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:

• 

  Finally! - 2009 BMW X5
  By Hazbeen - February 11 - 10:09 am

  Ive been a long time Porsche/BMW/Mercedes driver and this is by far the best all around vehicle I have ever owned. I enjoyed my M3/997 more from a pure drivers standpoint but I can actually carry my dry cleaning home now. The new X5 is a terrific package and the diesel power plant completes it nicely. I have wanted a proper diesel power plant in a daily driver for some time now as the advantages during a daily commute are obvious: torque while being fuel efficient and low rev requirements to get the job done. It feels as quick as the V8 powered X5, however provides guilt free driving while in view of my Sierra Club neighbors.

• 

  Loved this car for 4 years until.... - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By maverick1012 - February 10 - 1:31 pm

  Ive owned this car for 4 years now and put atleast 20,000 miles on it per year. Drove many 5,000+ road trips, handled extremely well, love the power and acceleration. Loved the overall experience UNTIL this past January (1/09) my car decided to die. I quote my mechanic when I say "the car has demons!" It decided when it wants to start, stalls when it wants to, its been in the shop for 3 weeks with no resolution. I absolutely loved this car until now :/

• 

  SUPERB. BUY THE DIESEL - 2007 BMW X5
  By x5dreamer - February 10 - 4:05 am

  I am amazed at how good the X5 is. A completely different vehicle to the old shape and to my surprise (didnt think it was possible to better that one) much, much better too. The iDrive is a little tricky at first but its childs play once you get the hang of it. I test drove the Audi Q7 before and it drove like a tank with noticeable gear changes. All-in-all this is a great 4x4. I would recommend it but then again mine was made in Germany.

• 

  Its in the details - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By volcomized - February 9 - 11:10 pm

  Ill start w/ what I dont like: the cup holders! Handling is pretty stiff, which I enjoy since I get a sportier drive, but drinks in cup holder go splashing around when I make a sharp turn. Second, theres a blind spot on the drivers side, and no matter how I angle my mirrors or slightly cock my head to check for cars, there have been a few close calls. My car now has a screeching noise driving at 10-35 mph! The service dept. says if they cant hear it, they cant fix it. I love driving the car, but thankfully my lease is almost up because I would be wary about keeping it past its warranty.

• 

  Couldnt be Happier - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By bud - February 9 - 3:41 pm

  Bought my 335i after begging my wife to drive her 535i for 6 months. I chose the sedan over the coupe because I do have people in the backseat frequently. The car drives like a rocket on wheels. Fast, but also very smooth and refined in most driving situations. It is the only car I have owned in 45 years of driving that excites me every time I start it, even after a years ownership. An unexpected plus has been the gas mileage. It has consistently delivered 22+MPG city and 30 on highway cruises. It has been extraordinarily reliable with only routine dealer visits all covered under warranty.

• 

  2005 330i Sedan - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Ryan O - February 9 - 10:26 am

  Just purchased an 05 330i Sedan and love it. Great blend of power, style, and grace. Took a road trip with the car after the first week and averaged 27.7 miles per gallon over the 550 mile trip! Almost as good as a Honda! The automatic is very smooth and the xenon lights do a great job of lighting up the road. The car feels very solid and road noise is very minimal. If I had the funds, I would probably opt for the performance package as well, but it depends on what you are looking for if its right for you. I would recommend the 330i sedan to everyone who doesnt mind paying the premium for owning a well designed automobile.

• 

  What a BEAST Machine - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By CJ_in_FL - February 8 - 9:33 pm

  Drove 3-series all my life until I got this beast. 6 speed is out of this world. Acceleration, handling and cornering couldnt be finer. I swapped out the run flats immediately even though there was only 19,000 on car. What a difference without that extra weight. Less expensive too. First gear buries the tach a little too fast but you get use to the quick shift to second. I took it to the limit 160+ once and it was still quiet in the rag top. The iDrive is simple once you read the manual. Quality and variations of the LOGIC7 is theater- like. Im 67" and the cockpit is very accommodating. I just love my BEAST for power and style.

• 

  Everyday Sports Car - 2002 BMW M3
  By sytyguy - February 8 - 6:58 pm

  Bought used at 35k mi, now have 48k mi. I drive my M3 daily mostly city on the weekdays and occasional highway on the weekends. Since then Ive had to replace a battery, driver side mirror slightly discolored on the edge and when its really cold the passenger side door doesnt unlock on the first try. Besides that the car has been very reliable, even after being to a couple of weekend track events. The only casualties being the tires, brakes and fuel. Great track car that you wont feel guilty driving everyday. Service is expensive, quoted $2k for Inspection II at the dealer, but did myself with $500 in parts. Inspection II is every 35k mi or so.

• 

  2001 BMW 330Ci - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By fb - February 8 - 1:32 pm

  Bought the car in 6/04 when it had 41k miles. Engine has always performed flawlessly. I have the 5 speed manual and it has always been extremely smooth and fun to drive. The car though has consistently had minor cosmetic problems and once these cars have over 80K miles they are VERY expensive to have serviced. Once you pass 100k miles a lot of stuff has to replaced and in my case its all come up at the same time. With the repair costs approaching half the value of the car, Im not sure if I want to hang on to it. I still love BMW but whenever I get another one, it will be a new model on a lease so that maint will be covered. Stay away from late model units... too expensive to maintain!

• 

  RESEARCHED PURCHASE - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By FRANKYPANKY - February 8 - 10:00 am

  THE BMW 330CI IS AN EXCELLENT DRIVERS VEHICLE. THE ENGINE, DRIVETRAIN AND SUSPENSION ARE ALL TOP NOTCH. THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION HAS AMPLE POWER IN ANY GEAR, AT ANY SPEED AND IS ALWAYS WILLING (URGING) TO ACCELERATE. NIMBLE IN TRAFFIC, INCREDIBLY RESPONSIVE AND EARNS LOTS OF STARES. CONTROLS ARE INTUITIVE, (SPORT) SEATS ARE COMFY, VISIBILTY EXCELLENT AND DID I MENTION ITS REALLY FUN/EASY TO DRIVE?