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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  3 Years Later - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Garhuff - March 22 - 8:11 am

  I ordered this car after seeing it at the Autoshow, even though I was only able to test drive the convertible. I took delivery of it at the factory, and I have loved it ever since. I still get a thrill when I see it parked in the lot. I constantly get thumbs ups, wherever I drive it.

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  Better and Better - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By Robert Springer - March 21 - 11:57 pm

  I just bought this turned in my 07 and wow what a difference for only 2 years. You can notice a little more pickup, the 07 525 was a real dog. The handling and suspension, what can you say its a BMW, I told myself Id buy a Genesis or try something new, but for an enthusiast driver, THERE IS NO COMPARISON TO THE FEEL OF A BMW this car is soo tight.

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  Is it possible to have more fun? - 2007 BMW Z4 M
  By Rippem - March 21 - 9:03 pm

  I can not speak highly enough about this car. Although it is still in the break-in period the performance is amazing. Handling is brilliant as well. This car loves to be driven hard. I really find the sport mode amusing, the level of throttle response and immediacy to respond to acceleration is similar to a Dinan chipped car. The car can also be driven easy especially below the 3500 RPM mark. The looks may not be to everyones taste but I like it.

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  In a class by itself - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By EngineerInMaryland - March 21 - 3:53 pm

  Bought this car for my wife after we sold our X5. Boy was this a revelation. Driving off from the dealer lot, I could tell this was no ordinary car. The smoothest acceleration Ive ever experienced. The bluetooth rocks. The Navigation is intuitive and the Gas mileage is off the charts (25mpg). This car combines comfort, performance and style excellently well. After 1 year, weve had no issues with the car, and are falling in love with it more every day.

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  Great Car - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By WLoca - March 21 - 2:21 pm

  I bought the 335xi after my 1999 Volvo S80 T6 died after 300,000 miles. The engine, transmission, and drivetrain are more connected than any competitive model tested. The steering is precise and it a blast to drive. I still smile when I hear its subtle exhaust note when I start it in the morning. The AWD system is very good in all conditions but the run flat tires are not designed for snow. They were OK in winter #1 but will invest in snows next fall. My biggest challenge has been reliability. They had to replace the front wheel bearings at 14K miles and I broke down at 17K miles and had to be towed to the dealership to replace the fuel pump and repair an oil pan leak. Not what I expected.

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  Ultimate Tanning Machine - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By William - March 21 - 6:02 am

  Just bought this car 10 days ago and chose it over a 2006 Corvette LT3 convertible. Styling is conservatively aggressive and should be appealing for a long time. Engine is really strong and Im enjoying using the paddle shifters. Highest quality interior of any 3 Ive ever had and this is my fifth one. More technology in this car than I will ever use, but its fun to have it. Hard to believe but this car listed for over $60K and I got it for approximately two-thirds of that. My first service experience was pleasant and Im a big fan of BMWs comprehensive service for the first four years or 50,000 miles.

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  Will buy a third 7 Series - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Howard - March 19 - 10:38 am

  Big B now has 120,000+ miles on it. Its the second 7 series Ive owned. Great ride and performance! Pulled 24.6mpg running at 85 from Denver to KC last winter. Runs 16 -18mpg around town. No surprises with the owning costs - just budget ~$2500/year. Still cheaper than a new Honda Civic. A used 7 series is a bargain making up for the maintenance costs. Ill keep this 98 until the 09 series starts coming off leases in 2012 or thereabouts.

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  Dont sweat the cup holders! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Ross - March 17 - 7:12 pm

  Bought the car new and have never regretted the decision. Every option and they all continue to work for going on 8 years. I service it only at BMW and though pricey, it pays to work with the best. Fun to drive in all weather and runs like it is on rails. Great not to have the I drive and all components work like the car is new. Id get another one but at this rate the current BMW will last another 10 years. The extra money was worth it in every way. Ive added sat radio, and now its perfect.

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  Fun on wheels - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Mikenmass - March 17 - 1:40 pm

  With todays prices its hard not to consider an upscale model car. The styling is great but the engine and handling is what is special about a Z4. You probably need alternative transportation for the family or pets but a ride in a roadster will always be a treat.

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  my Z4 - 2003 BMW Z4
  By jose mendez - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Im in love with my Z4, its comfortable, fast, controllable, and elegant. I love seeing everyones jaws drop seeing me in it. Never have I had a car so nice. If youre thinking about getting a car, get a Z4 for the ultimate luxury sports car and an affordable price.