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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  High Performing Car for Niche Drivers - 2007 BMW Z4 M
  By jon - November 20 - 6:13 pm

  I knew that I wanted a high performing car before I ultimately decided on the Z4 M coupe. On my list was the Lotus Elise, Honda S2000, and the Z4 coupe. These are all great cars though each has something unique that sets it apart from the rest. The Elise is raw for the purest, the S2000 a great value and compromise between the rawness of the Elise and the luxury of the M coupe. The M coupe has all the creature comforts, but also has the thrill of a high performance track car. Additionally the M coupe has a uniqueness - only 1815 built. If you are looking for a uniquely designed sporty car that performs, and begs to be driven through windy roads, this may be your car.

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  Why purchase anything else! - 2000 BMW M5
  By Fritz - November 20 - 1:00 pm

  This car has the best fuel economy of any 5 passenger family sedan I have ever driven. The documented mileage of 12/19 is bogus, mine runs 18/25 regularly over the last 2 years. The stiffness of the suspension is not liked by all, but the enjoyment of handling is superior to even the greatest retro muscle cars Detroit is pumping out today. Why waste 40K or more on poorly designed gas guzzling US auto manufacturers where it is obvious they are still 10 years behind BMW. This ride is a pure joy, especially on open highways, in unpopulated areas, with no foliage, like West Texas and Eastern New Mexico. Just a nice 4-door family sedan for grocery shopping!

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  Completely satisfied with purchase - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Entropy - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a BMW 330ci with the common accesory groups; sunroof, leather, xenon lights, performance tires, steptronic tranmission. The car provides smooth quiet power, assured stability, prompt braking even on rain- slicked roads and a relaxing, enjoyable driving experience. In 30 years of driving, having owned 15 previous vehicles, this is by far the best overall. Dealer is highly recommended.

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  2008 BMW X5 SAV - 2008 BMW X5
  By nyranger74 - November 19 - 6:29 pm

  I purchased the X5 3.0 3 weeks ago. I absolutely love this vehicle. Im not going to lie and say the V6 is a monster, but it is more than adequate. For the difference in price, I got a fully loaded vehicle. The ride is superb, the seats are very comfortable (active driver seat with sport package and ventilated seats). The sound system is awesome (Premium sound). The iDrive is extremely simple to use and very intuitive. The computer is kind of slow to load, but it is a DVD based system. The Navigation system is very good. The rear camera is awful. During the day the resolution is fair, and at night its atrocious what are you gonna do. That is my biggest gripe.

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  The Best One So Far - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By R ME FLYER - November 19 - 9:20 am

  The 535xi is my 5th BMW and I got all the bells and whistles. The previous 4 were great, but pre-iDrive; this one is remarkable in comparison. A few post-purchase minutes with the salesman and using the iDrive was easy, dont know what the iDrive fuss is about. Great handling, acceleration and braking. The first 2k miles have been trouble free and a pleasure. Gas mileage was better than expected, 22-26 mpg so far and the turbos do make a difference when you want to pass or merge. I drove MB E350, Lexus GS 350, and Infiniti M45 and the Bimmer was my hands down choice.

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  Going for 300K - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By B - November 18 - 7:40 pm

  We (wife and I) bought this with 14K on odo. It looked and felt like new even though I was hesitant about the price. It is now 173K still feels like new and looks... well not new but good. These days you need a car to outlast the payments. I plan to go for 300K on this. This is the first car I feel comfortable making that attempt. It has had a few things fail. These were the window regulators (all 4) and a piece of trim. The 3 is a tough little car. Looking to get 2nd one.

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  Last "classic" (e46) 3 series converts. - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By pete - November 18 - 2:21 pm

  What a great car! Its a "keeper" for sure. "ZHP" Performance Pkg (+$3900) makes the difference. Handles better than its Miata predecessor, and is waaay more comfortable. Sure its not a 300 hp twin turbo powerhouse. But its such a balanced drive, perfectly mating the 3 liter 6 (235 hp) to the chassis and "M" suspension components. With the 6 spd. manual, weve seen 32 mpg when were forced to cruise down an Interstate. The final iteration of the E46 body, nicely rounded off (vs the angularity of E90s) just seems more appealing to the eye and the overall timelessness of the shape. Get one, if youre at all considering it!

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  X5 4.6 - 2003 BMW X5
  By albie alphin - November 17 - 7:54 pm

  Fun to drive, very fast. Living in Boston where it is full of annoying potholes it is tough on the suspension. Year round Toyo Prox tires are the way to go! I am getting bored now so I am purchasing some Dinan products to enhance performance and sound.

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  Great used car to drive - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By ed - November 17 - 3:21 pm

  Speaking as original owner,with 102k mi. Its a very nice and engineer vehicle! Love to drive all the time. I would recommend as great used car!

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  Disappointing Ownership Experience - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By frtlinr - November 17 - 10:06 am

  This is our fourth new BMW in the last three years. There have been several things that have made us glad that our time with this car is coming to an end. It is a stunningly beautiful car, but that hasnt overcome the transmission that doesnt shift properly, or the run flat tires that have to be replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles due to excessive noise, or the unexplained occasional electronic gremlins that show up and cant be diagnosed.