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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  The Ultimate driving machine - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By jbmw3 - June 1 - 7:43 pm

  This is my 4th 3-series, and I should have done more research. When AC is on, the engine does not feel as smooth as it should when stopped at a red light. Driving at speeds of 40 miles per hour, you can hear high pitch sound. The run flat tires are a good idea, but makes the ride feel more stiff, tires wear out quicker than regular tires, and the tires cost about 150 dollars more per tire. Gasoline requirement is recommended 93 top tier gasoline. One interesting thing I noticed is that if their are no error codes during the diagnostic testing, you can forget about BMW looking into it. The part has to break down.

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  A fantastic convertible! - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By BostonDriver - June 1 - 3:18 pm

  This was my first convertible, and I couldnt have been happier. Before purchasing this car, we looked into and/or test drove the Lexus IS (convertible coming soon), Audi A4, and Volkswagen Eos. Nothing was as attractive as the BMW. We test-drove both the 135i and 128i convertibles and decided on the 128i because it was cheaper, had a softer suspension, and was more than fast enough. The handling is fantastic, and the car feels very responsive, nimble, surefooted, fast, and comfortable. It looks beautiful in jet black, sporty but elegant, classy but youthful. It is absolutely worth it. It is hard to find faults with this car.

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  Dream Car - 2000 BMW M5
  By Peter - May 31 - 2:10 pm

  I always wanted one of the coveted M5 BMW cars ever since I was a kid and could read about them. I worried that I may be disappointed once I bought one with what it offered and delivered in reality. I was not let down one bit. If anything I was blown away by its power and pure joy of driving it. With its crisp 6 speed and so much power to play with, its a pleasure to accelerate off the light or pass on the highway safely with lots of juice in reserve. The braking is outstanding as always and as expected from a BMW. The sport setting tightens up the steering and throttle response for an even more amazing driving experience. I smile every time I see it parked in the driveway.

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  Perfect Coupe - 2005 BMW M3
  By Nocaster - May 30 - 6:40 pm

  I bought this 2005 M3 because I was looking for something that performed very well but had some interior room and was more flexible than a two seater. This M3 is a 6 speed manual and is otherwise stock with the Alcantara interior. I really love the Alcantara interior, it looks great and really holds you in place during hard cornering. So far the M3 has been everything I expected it to be and more. Its a very balanced package in terms of acceleration, handling, braking etc..When you factor in the fact that with a descent set of winter tires its a car you can drive all year round it almost sounds like great value. Build quality is superb and I have not had any issues at all.

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  Fun to Drive when it works. - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By sean mann - May 30 - 4:47 pm

  I bought the car and for 7,000 and have put about that much if not more into it in the 3 years I have owned it. I dont drive it hard but I have had to basically rebuild the engine. That was fun. The interior has completely fallen apart door panels wont stay on no matter what I do. Its super fun to drive and looks good on the outside but everything inside kinda blows.

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  Starship Enterprise for the road - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Induscreed - May 29 - 2:58 pm

  This car is my first BMW having had an 07 Mustang prior to this purchase. This car is a dream to drive with me looking for an excuse to drive the car wherever I can. It handles like its on rails. It looks like no other BMW and easily turns heads. Its driving at its purest unadulterated form with a chassis that flatters your senses.

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  impressed - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By rond - May 29 - 2:00 am

  only owned this car for about a week but i love it. the best car I have ever owned.

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  Funtastic Drive - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Steve Kahn - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I drove a 5 series wagon for five years and decided I would like a smaller car. Every time I took my 5 series in for service I was given a 3 series to drive. Once I got the 325xi Sport I was pleasantly surprised at how great a car it is. The car handles like a dream and has decent pickup. I always drive in sport mode as I did with my old 5 series. The only complaint I have had about the car if from my wife who thinks the seats are to hard. I would also like to have the keyless entry system activate from farther away from the car like the system on the 5 series.

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  Almost as good as it gets - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Dvs - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Great eye Candy! O.K Acceleration, Excellent fit and finish wonderfull attention getter.

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  525i Sport Premium Package - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Spine Doc - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought my first BMW in December 2001, a 2002 525i sedan 5 speed with Sport Package (M-technic suspension, 17 inch rims, 3 spoke steering wheel with controls)Premium interior leather seats, cold weather package, 6 CD player in trunk, tinted windows, M- spoiler on trunk. Silver exterior on Black interior. Look no further, this car does it all... Its elegant lines turns heads everywhere I go, its very quick, handles incredibly and is built like a tank. Highway speeds cant satiate this cars desire to go fast! If only my friends would stop asking to take it for the weekend!