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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  Beat my expectations! - 2012 BMW 5-Series
  By akeyes - April 2 - 9:49 am

  I came out of a 2010 BMW 528i Xdrive and was concerned about the new design, new engine etc. Well, I have the care 2 days now and love driving this car! The 4 CYL was my biggest concern and after a few days of highway and street driving, I am totally impressed. How did the Germans figure out a way to increase the HP and Torque, provide much better gas mileage with a smaller engine, GENIUS! The new look of the car is beautiful with striking hood design, the classic kidney grill and a wider stance than my previous car. I purchased the car in Dark Graphite Metallic and black leather interior, a perfectly beautiful combination.

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  Best wagon Ive ever owned - Hands down - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By amishthunder - March 29 - 2:47 pm

  Purchased my wagon used from a local dealer after selling my Subaru Outback. I was turned off initially by the stiff steering, but now I am hooked with the "driving experience" this car gives - including the seemingly stiff steering. Being in Colorado, I experience many different driving conditions ranging from hot 100 degree dry days down to subzero and totally ice covered roads. This wagon has exceeded my expectations, and outperforms any of my previous Subarus AWD systems. This car inspires confidence in any driving condition, and the attention to detail and level of engineering is outstanding.

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  Great Improvement ~ Fun to drive - 2012 BMW 3-Series
  By raycee - March 18 - 1:23 am

  I just picked up my 328i Sports Line yesterday and therefore giving a review based on my initial drive and impressions since I am not yet all familar with the vehicle. I am quite impressed with the additional cabin space, particularly the rear leg room and the rear head room. I have owned a 7 series and a 5 series and I must say this new 3 series is up to par with quality and performance, moreso then I imagined. I am very impressed with its smooth driving capabillity and also its incredible responsiveness. I really do love this new car and rave about it forever!

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  Not what youd think - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By steven67 - March 17 - 12:22 am

  First, this will most likely be one of the very best cars that youll ever own. Every aspect of this car is absolutely amazing. The engine is plenty powerful, and the ride is great. The first night that I drove it I didnt want to stop driving. This car has all the features that one could desire. Now its true that BMWs arent the most reliable cars on the planet and when it comes time to fix them it usually wont be cheap. DONT TAKE A BMW TO THE DEALER, or youre an idiot. Either find a BMW mechanic in your area or do the work yourself, its very easy. If I, being a 19 year-old college student, can afford to keep this car running, you can too. (continued below)

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  Im actually amazed - 2012 BMW 5-Series
  By big_g - March 10 - 10:43 pm

  After driving a 12 A6 for less than a month I wisely traded it in for he 528i. What an incredible car! The technology is awe inspiring, and for being a 2.0 T this care really moves. Plus I am getting over 30 mpg, which is unheard of in a luxury car. The auto shut off feature takes some getting used to, but other than that I cant thing of a single thing i would complain about! The nav system is actually fairly easy once you spend a few minutes playing around with it.

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  Very Nice - 2012 BMW X5
  By ee64 - March 3 - 4:07 pm

  Just bought my x5 2/3/12 and simply love it. Drove the SRX, and Q7 and when I drove the X5 it sold me right on the spot. Great handling, though a bit tight in the steering but the rest of the pros were great. Ken

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  Awesome - 2012 BMW 6-Series
  By nautictalk - February 29 - 10:09 am

  I currently own a 750il and a Range Rover Supercharged. And I have had other vehicles like the Mercedes 320CLK convertible. But I must say, next to the RR, the new 650 convertible is the best car I have ever owned. I wanted the 2011 model, but felt it was just a tad too small for me. But the enlarged the new model signficantly and redesigned many signficant features. It drives like a big car and a sports car. Its sexy and really fun to drive. Very fast and love the rumble of the exhaust. The app option is great as I can listen to Pandora on my iPhone Very fast. And if you set the ride to comfort, it drives smooth and comfy. More so than the 750i. I highly recommend this car.

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  Amazing reliable first car - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By e2ek1eles212 - February 27 - 3:57 pm

  Yes, i purchased a 1998 for my first car and it wasnt a mistake. ive had dreams of buying one for my first car since i was 14 and i finally found one. it had 117,000 miles when i bought it and i havent had any serious problems. Everyone told me it was a bad idea to get a car like this because it was so impractical. They said it was bad on gas and parts would be so expensive but so far ive had to replace a water pump and a few other repairs of that sort and i could comfortable affford them on my minimum wage salary. The gas isnt bad in this car at all. Its actually quite good for a 2+ ton v8. I love this car and i hope it will last for a very very long time.

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  X 6 3.5 Sport Package - 2012 BMW X6
  By motorhead22 - February 26 - 10:12 pm

  I have had 3 previous X 5 models. The x6 is a different vehicle. Its wider,bolder, and more of a stylistic statement. I got the sport package with 20s, which make the car look very pumped up. With these wheels and sport package be prepared for a very harsh ride if the road is rough, but you will look great bouncing over the bumps. Its much rougher than an X5. The wide cabin and big seats are great. I love the design. Feels quick with the 6.Great power train and transmission. Its Only a 4 passenger, but you will ride in style.Rear visibility ok with the camera. King of the road feel and looks to match.

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  Fabulous Buy - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By ptarmigan - February 10 - 10:32 am

  I bought my 330xi over 11 years ago and now have 110,000+ miles with it (still without having to replace brake pads!). Most recently I put Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus tires on it which improves its already impressive handling in bad weather. Its incredibly fun to drive and has been relatively economical to maintain.