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 Absolute Perfect Machine - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By NealPratt - February 20 - 11:26 pm

  I cannot complain about many things about this car. My favorite part, performance, is exceptional for a 6 cylinder. The throttle is responsive and the pick-up and 1st, 2nd and even 3rd gear will push you into your seat, even the exhaust has a subtle growl. The ergonomics of the car are perfect. Radio controls, air conditioning controls, gearshift, blinker, headlight switch, seat adjustments... Everything is perfectly placed. The integrity of the interior materials is superb. The leather is strong and the stitching doesnt break. The interior is very beautiful and the exterior of the car is stunning. You have to drive one to see how many heads turn as you drive by.

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  Unlike any other car.... - 2007 BMW 6-Series
  By Jay V. - February 20 - 5:58 pm

  I looked at every "similar" vehicle - Porsche 911 and Cayman, SL-Class - but just couldnt find the right fit. I am so pleased with my decision! The car has enough "sporty-ness" to feel like a performance car, but without the harshness or diminutive stature of so many other "sports cars" (Im 63" and 250 lbs). To say that it is in a class of its own is too trite, but there really isnt anything comparable. Thus far its been a whole lot of fun. Ill let you know what long-term ownership is like.

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  02 325i WOW! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By tgravo2 - February 20 - 10:00 am

  My car: 02 325i, 5 spd, Prem & sports package, xenons, Harmon Kardon stereo, Titanium silver with black leather. I absolutely love driving this car. If someone would have told me that this car with 184 hp was this quick, I would have laughed. You just have to get out and drive one of these cars. It performs so well that the instant I drove it, I wanted it. This is one of the smoothest driving cars I have ever driven. The only thing I wish I had was more money to get the 330i, I didnt even go test drive it because the salesman told me it would throw you in the back of your chair, and I knew I would have to have it.

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  After 3 year lease, had to buy it! - 2006 BMW X3
  By John in Pittsburgh - February 19 - 10:21 pm

  After 35K miles, my assessment of this well-designed vehicle is you get what you pay for. It is not a sports car, so dont expect it to drive like a 3 series sedan, but then again, it doesnt drive like a truck either. The handling is still more impressive than a lot of cars, especially considering its an SUV (er, sorry BMW marketing guys... "SAV"). Its not a luxury car, so dont buy it if youre looking for a smooth, refined ride. However, if you want something that is truly fun to drive, yet also has a practical side (meaning you can actually give rides to adults and shop at The Home Depot) the X3 is a great choice. I constantly get genuine compliments from friends who own luxury sedans.

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  Great Car! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Hans E - February 19 - 7:10 pm

  I recently traded my Volvo S60 2.5T for the 328i and couldnt be more pleased. This car has great power, excellent handling and an understated luxury that I find very attractive. Over the years Ive driven Mercedes, Saab, the Volvo and a couple of high-end Japanese cars. The BMW outperforms them all. The Volvo may be famous for its passive safety features, but the active safety of the BMW is a clear winner. To quote the BMW manual "Everything Under Control."

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  One of the Best - 2004 BMW X3
  By Ob - February 19 - 6:49 pm

  This is a wonderful vehicle. Had good experience with Highlander and Lexus RX300. X3 is different animal, performance and handling is awesome no comparison. Ive put 60k miles on it with no issues at all. Drove X3 from Virginia to Jersey in heavy rain and absolutely loved the handling and performance. Drove Highlander and Lexus in heavy rain from DC to Jersey. X3 made highlander and Lexus look like a puppy. Ill keep X3 till it dies. I put my life on my cars and get my car maintained by authorized dealerships.Its maintenance cost over all per annum is almost same as Highlander and Lexus. In fact I ended up paying more for the Highlander and Lexus cause I put more miles.

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  328xi, Premium, Cold Wthr packages - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By DrB - February 18 - 2:21 pm

  My first BMW, had owned Mazdaspeed6, Infiniti G20. Very handsome car inside and out, premium materials inside. Loved it - until driving over NJ potholes. On 3 separate occasions, I hit a modest (not gigantic) pothole, and my can of soda went flying out of the holder, hit the ceiling, then fell to the floor spilling on the carpet. Incredibly frustrating, ride is way too stiff! During service at BMW dealer, I mentioned this to the manager. He told me it was a very common complaint with the new generation coupe. This was originally a $46k car, which I got for a steal at $32k with 18k miles. Despite my great deal, I sold the car after 4 months of ownership, I couldnt drive it on NJ roads

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  Evolving automobile enthusiast - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By First time lessee - February 17 - 11:59 pm

  I never thought of leasing a BMW, but someone very close indirectly recommended it to me. This is my first experience with a BMW and so far (first month) it has been very good. The xDrive system is quite good on ice and snow, but as other reviewers have commented, a delay in acceleration can be felt. Fuel economy is around 16 to 18 mpg in town and 28 to 30 on the highway. It may be too early to comment on the run flat tires.

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  It simply glides - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Brian from Indiana - February 17 - 11:23 pm

  Became 3rd owner of a 2004 BMW 330ci with 26k miles in March of 2008. I fell in love with BMW during my first test drive. Powerful acceleration at all speeds. Goes from 60 to 100 without feeling anything. Smooth, quiet, amazing handling/cornering it simply glides. Be prepared to donate some organs to service and maintain. At 30k miles it needed rear brake pads ($250), alignment ($100), replace driver side door lock actuator ($800), replace throttle boot ($200).

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  First One On the Block - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Dogmom - February 17 - 9:36 pm

  This is my first BMW, have always owned practical japanese cars. Mine is basically stripped, only added the bun warmers. Checked out all of the competition first, this car wins (even though Im not crazy about the new styling), hands down. The ride in the BMW is firm, sporty as it should be, but unlike the Acura, you do not feel every pimple in the road. Ive driven a manual transmission for 20 years, and Im still getting used to this one. The more I drive it, the more I like it. The sound on the base stereo is wonderful. I paid $1,000 to "upgrade" the stereo on my previous car, and it doesnt even come close to the sound quality of this one. The start button is a hoot!