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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  323i 30 months review - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Strick - November 27 - 10:00 am

  Definitely the best looking front end appearance of any automobile ever produced. Constantly being mistaken for a 5 series. 30+ mpg on the highway. Standard around town mileage 26mpg. I love the car, but my wife wishes for an automatic. The 5 speed is the equalizer in performance vs. the 330. Resale is unbelievable on these cars. We are now going to go with a 325 Xi, because we live in a true winter type of climate (in the winter). My wife now also gets her automatic.

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  2002 330i - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By markandleigh - November 27 - 10:00 am

  This is the most solid vehicle that I have ever driven. Everything is put together very tight and the drive is amazing. I thought it was out of my price range, until I looked at resale values. The sport seats are worth the option price. These are the most comfortable seats I have set in, except for the 5 series sport seats. I used the MAG dealership in OH and it was the easiest buy I have ever had. They gave me $1500 off sticker on an ordered car. Nobody else in the area would touch their price.

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  this car is freshhhhhhhh. - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By my 325i - November 27 - 4:20 am

  This car is very dependable and fast. Its great to own this car.

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  Very Pleased - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Car Nut - November 26 - 11:58 pm

  We purchased CPO, the same as our long term 2002 5 series, and didnt think I could like it more than what I already had. Well, I do. These cars feel as if they are carved out of one solid block of steel and drive/handle like nothing else. It is luxurious, incredibly sporty and awesome. Probably the absolute best value there is in a high end car.

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  BMW 530i 2003 - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By mark - November 26 - 8:06 pm

  This car is the perfect balance between sport & luxury. Purchased new in 2003. Now have 95,000 trouble free miles. Have owned many cars from a cobra mustang 500hp to a honda crx and everything in between. I now also have a mazda speed 3 also nice. BMW makes some of the best cars for the money out there. Smooth, quiet, peppy, comfortable, reliable and nice looking. Runs better now than when I purchased it. Most of my miles have been highway. I get about 24 mpg with 70% hwy 30 local. I also enjoy driving the new and old 3 series.

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  Exotic Ride for Mid Range Expense - 2008 BMW M6
  By ultradog - November 26 - 6:21 pm

  My M6 Coupe is my fifth new BMW. I’ve had a 96 2.8 Z3, 99 540, 03 M3 convertible, 06 750 Li. All of these vehicles have been outstanding. The M6 is a pure breed race car in a stealth body. This car is great fun when the unknowing pull up beside you at a light and on the back roads of WV. This is by far my favorite car ever.

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  Get rid of Run Flats - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Budd - November 26 - 3:59 pm

  The car looks great, top up or down. It’s quiet. You can have a normal conversation even with the top down. It has a comfortable cockpit feel and is fun to drive. My biggest complaint is the Run Flat Tires. My car has the sport package with different size tires on the back. Picking up a small nail at 800 miles, I learned that BMW and Firestone would not repair it, a new tire cost $350 plus and neither had it in stock. The car does not come with a spare or a jack. If you get a flat, pray that you’re close to home because you can only drive 50 miles and then you are stuck, probably for days. I bought a spare wheel and tire. With a second flat at 4000 miles, I put regular tires on.

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  Effortless power - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By Mario - November 25 - 5:22 pm

  While motoring over 60mph in 6th gear (~2,500rpm) a swift thrust of the right pedal puts you over 100mph in the blink of an eye, the twin turbo moves without effort, when starting from zero, youll have to switch to second way before the you see the tacho grazing the redline, as 1st gear will be over before you figure out youre getting close to 7k! I gave it a 9 on performance because there are more powerful cars, not in any way because the power is any less than excellent.

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  MPG - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By wmwider - November 25 - 3:04 pm

  I have always gotten 23 to 29 mpg with this model 540i m sport. Great automobile, very fun and very fast.

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  Sexy, Sleek and Fun to Drive! - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Lisa - November 25 - 1:28 pm

  When I went to the BMW dealer, I saw this car and fell in love. After the test drive it was an obsession. It handles like it is on rails, it thrills at every turn. It is one hot car and I consistently get 25.5 miles per gallon hwy and city. It is a headturner and it backs up its looks. It is like a motorcycle with a cage around it. It is that ultimate driving experience every time you step into it. It looks as if it chiseled in marble. To me a work of art. Me and this car were made for each other. I recommend it. Great sports car.