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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  Only 2.0L but still a lot of fun - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Rene - April 4 - 4:48 pm

  I went for the 2.0L rather than 3.0L (the in between 2.5L made no sense to me) because it is a long term car so running costs are important. The lighter engine means this is the best handling car I have ever driven. I can blast round beds, be they sharp corners or sweepers at speeds that make my hair tingle. I used to race stock cars and have had a Morgan +8 - the Zed 4 is better. Blasted across Germany at 90-120mph and got 41 miles per gallon. I live in London and still get 30mpg. I love the looks (pre-facelift) and always stare at the car when leaving it. Driving does not get much better.

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  Ultimate not considering the run flats - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By dinodad - April 4 - 8:31 am

  Leased on 535i with 6 spd, premium, sports and cod weather package. Took off the run flats and am storing them until the end of the lease. This is the 2nd BMW I have followed this ritual. Car handles like it is on rails. Performance is sooo sweet. Previously had a 530i with manual. The extra ponies - 45 or so are noticeable and the torque comes on just above idle at 1400 and stays flat until about redline. I commute about 45 miles to work and this beemer makes going to work fun! Have had beemers since 2000 and they are the utmost fun to drive but run flats stink big time. BMW- please hear this = run flats belong on a Lexus for those who dont want to change a tire in the rain.

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  Sorry to have purchased this car - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By LongTimeBMWOwner - April 3 - 9:32 pm

  Car is very nice except for a problematic idling issue. Been to the dealer over 6 times (lost count thereafter), talked with BMW of North America several times. No satisfaction even though the car is under warranty. If you are looking to own a BMW hope that you get a good one and not a lemon as I have. I have owned several BMWs over a 15 year period and feel completely let down by the situation. Two more observations: sound system is average, very average. Wind noise from the sunroof is annoying.

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  My third BMW and still loving them - 2006 BMW X5
  By Jim - April 3 - 7:07 pm

  I have not found another vehicle that matches the BMW standards and driving comfort. I have driven vehicles from most brand names on the market. I have compared all features with a lot of disappointments. I still have found very little disappointment in BMW. Those that complain have to completed there homework. Once you drive one its hard to drive anything else.

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  Awesome Ride!! - 2007 BMW X3
  By dr.nick - April 3 - 10:49 am

  This car has gone above and beyond what I expected. Was also looking at the Lexus and Mercedes and their drive compared to the BMW was night and day. If youre looking for a fun car that is the best performing car in its class the BMW X3 is the only logical choice.

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  The Family Jet - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Nice Bmer - April 3 - 8:30 am

  The sedans new updated look for 2009 is very nice. It also has a wider rear track which improves its stance from the rear. Front view is much more aggressive looking than 08 model. Fit and finish is near perfect. We purchased the Blue Water Metallic color which is gorgeous and not as common (everyone seems to have black)...weve received many compliments. iDrive is pretty simple and straight forward once you use it a little. The twin turbo engine has a nice growl when you start it and of course when accelerating....and boy does it move. Interior is a little snug...but not uncomfortably so. Overall VERY happy.

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  For Sure the Ultimate Driving Machine! - 2009 BMW X5
  By Luv my Beamer 4.8i - April 2 - 9:05 pm

  My 2nd X5 4.8i and I love it! Lots of power, response, comfort..and a head turner. Got the loaded 4.8i, custom order, Black Sapphire, Saddle Brown Leather, loaded, 20s, its sweet! Quality machine, could drive it for hours!

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  My First Beemr - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By 328i - April 2 - 2:37 pm

  I just got the 328i as my first foray into BMW. I love it. Great driving experience and acceleration. Sure, the cup holders are almost unusable and the car needs to be on for the 3v power outlet to function, but I wouldve gotten a Suburban if those things actually mattered so much. I always look forward to getting behind the wheel after work!

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  Not for What it Cost - 2008 BMW X5
  By Lt Dan - April 2 - 2:29 pm

  Ill make this blunt. I have had the car over a year now and put 15k miles on it. Overall nice vehicle. Very fast and handles great. Its a BMW and it rides like one. The back up camera is useless at night. Had it in the shop for 3 days to fix it. There is nothing wrong with it, it is junk. Gas mileage is lousy. Run flat tires can not be fixed, at least not by BMW. Get a nail as I did, youre out $280. I agree with one poster who mentioned it does not shift consistently. Sometimes it lurches into gear enough to snap your head back if you stomp on it. Voice controls stink. I had an Acura RL which had a great system (I think it was by Alpine) BMWs will have you yelling at the car. Not intuitive.

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  Lots of Features - Love this car - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By AHGuest - April 2 - 11:42 am

  This is really a great car. It has so many features - even after having it for a couple of months, Im still finding new features all the time. I just found that there are 2 compartments in the arm-rest. Ive been told the lower compartment is to keep drinks cool. This car drives great, is very comfortable and smooth, and with all its function, it looks great too. Ive driven a 3 series before but with 2 kids and car seats, the 5 series is definitely the right size.