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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  Good for the cost - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By BGDC - April 2 - 10:04 am

  My 6 speed 335i ZSP sedan was purchased used as a CPO. The powers nice, the fairly sharp handling is rewarding (nice to be back in RWD) and the is quite cocooned. Large trunk, decent gas mileage and large backseat make it a good family car (wife and infant son). I look forward to curves. Sadly, the vehicle is extremely heavy, the RFTs are lousy and the interior trim appears to be peeling away on the door handle and steering wheel. Its a fun enough car but I look forward to the day I wont need something so large Im anxious for BMW to produce a light RWD coupe/sedan. For the next few years the 335i will suffice.

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  Great balance of luxury and sport - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By ronbham - April 2 - 6:34 am

  Just got a CPO with 28K miles. Drives like a dream. I opted for the sport pkg with no regrets. The only glaring disappointment was the Logic 7 Sound system which leaves a lot to be desired. My Civic SI factory upgrade system was better! For a lux car that retails for 60k new the Logics 7 system should rival Acura but falls far short on fidelity plus a boomy bass. Too bad for such a quiet car.

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  650 convertible 2008 - 2008 BMW 6-Series
  By AMM - April 2 - 2:01 am

  I had the 650 for 12 months and I regret getting it: Too much money for what you get. I paid $90K+, includes: conv, auto, sports pckg, head-up display is an absolutely stupid option, convenience key is not necessary and HD radio that never worked right dealer said it works best in the city but not in the suburbs where I live, thx and heated seats. I could have gotten a better car for $90K or a great car at a much lower price but not $90K+ for 360 HP. This is my 3rd BMW I have a 01-740i and a 05-330cic both are great but the 650 at this price level is a disappointment, not only in lack of HP but in technology/computer etc. Take your time, compare and shop wisely before you commit to a 650.

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  Bang for the Buck! - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Z Dog - April 1 - 8:51 pm

  I had been looking at getting a small sports car for a while. Looked at the Boxster, Corvette, Audi TT, and the BMW. I loved the Z4 for the unique design. Once I drove it, I was hooked. I paid $30k for this gem. Silver on Black. Great for normal day to day, then just push the "sport" button and... she becomes a whole new car. Throttle response, steering and overall power seems to explode! Its like an alter ego. I drove the M roadster and it is just a Freak! The 3.0si is a dream for much less. Anyone who complains about the trunk space or the rigid ride should have chosen otherwise. Take a shorter trip, pack a smaller bag, and use your buddies truck to go to home depot. Great Car!

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  2009 BMW 335i --- Fun & Fast - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Tman - April 1 - 7:10 pm

  Nice blend of luxury and sport. Easy to go 90 mph without realizing it. Great handling on turns and offers quick acceleration when ever you need it. Very fun to drive while looking good!

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  What a hoot! - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By Charlie - April 1 - 5:47 pm

  Man what a hoot to drive the 135i is!!! I personally like the quirky, funky body design, it is wicked fast, sounds great, grips the road like a scalded cat on a carpet, has excellent build quality and materials, and turns heads all over town. Aside from the requisite nits every car has that the manufacturer hopes nobody notices but everybody does, I could not be happier with this car.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2002 BMW M3
  By CaliTom - April 1 - 1:45 pm

  Moved to this car from a 1991 E30 M3 and very pleased with the GT car performance and agility of the 3rd generation of this vehicle. I thought the E36 was lacking in horsepower where the E46 does not. Its practically a race car in its stock form and not much room for adding more in bolt on improvements. If you cant keep up on the maintenance on this car yourself look to spend a lot at the dealer or private shop. If you want the sexy glamor of a 911 buy one of those, if you want to carry four passengers and walk around a 911 buy this. Suggest getting a rare color other wise it just looks like another 3 series, mine is in Laguna Seca Blue and I get tons of complements on the color...

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  Solid Car - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By KarFn - April 1 - 1:29 pm

  Ive loved this car and am loathe to part with it (Ive owned it for over 7 years). All is running great..knock wood. Never had any major maintenance issues. I love the way it drives...solid. Exterior is sporty. Interior is functional, yet basic. No complaints.

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  Upgraded from an 01 Camry - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By homer - April 1 - 12:50 pm

  Fun to drive, however interior and wiring stinks. Driver Side Door cup has peeled twice. Replaced nearly half of the exterior light bulbs on the car. I have the Steptronic Transmission and my car STALLED TWICE at a stop. Car has only 20K miles.

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  Its noisy - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By mike - March 30 - 9:33 pm

  The 330xi is not a car to purchase if you are looking for comfort. The size is not bad and it can be fun to drive. It has good mileage, decent interior, plenty of nice amenities. However it is a noisy ride. The road noise is almost deafening after awhile. If you use the bluetooth feature to talk on the cell phone you cant hear your caller. Apparently it needs new tires every 10K miles. Yes, 10K miles (they will tell you its more like 15K but they are lying). This car has turned me off of BMW (and I have had several). Never again.