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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  Looks are deceiving - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Eddy P. - March 30 - 6:07 pm

  Mechanical issues all the time, 60k and so far have had to replace; The Alternator, Sparkplugs, coils, breaks, roaders, the battery. Also seems to be a big issue with the ABS module on this model. It goes bad and the Start light, Break light, and cruise control go off. To replace it is pretty expensive depending where you take it. So while the car is nice, make sure you only lease a BMW not what I expected when I got it. Not buying another one anytime soon.

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  New to BMWs - 2005 BMW X3
  By Gator297 - March 29 - 11:08 pm

  First time BMW owner, and so far impressed. Responsive steering, excellent braking, front seats very comfortable. Could have used more sound proofing for interior. Road noise and wind flowing across top noticeable. Tight fitting vehicle, no rattles. Titanium int. seems durable. Easy to handle. A head turner. Cargo area seems small with rear seats up.

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  Nice car over all. - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By work77009 - March 29 - 4:36 pm

  I bought my 330i auto 3 months ago and I have to say it is at top of its class. I dont have any problem with my run-flat tires because I have a premium and sport package with 18" tires made by japan. My only small complaint is for BMW should have made more power on 1st gear, but I fixed that as people suggested drive on auto-M and car shifts like a sports car and is really fast. If you dont mind a sporty shift. If you looking for a fun fast car and classic, this car will make people turn heads. 330i has almost all 530i has, style, horsepower, fun.

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  Z4 3.0si - 2006 BMW Z4
  By z3toz4 - March 29 - 3:20 pm

  I had my Z3 for twelve years, finally bought a Certified Z4. Be very careful with Certified, even though BMW has fixed all the problems that have come up, mine has been in the shop for MAJOR suspension and engine problems. It has been in the shop 20 of the 60 days I have owned it. Not what I expected from a BMW Certified car. Now that I think I am past the problems this car had, I really am enjoying driving it! Much smoother, powerful ride than Z3.

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  Not that bad! - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By josh37 - March 29 - 2:02 pm

  I bought this car in October of 2008 and I must say Im not ashamed of my BMW. I get a lot of compliments all the time. It gets good gas mileage and has a lot of get up and go. I had a 2003 Nissan Maxima SE before this car and the BMW is as good as it. Im only 16 also. I recently had to replace the alternator and Im having to get new tires and rims because of a roaring noise but I was gonna get new tires and rims anyways so that is not a real big deal. Overall I LOVE THIS CAR!!!

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  Think twice before purchasing - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By abstractreasoner - March 28 - 11:26 am

  This car is fine if you want to pretend youre in a race with the other cars on the road. If you want a refined car with a transmission, throttle, and engine that work well together, buy a Mercedes C-class. This car is an example of how a well engineered car can also be very unrefined. If it had a manual transmission it would probably be much easier to drive. Some shifts are smooth, some are not, others happen when you least expect it.

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  Can get anything better - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By bman - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive always bought BMWs and i recently bought a 325xi. It is a little expensive but is well worth the price. The car has been extremly reliable, and handels like a dream.

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  328Ci - 4 stellar years and counting...! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By ar - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic combination of luxury and performance. Solid as a rock in all driving conditions - makes you a better driver than youreally are by rewarding you with razor-sharp handling, but being balanced and forgiving enough to allow you to correct mistakes. ...And it looks as good as it drives!

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  328Ci - 4 stellar years and counting...! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By AR - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic combination of luxury and performance. Solid as a rock in all driving conditions - makes you a better driver than youreally are by rewarding you with razor-sharp handling, but being balanced and forgiving enough to allow you to correct mistakes. ...And it looks as good as it drives!

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  Did I buy a lemon? Tastes bitter! - 2008 BMW X5
  By Jimmy - March 27 - 8:52 pm

  Bought X5 a year ago tomorrow and will be taking to dealership again. This time a repeat 4x4 and DSC warning. Last time fault blamed on us leaving a battery powered XM radio plugged into the receptacle inside the armrest storage that caused the battery level to drop?! Today same problem while driving on the highway. Cant wait to hear next excuse. Have taken car in at least 5 times for loud noise when taking out of park. In December Parking Brake would not disengage while 700 miles from home. BMW Assist could not tell us how to manually disengage brake but wanted to drag it onto a flatbed. Dealer told us how. Start-Off Assist jerks back on flat ground!! This is normal? Otherwise great car.