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:

• 

  It IS the Ultimate Driving Machine - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By davids - January 1 - 9:35 am

  Ive owned the vehicle for a year, although Im storing it for the winter, and couldnt love it more. The performance and handling are outstanding (unless you try to drive in 1/2" of snow with the Sports Package). If you really want to have fun with it I highly recommend installing the Dinan Performance Engine Software upgrade. For $2k you can increase the power output to 384hp and the torque to 421lb-ft (and Dinan will match BMWs new car warranty). Its no M but honestly its plenty fast and nimble for quite a bit less cash. Its sporty and fun when you want it to be yet still smooth and refined.

• 

  Check that steering wheel. - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Mark II - January 1 - 3:23 am

  This is my second 5-series unit. Its very impressive - quite a jump from its immediate predecessor - both in technology and design. Great car!

• 

  Awesome experience - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By bmwlover - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Words cant describe the feel and excitement of a BMW. After trying out other newer models, the performance of a BMW cant be compared. Long rides just dont seem that long while curved roads enhance the overall exhilaration. Overall it is a great, reliable performance vehicle. Just take it for a test drive and see for yourself.

• 

  I love my 328ci - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Tony Lau - December 31 - 4:11 pm

  We all have our priorities and I like to spend my money on cars. You wont find another car which has this level of luxury & handling combined. The resale value is low which is why people like me can afford it. M52 engines have one big problem, around 100k kms you will need to replace all the parts used by the cooling system. Otherwise youll be making lots of trips over the next year or 10k kms. If you love BMWs combination of luxury & handling then you wouldnt mind spending money on cars.

• 

  Love my 330Ci - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Dennis Soapes - December 31 - 2:01 pm

  The car now over 5 years and still very fun to drive. Reliability has been spotty. Warranty: sunroof, ignition coils, left window regulator. Ive paid to have the passenger side electronic door lock replaced ($700) and the CD player. It started skipping. Factory replacement would have been over $700. I put in a Pioneer Premium with Sirius, HD radio, iPod and MP3 player for about $1000. But the car is great and I love it. The lumbar adjustment has stopped working Ill live with it.

• 

  Awesome car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By KSL - December 30 - 6:10 pm

  I bought this Certified Pre-Owned car with 11,000 miles. There were several things that needed replacing that was thankfully covered by warranty. Ive had no other problems since the warranty expired a year ago. Its such a fun car to drive and a real head-turner.

• 

  BMW X6 X-cellent - 2008 BMW X6
  By Greg - December 30 - 9:54 am

  Having owned the Range Rover Supersport supercharged and Audi q7, I can say that this car exceeds all of these on every front for driving pleasure and fun without giving ground, except for serious off roading. The twin turbo is very responsive and returns good mileage. Handling is incredible for a car of this type. Space is very good at 64" no problem in finding a very comfortable seating position, even the back seats are good for a 6 person. Overall very solid just what you expect.

• 

  Im obsessed with my BMW - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By bostonkate - December 29 - 11:43 pm

  Im really loving this car! The one thing people should know is that the iDrive is great! It so isnt something you have to use every time you drive. Instead it is a way to customize your settings, i.e. air flow, radio stations, what part of the seat you want heated (back, bottom, or both). Then, you can control those things just like you would normally, on the dash (or the steering wheel). I was originally thinking if I had to keep doing this computer mouse thing I would be sure to get in an accident but it is really a streamlining of controls.

• 

  Beware of night vision - 2008 BMW 7-Series
  By Fustrated w/BMW - December 29 - 11:24 am

  Stay away from night vision. I thought it would be great option but be warned, it is not. It is difficult to use as a driver and by time you see something, there is no time to react. But the downside is that the engineers mounted the camera in a place where rocks and debris can easily damage the lens. I didnt have 3k miles on my car before it went kaput! And, BMW will not fix it for free and the cost of repairs is $4,500.00. And the engineers of BMW also removed the sensor to tell you when a tail light is out. Well mine went our and the 3.00 bulb has been replaced by a LED light that takes the service dept 8 hrs to fix. And after 3 weeks, its out again! Whats going on?

• 

  Best fun car in its class - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By murali - December 28 - 9:27 pm

  This was the best fun car in its class. I always look forward to drive this machine every day. Handles the sharp corners exceptionally well. It has pretty good MPG in city too. Overall am thrilled to have 300 horses it in my stable.