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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  Great Crossover - 2008 BMW X3
  By Deal Finder - November 16 - 10:05 am

  This is my 2nd BMW in 2 years and I love this X3. It is fully loaded (I got a dealer demo so got a great deal) and in the 2 weeks that I have driven it I got 22 MPG. I tried Acura, Infiniti, Volvo and Lexus. No doubt you pay a little more upfront, but once you drive it for a few years its all worth it - thanks to 0 maintenance for 4 years and the overall BMW brand value. When you buy a BMW you dont buy a car - you buy an experience.

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  Roadster - 2007 BMW Z4
  By Bijan - November 15 - 3:52 pm

  Great car, love the styling straight-six sounds great and the manual gearbox is super-smooth. Love the seating position, as well as the interior space with the easy-folding top up. Very nice to drive, the car is very communicative and gives you lots of confidence, brakes are amazing and stop the car with little drama. My only complaint is with the interior build-quality. The one-piece door panels are great, but the steering column is tilted, a cup holder is broken (I dont even use them) and the transmission tunnel plastic trim squeaks when you rest your arm on it. Besides that, everything you touch is of high-quality and just driving it takes your mind off its few squabbles.

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  Love our new 335xi! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By BlackBimmer - November 15 - 3:16 pm

  After an exhaustive (and exhausting!) search my wife and I finally decided to get our first BMW. Having driven a series of 5 Saabs in a row it was a time to move on. We explored BMW, Audi, Infiniti, Lexus, Acura, Volvo, and Cadillac. Based on reviews, prestige/market segment, price, features, and overall driving quality the BMW was a clear winner. Love the car and the engine is amazing. It continues to win me over every time we take it out! Mileage has been better than expected and we are enjoying learning how to use all of the features the car offers.

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  Best Luxury Tuner - 2008 BMW Alpina B7
  By Alpina - November 15 - 5:56 am

  I love this car, as those who know about it understand it and those that dont know just pass right by. There are few on the road and the ride, performance and looks make this car worth it.

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  2002 330i Sedan - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By pimpjuice - November 14 - 3:24 pm

  I bought this car new and had it ever since. Never seen a mechanic since purchase. I put a custom bodykit, 20 inch rims. cold air intake. Car is awesome and still drives like new. Wished i had got the stick instead. Gas average 27 (city/hwy). that is very good. Good power. I dont know about those who had bad mechanical experience with bmw, But I would love to get another i35, 335 or m3 someday.

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  So far so good - 2008 BMW X5
  By Third BMW - November 14 - 11:30 am

  Love BMWs -- went from a 06 325 and a GMC Acadia (way too many things went wrong) to an X5. Happy so far, although I miss the feeling of "zipping around" that I had in my 325.

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  What FUN!! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By fogelfield - November 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is just plain fun to drive. It has made my commute something I look forward to as I get in the car. Questions pop to mind like, Will I have a clear run through the onramp to really floor it? and How many waves will I get today? If you can afford to have only two seats and are ok with a big smile on your face when you drive, buy this car.

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  Autobahn rocket - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Bogdan - November 12 - 9:32 am

  This is the BMW the way it suppose to be! I have been in Germany since 2006 and I drove tons of different vehicles on the autobahn, but this baby is a rocket!!! Took it to 220-230 km/h on the autobahn and it was solid planted on the road. I have the Sport Package with the Z-rated tires and that helps a lot. Love the sound of the engine, great rev crescendo, no turbo lag, corners amazing on European twisted roads! Overall, a better "driver car" oriented vehicle compared to the 3 series which seems heavy after driving the 1 series.

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  GREAT CAR! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By kmill - November 11 - 7:53 pm

  This is my first luxury car and I want to drive BMWs for the rest of my life! This car is the best vehicle Ive ever had, it handles well and hugs the road. The car is solid! It doesnt like stop and go traffic, it likes to take off on the highway (anything above 50 mph). I dont get great fuel mileage on the city streets, but the highway mileage is very good. I will keep it two years and then go for the 5 series. Its not that roomy inside especially if you have tall or large people in your family, but perfect for me as a second car. This is a wonderful vehicle!!!

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  Easy to drive for such a large car. - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By oscar - November 11 - 5:28 am

  Smooth and powerful engine, Huge interior, elegant exterior and very easy to drive fast, best car I ever owned.