new 3- series the E90 - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Paul Ramos - June 9 - 8:10 am

  The new 3-series is a technological marvel. The styling may be a little questionable, but the car is supurb. Underneath the new sheet metal is a whole new driving dimension that enables the E90 to surpass the e46. The new inline six revs smoothly-as any BMW should. The six speed manual seems to be a little faster, and that shows in the faster 0-60 times. The new 3.0 liter six helps out as well, with 255 horses.

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  2009 BMW X5 4.8i - 2009 BMW X5
  By Michael Biggs - June 9 - 4:00 am

  The x5 is a great car, it has not broken down once. I am amazed it can do over 161 mph. It also has an amazing crash test rating.

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  Lovin it - 2009 BMW X6
  By Riccio - June 8 - 6:08 pm

  Wanted to get up higher in traffic for visibility so went looking at crossovers and SUVs. Test drove the X5 and the X6. NO CONTEST. The X6 has sedan like handling characteristics and had better performance. There really IS a difference between the X5s 3.0i and the X6s 3.5i.

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  The Ultimate Pre-owned Driving Machine - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By Whipp - June 8 - 5:33 pm

  WOW, WOW, WOW.... What a great vehicle and a workhorse. I feel lucky to have the purchase. Fun to drive and is fast, handles well. Do your due diligence and you will be rewarded. Wanted a second vehicle (mini-van is primary) to bounce the wife and I around town for errands. This fits the bill. Not cheap to own... but preventive maintenance goes a long way. Use a real BMW mechanic and go on-line to the BMW forums and you will really enjoy the car.